Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces explained

Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces
Presenter:the Monarch of the United Kingdom
Country:United Kingdom
Type:Military marksmanship medal
Eligibility:All ranks (Army)
Status:Current in United Kingdom, Jamaica and New Zealand
Clasps:Displaying year of award
Established:1869
Firstawarded:1870
Precedence Label:Order of wear
Higher:Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces
Lower:Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces
Image2 Size:150

The Medal for the Best Shot in the British Army, Infantry, was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1869 and was awarded annually from 1870 to 1882 to the best shot of the Infantry of the British Army, including the Royal Engineers and the Colonial Corps.[1]

In 1923, the medal was re-introduced by King George V and designated the King's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces. It could now be awarded to the champions of Army marksmanship competitions, held under battle conditions at annual central meetings in the United Kingdom, the British Dominions, Colonies and India. Early participating countries were Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Southern Rhodesia.[2]

The number of countries which awarded the King's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces grew to twelve by the mid-20th century, but as some countries gained independence from the United Kingdom or instituted their own equivalent awards, that number dwindled to the present three: the United Kingdom, Jamaica and New Zealand.[2] [3]

An Air Force version of the medal, the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces, was instituted in 1953. This was followed by the institution of the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces in 1958 and the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in 1966.[4] [5]

Institution

Queen Victoria authorised the creation of the Medal for the Best Shot in the British Army, Infantry, by Royal Warrant dated 30 April 1869. The medal, initially struck in bronze and from 1872 in silver, was inscribed with the year in which won and the winner's name, number and regiment. It became the winner's property and could be worn by him during the whole of his service. From 1870, the medal was awarded annually, along with a £20 Prize for Skill at Arms, to the best shot of the Infantry of the British Army, including the Royal Engineers and the Colonial Corps. With only thirteen medals won, award of the medal and the £20 prize ceased after 1882. A £5 prize and a crowned badge of crossed carbines or rifles, worked in gold and worn upon the left arm, was approved to replace it on 10 June 1884.[1]

After a 41-year lapse, the medal was re-introduced by King George V in 1923 and designated the King's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces. The medal could now be awarded to the champions of Army marksmanship competitions, held under battle firing conditions at annual central meetings in the United Kingdom, India, the British Dominions and the Colony of Southern Rhodesia. Early participating countries were Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Southern Rhodesia.[2]

A date clasp was also introduced in 1923, for award with the medal to first recipients as well as, without a medal, to champions who had already been awarded the medal. The clasp is inscribed with the year of the award and is designed to be attached to the medal's suspension bar. The institution of the clasp was followed in 1926 with the provision that a rosette may be worn on the ribbon bar to indicate the award of each subsequent clasp.[2] [6] [7] [8]

Award criteria

All medal contenders have to be serving members of the Regular Army, Army Emergency Reserve, Territorial Army, or Local Militia and Volunteer Forces in the countries concerned. Members of independent Naval and Air Forces, while not excluded from the competition, could therefore not be awarded the medal even though they won the championship. This regulation had consequences on two occasions.[7]

The institution of the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces was followed by the institution of the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces in 1958 and the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in 1966.[5]

Order of wear

In the order of wear prescribed by the British Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, the Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces takes precedence after the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces and before the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces.

Participating countries

In the United Kingdom, the medal is at present awarded annually to the winner of the Regular Army championship - the Army Operational Shooting Competition.[7]

From 1935, a second medal could be awarded annually in the United Kingdom, to the champion shot of the Territorial Army. In order to also be eligible for the medal, members of the Supplementary Reserve were included in the competition's definition of the Territorial Army from 1936. The competition to determine the annual medal winner for the part-time forces is held during the National Rifle Association's annual Imperial Meeting at the National Shooting Centre, Bisley.[2] [7]

Outside the United Kingdom, the number of British Commonwealth countries which awarded the medal grew to eleven by the mid-20th century. This number decreased over the ensuing years, however, since some countries became republics and stopped awarding the medal, while others replaced the medal with new domestic versions. The tables below list the recipients of the medal in the respective countries.[2]

Australia

The first King's Medal Competition in the Commonwealth of Australia was held in 1924 and the first medal to an Australian was won by Temporary Quartermaster and Honorary Captain W.C.G. Ruddock of the Australian Instructional Corps. In 1988, the Champion Shots Medal was instituted in Australia and the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces ceased to be awarded.[13] [14]

