The reverse has a depiction of a standing Roman warrior about to receive a laurel crown from a flying figure of victory, the word CRIMEA appearing on the left.The medal is notable for its unusually ornate clasps.
Each is in the form of an oak leaf with an acorn at each end, a style not used on any other British medal.
[6] Troops who landed in the Crimea after 9 September 1855, the day Sebastopol fell, did not receive the medal unless they had been engaged against the enemy after that date.
[7] The medal was issued to Turkish,[8] and to a limited number of French forces who served in the Crimea,[9] unofficial French clasps being sometimes added in addition to the British clasps, including:[1] The unique design has influenced other medals.
The suspender and the clasp of the Crimea Medal inspired the 2020 design of the unofficial Australian Cadet Service Medal awarded to Australian Defence Force cadets (ADFC) for service to communities.