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In 1922, the medal was divided into the Medal
of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
for GALLANTRY (known as the Empire Gallantry Medal
(EGM)) and the Medal of the Most Excellent Order
of the British Empire for Meritorious Service
(BEM.). The EGM. was superceded by the George
Cross in September 1940.
The BEM. continued to be awarded for
meritorious service after 1940 but also for
gallantry. A military and civilian divisions
continued.
Bars
Awarded for additional acts of gallantry
(silver laurelled bar). After 1957, a silver
emblem of two oak leaves was awarded with the
medal when it was awarded for gallantry. The oak
leaves would also be worn on the ribbon in
undress. In undress, the recipient of the bar
wears a rosette.
Obverse
Britannia seated with the sun to her right.
Legend around the edge reads FOR GOD AND THE
EMPIRE and in the exergue (below) is the
inscription FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE. The EGM. had
FOR GALLANTRY in exergue.
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