Year!scope="row"
RankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1924T/QM (Hon Capt)W.C.G.RuddockAustralian Instructional Corps
1925WO2A.TaylorAustralian Instructional Corps
1926WO1 (Hon Lt)E.F.DaviesAustralian Instructional Corps, 3 MD
1927WO1J.D.ShearimAustralian Instructional Corps, Small Arms School
1928WO1 (Hon Lt)J.HutchisonAustralian Instructional Corps, 2 MD
1929WO1J.D.Shearim (2)Australian Instructional Corps, Small Arms School
1930WO1W.H.Hackfath DCMAustralian Instructional Corps, 5 MD
1931WO1J.D.Shearim (3)Australian Instructional Corps, Small Arms School
1932LtC.W.Potter3rd Light Horse Regiment 4 MD
1933WO1J.D.Shearim (4)Australian Instructional Corps, Small Arms School
1934BdrJ.C.King2 SRG 3 MD, 2nd Survey Co AGA
1935CplA.F.Carson32nd Infantry Battalion, 3MD
1936PteE.W.Potter43/48 Infantry Battalion, 4 MD
1937PteE.W.Potter (2)43/48 Infantry Battalion, 4 MD
1938PteN.W.SavageSydney University Regiment 2 MD
1939SgtN.P.W.Hall37/39 Infantry Battalion 3 MD
1947LtA.PrestonEDN 1 MD, Northern Command AMF
1948CaptE.A.GreenAEME 2 MD
1949CaptL.A.J.EaglesonRAAC Eastern Command, 1RNSWL
1950WO2R.D.Archer5 Inf Bn Southern Command
1951MajG.C.MagenisRAAC AHQ
1952MajG.C.Magenis (2)Army Branch Depart of Supply, RAAC
1953SgtG.L.Loveband16 NS TRG Bn Central Command, RAINF
1954SgtP.F.JefferyINT Corps HQ Western Command ARA
1955SgtR.K.Beardman16 Petroleum Platoon RAASC (CMF) Western Command
1956MajE.A.Green (2)HQ Eastern Command, RAEME
1957WO2R.D.Archer (2)RAINF Southern Comd Trg School
1958WO1J.A.GuymerCRE Central Command, RAINF
1959WO1R.D.Archer (3)RAINF HQ Southern Command
1960L CplG.A.DennisRAE Central Command
1961WO2P.J.PiniArmy Headquarters.
1962WO2G.L.Loveband (2)4 Cadet Battalion. RAINF Central Command.
1963CaptG.S.PrattHQ FARELF, 2RAR
1964PteE.R.FrenchJTC, RAINF
1965CaptM.D.HauberHQ Northern Command, RAINF
1966WO2L.F.SteeleNorthern Command Workshops
1967CaptM.D.Hauber (2)3 Cadet Bn, Northern Command
1968WO2L.F.Steele (2)Northern Command Workshops
1969MajK.J.BladenHQ Western Command
1970WO2L.F.Steele (3)Northern Command Workshops
1971SgtJ.W.GuestRAINF 2 MD
1972SgtP.K.OakfordRAINF 3 MD
1973SgtP.T.G.Clarke4th Field Force Group Intelligence Unit
1974SgtP.K.Oakford (2)Melbourne University Regiment
1975SgtJ.W.Guest (2)1 Recruit Training Battalion
1976SgtP.K.Oakford (3)Melbourne University Regiment
1977S SgtP.T.G.Clarke (2)4th Field Force Group Intelligence Unit
1978CaptR.G.SkeltonHQ 2nd Military District. DPR, DOD.
1979CaptG.L.MinchamRAEME 3rd Military District, HQ Logistic Command
1980SgtJ.W.Dixon8/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
1981S SgtP.K.Oakford (4)2/4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
1982SgtG.J.SawleInfantry Centre, Singleton
1983SgtJ.W.Dixon (2)Land Warfare Centre, Canungra
1984WO2P.K.Oakford (5)2nd Cadet Group
1985WO1A.H.BowdenHQ Training Command
1986WO2P.K.Oakford (6)11 Field Force Group
1987SgtL.W.NaydaArmy Apprentices School

