[4] In addition, the QGM replaced the Colonial Police Medal for Gallantry (the last award of which was made in November 1974[5]).

It de facto replaced awards of the Sea Gallantry Medal, but this has never been formally announced.

[7] During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II between June 1974 and the final list published in March 2023 after her death, there were 1,101 awards announced in The London Gazette, including 19 second award bars.

[12] The medal is awarded for "exemplary acts of bravery" by civilians, and by members of the Armed Forces for "actions for which purely military Honours are not normally granted".

The medal is silver and circular in shape, 36 mm in diameter, with the following design:[13][14] Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal letters "Q.G.M" or "K.G.M.".