The Iraq Medal has the following design: It is made of cupro-nickel and in diameter. The obverse has the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, with the inscription ELIZABETH IIDEI GRATIA REGINAFID DEF. The reverse shows an image of a Lamassu above the word IRAQ. The 32 millimetre wide ribbon is sand colour with three narrow central stripes of black, white, red representing the Iraqi flag.
Qualification details
The medal was awarded to those meeting the qualifying period of service within the defined operational area. Eligibility was extensive, and included both Regular and Reserve members of the armed forces, foreign and Commonwealth exchange and attached forces, Ministry of Defence civilians, members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and embedded journalists. The operational area was defined as being divided into two zones - Zone 1 and Zone 2. Qualifying periods of service varied depending on the area in which personnel were based.
served as aircrew flying into Iraq and who completed two or more operational sorties.
Without a clasp
Those who served before the invasion, or in its aftermath, were recognised by the award of the medal alone. The medal, without a clasp, was awarded to:
those based in Zone 1 who did not complete seven days service between 19 March – 28 April 2003 to qualify for the clasp, but who performed thirty days continuous service between either 20 January – 24 March 2003 or from 23 April 2003 to 22 May 2011.
those based in Zone 1 who did not complete seven days service to qualify for the clasp, but who performed thirty days continuous service between either 20 January – 24 March 2003 or 23 April – 10 August 2003.
those based in Zone 2 who performed thirty days continuous service between 20 January – 28 April 2003.
aircrew based outside Zone 1 but who flew ten sorties into Iraq, at a rate of not more than one sortie per day, from 28 April 2003 to 22 May 2011.
aircrew based outside both Zones 1 and 2 but who flew thirty sorties into Zones 1 or 2, at a rate of not more than one sortie per day, from 20 January – 28 April 2003.
In most cases, civilian public servants and contractors employed by the British Government and involved in the reconstruction of Iraq were not eligible for the Iraq Medal, but could receive the Iraq Reconstruction Service Medal.
Special circumstances
Service terminated by death, wounds or disability due to service, or the award of a military decoration, immediately qualified for the award of the medal, regardless of whether the length of service requirement was met.