Canada

The first King's Medal Competition in Canada was held for the Canadian Regular Force in 1923 and the first medal to a Canadian was won by Warrant Officer Class 1 F.J. Goodhouse of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. From 1963, two Queen's Medals for Champion Shots in the Military Forces were awarded annually in Canada, the second to a member of either the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or the Canadian Reserve Force. The first of these was won by Lance Sergeant T.A.P. Richardson of the Victoria Rifles of Canada. On 28 August 1991 the Queen's Medal for Champion Shot (French: Médaille de la Reine pour tireur d'élite), a distinct Canadian version of the medal, was instituted and from 1992 the British version of the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces ceased to be awarded.[15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20]

Year!scope="row"
RankInitialsSurnameRegular Forces Unit or Formation
1923WO1F.J.GoodhouseCASC
1924CplW.J.LivingstoneThe Governor General's Foot Guards
1925LtD.T.BurkeThe Governor General's Foot Guards
1926CplW.J.Livingstone (2)The Governor General's Foot Guards
1927LtD.T.Burke (2)The Governor General's Foot Guards
1928MajJ.Jeffrey OBE MCRCR
1929LtD.T.Burke (3)The Governor General's Foot Guards
1930LtD.T.Burke (4)The Governor General's Foot Guards
1931LtD.T.Burke (5)The Governor General's Foot Guards
1932CaptJ.W.HouldenThe Sherbrooke Regiment
1933LtA.B.Coulter OBE EDThe Governor General's Foot Guards
1934CaptJ.W.Houlden (2)The Sherbrooke Regiment
1935SgtT.W.Gregory7th BN CMG Corps
1936L CplC.RobinsPPCLI
1937LtG.A.MoleceyCanadian Irish Fusiliers
1938PteF.Wallace48th Highlanders of Canada
1939CaptD.T.Burke (6)The Governor General's Foot Guards
1947MajD.T.Burke (7)RCAMC
1948LtR.F.P.FendickRCEME, RCOC
1949COG.S.BoaCentral Command Contingent (48 Highlanders of Canada)
1950LtG.S.Boa (2)48 Highlanders of Canada
1951LtG.S.Boa (3)48 Highlanders of Canada
1952LtS.F.Johnson OBE ED14th Armoured Regiment (King's Own Calgary Regiment)
1953LtA.H.McKeageCanadian Grenadier Guards
1954CaptD.C.Lawford1st Canadian Signals Regiment
19552 LtE.L.WarnerThe Sherbrooke Regiment (12th Armoured Regiment)
1956SgtJ.R.HardyRCEME
1957LtA. S.DerrickRCSME, RCE
1958S SgtL.A.White MMM CDRCS of I, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
1959CaptJ.J.Barrett CDAHQ, RCR
1960WO2C.F.Rowell CDRCS of I, Regiment of Canadian Guards
1961PteJ.W.MatthewsPPCLI
1962LtD.K.LidgrenRCS of I, PPCLI
1963SgtJ.E.Daigle MMMRoyal 22e Régiment
1964LtW.J.MolnarThe Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
1965SgtR.E.BennettRCE
1966SgtJ.E.Daigle MMM (2)3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1967CplK.A.FlemingRCOC
1968CplL.Mercier3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1969MWOL.A.White MMM CD (2)Canadian Airborne Regiment
1970SgtJ.E.Daigle MMM CD (3)3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1971M CplJ.R.Hennick CD1 Bn, Royal Canadian Regiment
1972WOL.G.Glibbery3 Bn, Royal Canadian Regiment
1973SgtR.L'Heureux3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1974SgtL.Mercier (2)3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1975SgtL.Mercier (3)3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1977SgtE.J.Luscombe3 Bn PPCLI
1978CplH.McKay2 Bn, Royal Canadian Regiment
1979M CplA.MCromwellCanadian Airborne Regiment
1980SgtH.B.McLellanCanadian Airborne Regiment
1981WOJ.R.A.Surette2 Bn The Royal Canadian Regiment
1982M CplD.L.V.Demeuse3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1983WOJ.R.A.Surette (2)2 Bn The Royal Canadian Regiment
1984WOJ.R.A.Surette (3)2 Bn The Royal Canadian Regiment
1985WOJ.R.A.Surette (4)2 Bn The Royal Canadian Regiment
1986WOJ.R.Levesque MMM CD3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1987WOJ.R.Levesque MMM CD (2)3 Bn, Royal 22e Régiment
1988CaptS.Tibbetts2 Bn, Royal Canadian Regiment
1989SgtS.G.Hitchcock CD3rd Bn PPCLI
1990M CplW.T.Smith2 Bn, Royal Canadian Regiment
1991M CplF.J.Snow2 Bn, Royal Canadian Regiment
Year!scope="row"
RankInitialsSurnameRCMP or Reserves Unit or Formation
1963L SgtT.A.P.RichardsonVictoria Rifles of Canada
1964S SgtC.Tremblay CDLes Voltigeurs de Quebec
1965SgtG.C.CampbellRoyal Westminster Regiment
1966PteR.D.ClerkRoyal Montreal Regiment
1967S SgtL.FishCanadian Lorne Scots Regiment
1968MajE.L.Warner CD (2)The Sherbrooke Hussars
1969MajE.L.Warner CD (3)The Sherbrooke Hussars
1970SgtG.W.BlackRoyal Canadian Mounted Police "A" Division
1971MajE.L.Warner CD (4)The Sherbrooke Hussars
1972MajE.L.Warner CD (5)The Sherbrooke Hussars
1973LtW.Kedziora CDRoyal Hamilton Light Infantry
1974S SgtG.W.Black (2)Royal Canadian Mounted Police "A" Division
1975WOG.N.SenetchkoQueen's Own Rifles of Canada
1976LtR.SavinskiLe Regiment du Saguenay
1977CaptK.K.NicholsonThe Elgin Regiment
1978CplD.D.OakieRoyal Montreal Regiment
1979CplD.D.Oakie (2)The Loyal Edmonton Regiment
1980LtK.E.Ferguson1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders (North)
1981LtK.E.Ferguson (2)1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders (North)
1982LtM.R.WilliamsQueen's Own Rifles of Canada
1983LtM.R.Williams (2)Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
1984LtK.E.Ferguson (3)1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders (North)
1985LtK.E.Ferguson (4)1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders (North)
1986SgtG.J.WestRoyal Hamilton Light Infantry
1987SgtG.J.West (2)Royal Hamilton Light Infantry
1988PteShannon M.Wills12 (Vancouver) Service Battalion
1989WOJ.R.A.Surette (5)Royal New Brunswick Regiment
1990LtK.E.Ferguson (5)1st Battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders (North)
1991CplM.E.PaquetteLes Fusiliers Mont-Royal

