Megan

When instituted in 1972, this order had a dark blue ribbon edged with narrow stripes of green and red - so again there seems to have been an alteration to match the colours of the new national flag. So Arthur's suggestion of an outdated ribbon seems likely to be correct. Does anyone know the date on which the flag was changed?

I have just heard about a recent Tongan medal. Apparently 45 soldiers were sent to the Gulf in support of American forces, and have been awarded the Campaign Medal:

Fascinating stuff! Thanks, all.

The uniform would seem to support you view, Ed. It looks like a Civil Service court dress tunic.

Here is the current issue of the Grand Cross, blue distinction - awarded when the act or services were performed during peacekeeping or other international actions.

I have now turned my attention to Spain... Here from the Order of Military Merit (Orden del M?rito Militar) is the Grand Cross with yellow distinction, the current version as awarded since 2003 - the order having been instituted in 1864. The yellow distinction is awarded for death or wounds in the course of military action.

Lovely!!!!

I have no interest in 'political correctness' dear heart... And strange though it may seem, even South Africa gaols were mainly populated by convicts banged up for 'real' crimes who I am quite sure behaved just as badly behind bars as they had when free.

Decoration for Valour in the South African Prisons Service Custodi Pro Virtute Instituted: 26 February 1968. Discontinued: 1980. Awarded: For conspicuous and exceptional gallantry, or acts in which a member of the Prison Service risked or lost his life attempting to save others. Post-nominal letters: CPV

Department of Correctional Services Medal for Faithful Service (Bronze) Instituted: 1980. Discontinued: 1996. Awarded: For 10 years' irreproachable service.

3rd Class:

Today, the Kingdom's Order of Independence Instituted in 1951 by King Idris, and awarded for civilian and military service in 4 classes. This is the star of the 2nd Class:

Yep - I could see that the firefighter on the right of your picture is wearing it... May I use the medal picture (with due acknowledgement of course) on my site, please?

Is this award classed as 'official' and permitted to be worn in uniform?

3rd Class:

Thank you, IVB! Kingdom of Libya: Order of Ibn Ali al-Senoussi Instituted: 1951 by King Idris. Awarded: For civil and military merit, in 4 classes. 1st Class Star:

While a 'General Service with the UN' medal with a bunch of bars might be more tidy - consider that most of the time people display only ribbons, and so even if a number were pinned on it would give very little indication of the individual's service to a casual observer, whereas a selection of UN ribbons does show where the individual has been. And yes, apart from the UN Korea Medal all UN medals are identical, it is just the ribbon that changes with mission.

2nd Class - apparently a neck badge. I don't think it is accompanied by a star.

1st Class Star:

Order of the Republic Instituted: 1969. 1st Class Badge:

Wissam al-Jihad Instituted: 1971. Awarded: For contributions to the well-being of the Libyan people.

Star: These were sent to me by James Miller, the master goldsmith who made them! He says that he made it about 1980 and it was all hand-made - the order was for 14 sets of the insignia and the short timescale meant that there was no time to prepare steel dies!

Order of the Grand Conqueror Badge:

Thanks, Christian. In researching current Austrian awards for my website I found quite a few - but is there a definative list of what may be worn? Would you be willing to permit me to use the image of your medal (with due acknowledgement of course)? Given its rarity I'm unlikely to see another!

Well done indeed! How 'official' is it? You imply that it can be worn in uniform, is that correct?