Medals and decorations are awarded to service men and women for their military service and bravery. Veterans in Australia often wear their medals on special days of commemoration, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. Medals are an official symbol of service.
History of its symbolism
Medals and decorations are an official symbol of someone's service in the defence forces. They have been awarded to Australian servicemen and women for their military service and bravery since colonial days.
Queen Victoria created the Victoria Cross (above, far left) in 1856 following the Crimean War. The medal recognises gallantry in action across all ranks of the military services and is the highest award for acts of bravery carried out during wartime. One hundred Australians have been awarded the Victoria Cross. Ninety six received it under the British Imperial honours system, while four have been awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. This medal was introduced into the Australian honours system in 1991. RELAWM16321
From medals, we can learn about the recipient's service: where they served and any bravery awards they have received.
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest Australian military honour awarded for bravery in the presence of the enemy. Each medal is created from the gunmetal of old cannons. The Imperial Victoria Cross was awarded to 96 Australians. The Victoria Cross for Australia, introduced in 1991, has been awarded to 6 Australians. See our list of VC recipients.
The George Cross was another highly valued decoration awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or courage in circumstance of extreme danger, not in the presence of the enemy. The George Cross was awarded to 14 Australians. In 1975, the Cross of Valour replaced the George Cross in the Australian Honours System. To date, 5 Australians have been awarded the Cross of Valour.
Australians have been awarded a range of medals and decorations for serving in wars, conflicts and peace operations. But not all recommendations result in a medal for bravery. Some recommendations for a medal are downgraded to a lesser award, and many courageous deeds go unrecognised.
What it means to us today
You'll see veterans wearing medals on commemorative days, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
All veterans wear their own medals on the left side of their chest.
Widows, widowers and other relations of veterans may wear their relative's medals on the right side.
A veteran with medals on both sides is wearing their own medals on the left and those of a relative on the right.
Australian veterans attend commemorations in France on the 75th anniversary of their First World War service, September 1993. [Dept of Defence CAND_93_225_34]
Wearing medals on commemorative days
Follow this advice from the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) when wearing medals, rosemary or red poppies on commemorative days.
Placement of medals and badges
Wear medals in a horizontal line, with the top of the medals positioned at a consistent level:
- medals awarded to the wearer – wear them on the left side of the chest or jacket; includes campaign medals, bravery medals and service medals.
- ancestor's medals – wear them on the right side of the chest or jacket to indicate you are not the original recipient
- state-issued medals – wear them on the right side of the chest or jacket; includes bravery awards and emergency service personnel awards
- association badge – wear them on the left side of the chest or jacket, typically above the medals; includes RSL badge.
- combat badge – wear them on the left side of the chest or jacket.
Button up your coat, if you're wearing one, for a smart and respectful appearance.
Unit citations
- Navy – wear on the left, below the medals.
- Army and Air Force – wear on the right side.
Rosemary and poppies
Rosemary is the traditional symbol of remembrance worn on Anzac Day in Australia. This is because rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, giving it special significance.
The red poppy was formally adopted as the international memorial flower to be worn on 11 November by the Australian Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League (the forerunner to the RSL). RSL Australia upholds this tradition, encouraging Australians to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day.
RSL Australia's guide to wearing medals on commemorative days
Short animation and picture book
Watch our one-minute video, which supports learning in the Here They Come big book for primary school students.