Ceylon

The first Queen's Medal Competition in Ceylon was held in 1954 and the first medal to a Ceylonese was won by Captain C.L.A.P. Direkze of the Ceylon Light Infantry Regiment. The medal was awarded in Ceylon only three more times, in 1957, 1958 and 1966.[21]

YearRankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1954CaptC.L.A.P.DirekzeThe Ceylon Light Infantry Regiment
1957L CplK.R.Perera1st Bn The Ceylon Light Infantry Regiment
1958L CplK.R.Perera1st Bn The Ceylon Light Infantry Regiment
1966SgtS.W.SilvaThe Ceylon Light Infantry Regiment

Ghana

The Queen's Medal Competition was held in Ghana only once, in 1959, and was won by Sergeant M.P. Konkomba of the 2nd Battalion Ghana Regiment of Infantry. The competition and award was abolished by Ghana in 1963.[22]

India

The first King's Medal Competition in India was held in 1924 and the first medal to an Indian was won by Naik S.S. Lama of the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles). British soldiers were also entitled to compete for the medal while stationed in India, and won it on several occasions. The last competition was held in 1938, before it was interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. In 1947, India was granted independence and the medal ceased to be awarded.[23]

YearRankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1924NaikS.S.Lama2nd King Edward's Own Gurkha Rifles
1925JemadarK.Raza4th Hazara Pioneers
1926SgtB.Cartwright1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment
1927RfnH.Lewis1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps
1928NaikB.S.Thapa2nd King Edward's Own Gurkha Rifles
1929NaikB.S.Thapa (2)2nd King Edward's Own Gurkha Rifles
1930JemadarY.AliHazara Pioneers
1931HavildarB.S.Thapa (3)2nd King Edward's Own Gurkha Rifles
1932SgtC.S.ColeThe Simla Rifles
1933SgtW.H.Bayes13th/18th Hussars
1934L CplThurbon1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment
1935BhmN.Thapa1st/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles
1936CaptE.E.E.Cass DSO MCKing's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
1937HavildarH.Gurung1st/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles
1938MajW.P.Khan1st/15th Punjab Regiment

