A combination of factors, from general illiteracy to limited publicity for the new medal meant that many who had survived did not apply for it.

While next of kin could not apply on behalf of a deceased relative, they did receive the medal in cases where the claimant had died between their application and actual award.

[1] The belated nature of the award meant that, for many clasps, substantially fewer medals were issued than the number of those eligible.

[5] Jane Townshend, a woman aboard HMS Defiance at the Battle of Trafalgar, had her application for the medal initially approved.

[6][7] A total of 126 awards were made to officers and men of the British Army present on board HM's ships at qualifying actions.