King Charles III Coronation Medal

[Kilted]

It's interesting that this discussion is basically leading back to the situation that existed prior to the creation of the CD (and when all decorations were part of the Imperial honour system). As a militia officer, my grandfather received the Efficiency Decoration (it had been called the Volunteer Decoration until someone realized no one wanted to put VD after their name...not that anyone now would want ED either). That was awarded to officers for 20 years militia service. The NCM equivalent was the Efficiency Medal (12 years). Presumably, permanent force members recieved the British Medal for Long Service and Good conduct which, interestingly, was only awarded for service in the ranks. The CD simplified matters so that there was no longer a distinction between regular or reserve service, or officers or NCMS. It just counted years of service. In the case of someone like my Dad, it counted his 4 years on Active Service in the war, 3 years in COTC (technically the reserves) and his subsequent service in the Reg Force. The only exception to the 12 year rule of course is the GG. Even Honouraries/Royals have to tick off the 12 year box for the medal and 10 years for the clasps. It has at least the merit of simplicity.

And we have survived nearly 75 years with the CD, without any serious attempts to change or replace it. I even like to joke that the design of the Lonnie was based on it. Although, I have had to remind a few people that the CD is 40 years older than the Lonnie. Christopher McCreery has a pretty comprehensive book on the subject. One of the interesting things about it is that it was created before the creation of the Canadian Honours system, meaning that it is technically a British medal. The CD is still included in the British Order of Precedence, which means that any former member of the CAF who joined the British Forces would have to move their CD to the front of their rack, as it would be considered a domestic medal, while all the others would be considered commonwealth medals.

I'm hoping that my comments here have not triggered a Good Idea Fairy somewhere to advocate for a Canadian version of the Canadian Forces Decoration.

 

[dimsum]

I'm hoping that my comments here have not triggered a Good Idea Fairy somewhere to advocate for a Canadian version of the Canadian Forces Decoration.

That would be classic.

 

[dapaterson]

There should be unique long service decorations for each branch. The RCEME long service decoration, for example, would have the effigy of Red Green, and rather than red with white pinstripes, would be a strip of gun tape.

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

I remind you all that in the RCN, the service duration badges were worn as chevrons under the rank badge, which used to confuse the hell out of poor soldiers. The CPO's and officers did not get to wear those, but got the "Long Service and Good Conduct" medal just the same as everybody else who qualified.

 

[daftandbarmy]

And we have survived nearly 75 years with the CD, without any serious attempts to change or replace it. I even like to joke that the design of the Lonnie was based on it. Although, I have had to remind a few people that the CD is 40 years older than the Lonnie. Christopher McCreery has a pretty comprehensive book on the subject. One of the interesting things about it is that it was created before the creation of the Canadian Honours system, meaning that it is technically a British medal. The CD is still included in the British Order of Precedence, which means that any former member of the CAF who joined the British Forces would have to move their CD to the front of their rack, as it would be considered a domestic medal, while all the others would be considered commonwealth medals.

I'm hoping that my comments here have not triggered a Good Idea Fairy somewhere to advocate for a Canadian version of the Canadian Forces Decoration.

 

[Kilted]

That would be classic.

The best part of it would be that theoretically, someone who had already received the CD, would qualify separately for the Canadian CD once they had completed 12 years since their initial CD/ most recent bar, and could wear both of them. So theoretically John Smith, CD, CD