About 6.5 million were struck in silver and 110,000 in bronze, the latter awarded to, among others, the Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps.

[5][6] While the Naval clasps were authorised, and printed in Admiralty Weekly Order 2051 of August 1920, none were awarded[7] and the idea was abandoned in 1923 on the grounds of excessive cost.

The same criteria for eligibility were applied to members of the Women's Auxiliary Forces and staff of officially recognised military hospitals and members of recognised organisations such as the British Red Cross and the Order of Saint John who actually tended the sick and wounded.

Men who served in coastal trades, such as pilots, fishermen and lightship and post office cable ship crews could also qualify.

[8] The medal, struck by the Royal Mint, is a silver or bronze disk, 36 millimetres (1.4 in) in diameter, with a straight clasp suspender without swivel.

[2] The obverse shows Sir Bertram Mackennal's bareheaded effigy of King George V facing left, with the legend "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:" (George V, King of all the British Isles and Emperor of India).

[2] The reverse, designed by William McMillan, shows Saint George naked on horseback and armed with a short sword, an allegory of the physical and mental strength which achieved victory over Prussianism.

[2] On medals awarded to Army officers, with the exception of the Royal Artillery, the name of the regiment or corps was omitted.