Medals of the RNLI

[Zulu_00]

Does anyone know what official status RNLI awards have? I know Royal Humane Society awards can be worn in military uniform - albeit on the right side I think - and was wondering are RNLI medals similar?

 

20 year service medal pictured below.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

RNLI medals are in the same catagory as Royal Humane Society, Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society, RSPCA and other similar medals. They can be worn on a uniform but on the right side.

 

Dave. 

[Tony Farrell]

They're unofficial but are worn in RNLI rig. Unlike the RHS/Stanhope medals (which are recognised bravery awards), they would not be worn in 'military' uniform. Other than maybe the SCC, I couldn't envisage a scenario where a long serving lifeboatman would be wearing a uniform.

[Dave Wilkinson]

I certainly could envisage a long serving RNLI crewman wearing his medal in uniform. Some RNLI members are also Auxiliary Coastguards and even members of the Special Constabulary. Whilst not military uniform, the basic principal applies.

 

Dave.

[bigjarofwasps]

Am surprised to learn the RNLI LSGC is not an official one!! Surely if any organisation deserves an official long service Medal it’s the RNLI. Have any efforts ever been made to seek an official award for these people? 

[Dave Wilkinson]

They are entitled to be recommended for the general civilian gallantry awards of the UK and the recommendation can be made by anyone to the appropriate Government Dept.

 

The RNLI is a voluntary organisation and as such it would probably not be appropriate for them to be singled out for a Govt. long service award. Whilst the RNLI is the largest of such organisations, there are a great many other voluntary lifeboat & life saving associations up and down the coast of the UK who perform the same role but who operate independently of the RNLI. If you single one out, it would open the floodgates to a whole raft of voluntary associations seeking Govt. recognition for their members long service.

 

Don't forget, their individual service can be recognised (and often is) by awards of the MBE and BEM, as appropriate.

 

Dave.   

[SillyOldGrandad]

The only medals authorised for wear on the right breast of official British Government uniforms (The Queen's Uniform) are the life-saving medals of The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The Order of Saint John of Jerusalem and The Royal Humane Society.        Pete.