Description
Physical description
Circular medal, 36mm in diameter, in cupro-nickel. The obverse design bears the uncrowned, coinage effigy of King George VI, with the inscription 'GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX F : D : IND : IMP.' The reverse design bears the Royal crown surmounting a stylised oak tree and supported on either side by an heraldic lion, with the dates '1939' and '1945' and the legend 'THE DEFENCE MEDAL'. The medal is suspended from a ribbon 32mm in width with a central vertical stripe of flame-orange and edge stripes of green and black. T H Paget designed the obverse and H Parker Wilson the reverse. The colours of the ribbon are highly symbolic, the black is said to represent the 'Blackout'; the flame stripe the 'fires of the Blitz' and the green 'the green and pleasant land' of Britain.
Label
Second World War service medal awarded to Lieutenant Commander John Bridge, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). For biographical information and details of the circumstances of award for his George Cross and George Medal (and bar) see OMD 6377.
One of a group of ten medals, OMD 6377-6386.
History note
Second World War service medal awarded to Lieutenant Commander John Bridge, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR). For biographical information and details of the circumstances of award for his George Cross and George Medal (and bar) see OMD 6377.
One of a group of ten medals, OMD 6377-6386.
History note
John Bridge won the George Cross for clearing enemy depth charges from Messina Harbour in Sicily in August 1943. During the war he was also awarded the George Medal twice, and a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct; in each instance this was for defusing bombs and mines.
His leading role in clearing over 200 devices at Messina showed exceptional bravery - however the citation for his GC published in the London Gazette of 20 June 1944 is brief: 'for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty.'
See file for detailed account of his actions.