Jamaica

Before 1963, the Jamaican competition was an annual local shooting competition which did not form part of the Queen's Medal Competitions. The first Queen's Medal Competition in Jamaica was held in 1963 and the first medal to a Jamaican was won by Private J.E.P. Daley of the 1st Battalion, The Jamaica Regiment. The medal can still be awarded annually in Jamaica.[24]

YearRankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1963PteJ.E.P.Daley1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1964SgtD.dQ.Small1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1965L CplC.Barker1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1966SgtA.Thompson1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1967L CplC.Burke1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1970PteB.Black1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1971CplT.N.Martin1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1972SgtT.N.Martin (2)1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1973C SgtT.N.Martin (3)1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1974SgtR.McPherson1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1975LtD.ClarkeSupply & Services Battalion
1977MajI.C.Robinson1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1978CplN.Rose3rd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment National Reserve
1979WO2T.N.Martin (4)1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1980CplN.Rose (2)3rd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment National Reserve
1981C SgtJ.DrummondSupport Company Group
1982SgtA.Kidd3rd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment National Reserve
1983PteD.Forrester1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1984WO1T.N.Martin (5)2nd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1985WO1T.N.Martin (6)2nd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1986WO1T.N.Martin (7)2nd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1987PteL.Richards3rd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment National Reserve
1988CplE.B.Grant2nd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1989CaptH.A.Blake2nd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1990CplE.Gordon2nd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1993POL.HeronJamaican Defence Force Coast Guard
1994CplN.S.Mullings1st Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
1995SgtF.Dixon3rd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment National Reserve
1998L CplC.Chung2nd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
2004CplB.Mignott
2005L CplL.Clarke
2006PteL.Peynado
2007PteG.BryanJamaica Defence Force Air Wing
2011L CplRobinsonSupport and Services Battalion
2012PteM.Montaque2nd Battalion The Jamaica Regiment
2015L CplG.Bryan (2)Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing

New Zealand

The first King's Medal Competition in New Zealand was held in 1923 and the first medal to a New Zealander was won by Staff Sergeant-Major A.J. Moore of the New Zealand Permanent Staff. Although the competition was interrupted on a few occasions, the longest period being from 1931 to 1954 due to the discontinuance of the Combined Services Small Arms Association Annual Meetings and the Second World War, the medal is still being awarded annually in New Zealand.[8] [25]

YearRankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1923S SgtA.J.MooreNew Zealand Permanent Staff
1924S SgtH.L.S.FrankNew Zealand Permanent Staff
1926S SgtJ.S.ThomsonNew Zealand Permanent Staff
1927LtT.J.DentonNew Zealand Permanent Air Force
1928L CplS.L.W.Bernet1st Battalion, The Wellington Regiment (C.W.O)
1929S SgtJ.H.P.KearneyNew Zealand Permanent Staff
1930S SgtJ.S.Thomson (2)New Zealand Permanent Staff
1955PteI.R.LarsenRoyal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps
1956L CplI.R.Larsen (2)Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps
1957S SgtI.G.CampbellRoyal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps
1958LtJ.S.WoosterNew Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1959CplI.R.Larsen (3)Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps
1960LtJ.S.Wooster (2)New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1961LtJ.S.Wooster (3)New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1962LtJ.S.Wooster (4)New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1963S SgtG.CollinsNew Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1964WO2G.Collins (2)Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1965WO2G.Collins (3)Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1969PteR.DunleaRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1970L CplA.G.Owens1st Infantry Workshops
1971L CplA.G.Owens (2)1st Infantry Workshops
1972CplA.G.Owens (3)1st Infantry Workshops
1973S SgtV.E.MottramRoyal New Zealand Army Service Corps
1974SgtR.D.Johns2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1975SgtI.L.Smeath2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1976SgtL.M.H.PedersonRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1977SgtL.M.H.Pederson (2)Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1978S SgtF.V.ThompsonRoyal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (TF)
1979SgtI.L.Smeath (2)T.M.S. A.T.G (RNZIR)
1980WO2G.W.BenfellRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1981L CplT.J.QuirkeRoyal New Zealand Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, 4 ATG Wksp
1982S SgtC.J.ParkinsonRoyal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1983L CplP.HarrisNZSAS
1984CaptR.S.MacmillanRoyal New Zealand Corps of Transport
1985S SgtM.A.H.GilliceRoyal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1986L CplI.D.LawrenceRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1987S SgtM.A.H.Gillice (2)Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1988S SgtM.A.H.Gillice (3)Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1989S SgtM.A.H.Gillice (4)Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1990S SgtM.A.H.Gillice (5)Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1991S SgtT.W.SmallRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1992PteR.D.BirdRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1993SgtC.J.VenningRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1994SgtN.M.GreerRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1995SgtG.BeerRoyal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
1996PteC.P.HallyRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1997L CplR.D.Bird (2)Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1998WO2P.R.S.ChalmersRNZALR
1999WO2P.R.S.Chalmers (2)RNZALR
2000LtG.D.BeerRNZALR
2003PteT.H.M.BushRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2004SgtC.P.Hally (2)1 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2005LtN.Fisher3rd Logistics Battalion
2006S SgtD.Sarney7 Wellington Hawkes Bay Battalion, RNZ Infantry Regiment
2007L CplA.Miller1 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2008S SgtC.P.Hally (3)1 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2009CaptS.Davis7 Wellington Hawkes Bay Battalion, RNZ Infantry Regiment
2010CplT.Bryce1 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2014CaptB.Jones2/1 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2015PteS.Olliver5/7 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2016PteS.Olliver (2)5/7 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2017CplJ.P.McCann5/7 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2018L CplM.Lupi5/7 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
2019PteD.Cramp1 Bn., Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment

