Indian Police Medal for Gallantry

This medal was awarded for acts of bravery by members of the Indian Police.

This represents a continuation of the pre-Independence colonial medal into the period of time when India was a dominion, 1947-50.

Established: By a Royal Warrant of 23 February 1932, revised December 1944 into medals for gallantry and distinguished service. The extension of award under the Dominion of India was authorized by a Royal Warrant of 1 May 1948. The medal became obsolete in March 1951 when the Police Medal for Gallantry was created.

Obverse: Circular 36-mm bronze. The crowned head of King George VI, facing left. There is some question whether the medal was ever issued with the post-1947 royal titles; both versions are listed below. Suspended by a straight-bar suspender and named on the edge.

Reverse: Within a crowned wreath, the words "INDIAN / POLICE" and on a ribbon tying the sides of the wreath "FOR GALLANTRY".

Ribbon: 34 mm, dark blue with a 10 mm medium red central stripes, 5 mm white edge stripes and a 1 mm stripe just in from these edge stripes. White 5 mm, dark blue 3 mm, white 1 mm, dark blue 3 mm, medium red 10 mm, dark blue 3 mm, white 1 mm, dark blue 3 mm, white 5 mm.

Awards: From 1948 to 1950, the medal was awarded eight-one times. During this same time period, two bars for second awards were made (presumably to pre-1947 medals?), to Deputy Superintendent Mallavarapu Louru Thomas (24 July 1948) and to Superintendent Shri S. A. Thomas (29 October 1949).

Outline:

  • George VI, first title - "GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP:" - this was standard issue from 1937-48 and may have been carried over into the post-independence period?

  • George VI, second title - "GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: Æ" - this may have been issued in the 1947-51 period?