The EGM had been ranked after the SGM, AM and EM on the Order of Wear but was superseded by the George Cross in 1940.

[1] It is a circular silver medal, 36 millimetres (1.4 in) in diameter, with a straight suspender augmented with laurel leaves.

[5] The obverse showed Britannia facing right, her left and resting on a shield and right hand holding a trident, with a sun in the upper right corner.

The wording "For God and the Empire" was inscribed round the upper side, and "For Gallantry" in the exergue.

[5] The original ribbon was plain purple, with the addition of a thin vertical red stripe for military awards.