Pakistan

The first Queen's Medal Competition in Pakistan was held in 1950 and the first medal to a Pakistani was won by Jemadar S.P. Akbar of the South Waziristan Scouts. The competition was not held again after 1956.[26]

YearRankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1950JemadarS.P.AkbarSouth Waziristan Scouts
1951MajM.M.Amin14th Punjab Regiment
1952NaikA.Khan14th Punjab Regiment
1953HavildarA.Khan14th Punjab Regiment
1955HavildarZabardastSouth Waziristan Scouts
1956JemadarB.KhanSouth Waziristan Scouts

Rhodesia

The first King's Medal Competition in Southern Rhodesia was held in 1926 and the first medal to a Rhodesian was won by Sergeant F.G. Elliott of the British South Africa Police. From 1940 to 1947 the competition was interrupted by the Second World War. After Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence on 11 November 1965, the competition and the award of the Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces continued for another four years, until Rhodesia severed its ties with the British Crown on 2 March 1970 and, in that same year, instituted the President%E2%80%99s_Medal_for_Shooting_(Rhodesia) of the Security Forces.[2] [11]

YearRankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1926SgtF.G.ElliottBritish South Africa Police
1927CQMSF.H.Morgan MBETerritorial Force
1928CQMSF.H.Morgan MBE (2)Territorial Force
1929CQMSF.H.Morgan MBE (3)Territorial Force
1930SgtN.A.FeredayTerritorial Force
1931SgtN.A.Fereday (2)Territorial Force
1932LtF.H.Morgan MBE (4)Territorial Force
1933CQMSN.A.Fereday (3)1st Bn Salisbury Regiment
1934CQMSN.A.Fereday (4)1st Bn Salisbury Regiment
1935RfnD.F.Butcher2nd Bn Rhodesia Regiment
1936Pipe MajA.Macbean1st Bn Rhodesia Regiment
1937RfnP.J.Cumming1st Bn Rhodesia Regiment
1938LtF.H.Morgan MBE (5)2nd Bn Rhodesia Regiment
1939SgtD.F.Butcher (2)The Rhodesia Regiment
1948Sgt MajW.D.P.Cook1st Bn Royal Rhodesia Regiment
1949SgtG.Lamont2nd Bn Royal Rhodesia Regiment
1950SgtG.Lamont (2)2nd Bn Royal Rhodesia Regiment
1951SgtG.Lamont (3)2nd Bn Royal Rhodesia Regiment
1952InspectorH.R.CookeBritish South Africa Police
1953CaptR.V.Allan DFC1st Bn Royal Rhodesia Regiment
1954RfnA.D.Scates1st Bn Royal Rhodesia Regiment
1956S SgtD.HollingworthBritish South Africa Police
1957S SgtD.Hollingworth (2)British South Africa Police
1958LtM.C.GodfreyCentral Africa Command Training School (School of Infantry)
1959CaptM.C.Godfrey (2)1st King's African Rifles
1962InspectorD.Hollingworth (3)British South Africa Police
1963InspectorD.Hollingworth (4)British South Africa Police
1964InspectorB.W.PrattBritish South Africa Police
1965InspectorW.H.OsborneBritish South Africa Police
1966WO2A.K.Tourle1st Rhodesian Light Infantry
1967SgtM.J.Cary1 Engineer Squadron
1968InspectorD.G.ToddunBritish South Africa Police
1969C SgtP.F.G.MaunderSpecial Air Service

