Imperial Service Medal

[saxy_jag]

Is the ISM awarded to anyone who qualifies on long service/employment grounds, or does it have to be particularly good or meritorious service?

I have a relative's ISM that was awarded in the 1960s upon his retirement from the job of postman, which had included service throughout WW2. I just wondered how 'special' it was. I have the certificate that goes with it, but it's just a standard one with his name on it.

[kempie]

"...the Imperial Service Medal continues to be awarded to civil servants who have completed 25 years of service in a non-managerial grade."

http://www.honours.gov.uk/honours/chivalry.asp x

Although the award for administrative civil servants (Companion of the Imperial Service Order, which ceased to be used in 1993) was awarded for "long and meritorious service", eligibility for the 'lesser' award of the medal is upon retirement after at least 25 years of service.

[saxy_jag]

I found that link too. So basically, it is just a long service award?

[johnlambert]

Hi saxy_jag
nowadays it's called the LSGC (Long Service + Good Conduct) medal, awarded for 12 years service with no Regimental entries for conduct detrimental to good order of the Army.
I was awarded mine in 2003 at Chetwynd Barracks in Chilwell, Nottingham, I had a broken ankle at the time, so had to stand to attention bearing my weight on crutches while the Brigadier pinned the medal on me manly? chest. My Commanding Officer told me later that I was awarded it for 12 years undetected crime lol

[kempie]

The Long Service & Good Conduct Medal is a military award (issued by the Army since 1830, RN since 1831 and RAF since 1919), entirely separate from the civil service award of ISO/ISM.

[saxy_jag]

Yep, Kempie's correct there, I know that much. People are still awarded the ISM (but not the ISO, I think), and this guy got his after 26 years in the post office.

What is interesting is that he was in the Home Guard, but his daughters joke that he hardly ever went on duty with his unit. I rather think that if this was the case then he'd have been kicked out, unless he was allowed to miss patrol on account of his Post Office duties (reserved occupation).

[Barlinnie]

The recipient must have meritorious and faithful service. It is not handed out willie nillie to anyone who has served over 25 years. A full search is carried out of the recipients service before any recommendation is made.

[Barlinnie]

The Imperial Service Medal is only awarded to officers with meritorious and faithful service. It is not given willie nillie to anyone who has served 25 years. They must be worthy of it.Your relative must have been a good person to receive the ISM.

[Billywhiz]

I recently retired from the civil service after twentysix years service, prior to that I served in the Royal Marines.
I was awarded the ISM by recommendation from my boss after I had left but since few civil servants receive it (I.e. it is not an automatically awarded long service medal) - I assumed that my military service was also a factor.
I'm not sure when or if it would ever be worn (would it be worn with service medals?) but the accompanying letter from Buckingham palace, though not informative, is a nice keepsake.