Scarce* Royal Observer Corps Long Service Medal And Ribbon. M 127. Scarce* Royal Observer Corps Long Service Medal And Ribbon. M 127. Antiques & Militaria

Prior to World War II, Observer Corps personnel were classed as Special Constables, retained by local constabularies, and qualified for the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal following nine years of continuous service. This qualification ceased in August 1939 when RAF Fighter Command assumed sole responsibility for the ROC. However, service as a Special Constable on observer duties prior to August 1939 counted towards the ROC Medal, provided it had not already been reflected in an award of the Special Constabulary Long Service Medal. This is a scarce Royal Observer Corps Medal which was awarded for 12 years satisfactory service for part time officers and observers and for 24 years for full time members. The medal was instituted on the 31st of January 1950 by George VI but it was not awarded until 1953 after the accession of Elizabeth II. The medal carries the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and an Elizabethan coast watcher with a torch and signal fires on hilltops on the reverse. The medal hangs from a suspender of an eagle with outstretched wings. The rim is engraved with the recipient’s name Observer E. Higginbotham. This is an attractive and scarce medal, and the price includes UK delivery. M 127.