South Africa

The first King's Medal Competition in the Union of South Africa was held in 1924 and the first medal to a South African was won by G.W. Church of the 7th Infantry (Kimberley Regiment). The competition did not take place in 1926 and was interrupted from 1940 to 1947 by the Second World War. The last medal was awarded in 1961, the year that South Africa became a republic. From 1962, the British medal was replaced by the Commandant General's Medal (Afrikaans: Kommandant-Generaalsmedalje), which could be awarded to champions from any of the three Arms of the Service.[27] [28]

YearRankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1924G.W.Church7th Infantry (Kimberley Regiment)
1925data-sort-value="07"MajR.Bodley5th Mounted Rifles (Imperial Light Horse)
1927data-sort-value="15"SgtL.D.Busschau8th Infantry (Transvaal Scottish)
1928data-sort-value="15"SgtL.D.Busschau (2)8th Infantry (Transvaal Scottish)
1929R.E.NevilleDurban & Coast Defence Rifle Association
1930data-sort-value="08"CaptH.A.ViljoenPhillippolis Defence Rifle Association
1931G.W.Church (2)7th Infantry (Kimberley Regiment)
1932data-sort-value="05"ColF.L.A.Buchanan MC VDActive Citizen Force, OC 1st Infantry Brigade
1933data-sort-value="09"LtM.J.G.BodleyEast Rand Defence Rifle Association
1934L.TowneAlbany Defence Rifle Association, Grahamstown
1935data-sort-value="09"LtJ.LiebmanWitwatersrand Rifles
1936O.M.PeckhamMaritzburg Defence Rifle Association No 24.
1937data-sort-value="09"LtJ.Liebman (2)Witwatersrand Rifles
1938data-sort-value="08"CaptJ.Liebman (3)Witwatersrand Rifles
1939data-sort-value="08"CaptR.E.BodleyImperial Light Horse
1948data-sort-value="09"LtD.C.P.WelchRand Light Infantry
1949data-sort-value="14"S SgtJ.J.BezuidenhoutTechnical Services Corps
1950data-sort-value="18"PteJ.M.PotgieterKirkwood Rifle Commando
1951data-sort-value="15"SgtR.V.E.SmithPietermaritzburg Rifle Commando
1952data-sort-value="13"WO2P.WaterfallSouth African Infantry Corps
1953data-sort-value="13"WO2J.J.Bezuidenhout (2)Technical Services Corps
1954data-sort-value="13"WO2P.Waterfall (2)South African Infantry Corps
1955data-sort-value="13"WO2P.Waterfall (3)South African Infantry Corps
1956data-sort-value="14"S SgtW.H.PageTechnical Services Corps
1957data-sort-value="09"LtA.J.MaartensCentral South West African Rifle Commando
1958data-sort-value="13"WO2P.Waterfall (4)South African Infantry Corps
1959data-sort-value="13"WO2J.J.Bezuidenhout (3)Technical Services Corps
1960data-sort-value="16"CplW.J.ScholtzThabazimbi Commando
1961data-sort-value="12"WO1P.Waterfall (5)South African Infantry Corps

Trinidad and Tobago

The Queen's Medal Competition was introduced in Trinidad and Tobago in 1970, but the first medal was only awarded in 1972, to Lance Corporal F.P. Marcano of the 1st Battalion Trinidad and Tobago Regiment. The medal was won only two more times, in 1973 and 1975.[29]

YearRankInitialsSurnameUnit or Formation
1972L CplF.P.Marcano1st Battalion Trinidad and Tobago Regiment
1973PteR.Mclean1st Battalion Trinidad and Tobago Regiment
1975MajJ.L.Theodore1st Battalion Trinidad and Tobago Regiment

Description

The first few medals of the original Queen Victoria version were struck in bronze, but in 1872 it was ordained that it should be of silver. It is a disk, 36mm in diameter, with a raised rim on each side and suspended from a straight silver bar, swivelling on some versions. On the Queen Victoria version, the suspender is affixed to the medal by means of a double-toe claw and a pin through the upper edge of the medal. On the Kings' versions and the first Queen Elizabeth II version, the attachment is by a single-toe claw. On the second Queen Elizabeth II version, the suspension is either riveted or welded to the top of the medal.[1] [6]

