[1][3][4] On 13 June 1896, the grant of the Volunteer Long Service Medal was extended by Queen Victoria to members of Volunteer Forces throughout the British Empire, defined as being India, the Dominion of Canada, the Crown Colonies and the British Protectorates.

Institution of this medal was not, as usual, by Royal Warrant, but in terms of a special Army Order.

The medal was struck in silver and is a disk, 1.45 inches (37 millimetres) in diameter, with a raised rim on each side.

[4] The reverse shows a palm and laurel wreath which supports a scrolled banner, bearing the inscription "FOR LONG SERVICE IN THE VOLUNTEER FORCE" in four lines.

[1][2] The ribbon is the same as that of the Volunteer Long Service Medal, plain dark green and 1+1⁄4 inches (32 millimetres) wide.