WW2 ERA BRITISH SPECIAL CONSTABULARY POLICE SERVICE MEDAL BERNARD ROBINSON LONG SERVICE

Offered is an original British Special Constabulary Medal.

ircular bronze medal with claw and ribbon bar suspension; the face with the head of King George VI facing left, circumscribed ‘GEORGIUS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX F : D : IND : IMP.’ (George VI, by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India), signed ‘HP’; the reverse inscribed ‘FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE IN THE SPECIAL CONSTABULARY’, laurel branches below and to the right; attributed on the edge to BERNARD ROBINSON on original age-faded shortened ribbon.

The medal was instituted on 30 August 1919 to be awarded to members of the Special Constabulary for nine years’ service with more than 50 duties performed each year. During wartime, the period was three years, again with more than 50 duties performed each year. This medal was likely awarded for service during World War II and is from the period after the accession of King George VI but before the independence of India. The Special Constabulary has an ancient history, first set out in law by King Charles II in 1673 and amended by Act of Parliament in 1831. The ‘Specials’ are volunteers, paid only their expenses, and have the same powers as full-time police officers whom they support as and when required.