ObverseThe obverse bears the effigy of the reigning monarch. Seven versions of the medal have been awarded.[1] [6] [18]
ReverseThe reverse shows the winged mythological goddess Pheme, with a trumpet in her left hand and rising from her throne to crown a warrior with a laurel wreath. At left is the naked and cloaked warrior, with his left foot on the throne dais, a bow and a quiver of arrows in his right hand and supporting a target with three arrows through its centre on his left knee. The design was by Sir Edward John Poynter, 1st Baronet PRA, and the original die was engraved by L.C. Wyon.[1] [6]
ClaspThe medal can be won multiple times. Each subsequent award is indicated by the award of another clasp, which displays the year of the subsequent award. The clasps are designed to be attached to the suspender and to each other with rivets, in roller chain fashion. When medals are not worn, the award of second and subsequent clasps are denoted by silver rosettes on the ribbon bar. Since it is impossible to sew more than four rosettes onto a single ribbon bar and since several champions have won the award more than five times, gold rosettes were introduced to cover situations where more than five championships have been won.[6]
Ribbon The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide and dark crimson, with a 3 millimetres wide black band, a 3 millimetres wide beige band and a 3 millimetres wide black band on each edge.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Mayo, John Horsley. Medals and Decorations of the British Army and Navy, Vol. II, 1897 (No. 217. Best Shot.). 1897. A. Constable. 484. London.
  2. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/history.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - A Concise History of the Queen's/King's Medal
  3. http://www.queensmedal.net/index.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Home Page
  4. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/awards_to_airforce.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - The Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces
  5. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/awards_to_navy.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Naval Awards
  6. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/description.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Army Medals
  7. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/revised_rules.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Revised Rules
  8. http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz/category/f/f7.html New Zealand Defence Force - Other New Zealand Medals and Awards - The Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Military Forces
  9. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/gregory.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Flight Lieutenant Thomas William Gregory CD
  10. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/royal_canadian_airforce.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Royal Canadian Air Force
  11. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/rhodesia.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Southern Rhodesia
  12. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/RRAF.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Royal Rhodesian Air Force
  13. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/australian_army.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - The Australian Army - Australian Winners of the King's/Queen's Medal
  14. https://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/awards/medals/champion_shots_medal.cfm Australian Government - It's an Honour - Champion Shots Medal
  15. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/canada_regular.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Canada - Regular Forces
  16. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/canada_reserve.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Canada - Militia/Reserve/RCMP
  17. http://www.queensmedal.net/images/canada_medal.jpg Canadian Medals for Champion Shots - Queen's Medal for Champion Shot (Canada) 1992
  18. https://web.archive.org/web/20150923191729/http://www.blatherwick.net/documents/009%20-%20Queen's%20Medal%20Champion%20Shot%20MID%20etc.pdf Canadian Medals for Champion Shots - King's/Queen's Medal for the Champion Shot of the Canadian Army (1923 to 1991) - Document dated 18 September 2014, created by Surgeon Captain John Blatherwick, pp. 5-7
  19. http://www.blatherwick.net/documents/current%20canadian%20honours/14%20Queen's%20Medal%20For%20Champion%20Shot%20Canadian%20Forces.pdf King's/Queen's Medal For The Champion Shot - Document created by Surgeon Captain John Blatherwick CM OBC CD MD FRCPC LLD
  20. http://thercr.ca/main/index.php/17-rhq-general/regimental-honours-awards/427-king-s-and-queen-s-medals-for-champion-shot The Royal Canadian Regiment - King's and Queen's Medals for Champion Shot
  21. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/ceylon.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - The Ceylon Army
  22. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/ghana.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - The Ghana Armed Forces
  23. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/india.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - India
  24. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/jamaica.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Jamaica - Jamaican Winners of the Queen's Medal
  25. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/new_zealand.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - The New Zealand Army
  26. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/pakistan.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Pakistan - Army
  27. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/south_africa.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - South Africa - Union Defence Forces and South African Defence Force
  28. http://hwmw.net46.net/samw/mil52.htm South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1952-1975
  29. http://www.queensmedal.net/files/trinidad.htm The Queen's/King's Medal for Champion Shots - Trinidad and Tobago
  30. http://www.milimem.com/product_info.php?products_id=3346 Military Memorabilia Ltd Miniature NZ Army Champion Shots Medal, EIIR Type 1