UDR Long Service (Volunteers) Medal

The UDR Long Service (Volunteers) Medal was awarded to part-time officers and soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) in recognition of long and dedicated service.

Instituted following the formation of the UDR on 1 April 1970, the medal recognised members who completed 12 years of continuous service while serving in one of the most challenging operational environments faced by the British Army during the Troubles.

Recipients who continued their service beyond the initial qualifying period became eligible for additional bars, awarded for each further six years of qualifying service.

The medal ceased to be awarded on 1 April 1980 when it was replaced by the Northern Ireland Home Service Medal.

Today the UDR Long Service (Volunteers) Medal remains an important and highly collectable award associated with the history of the Ulster Defence Regiment and military service in Northern Ireland.

Our high-quality replica faithfully reproduces the original medal and is ideal for collectors, veterans, family historians, display purposes and medal mounting.

Key Features

• Full size UDR Long Service (Volunteers) Medal
• Faithful reproduction of the original award
• Correct ribbon colours
• British military heritage medal
• Ideal for collectors and display
• Suitable for replacement purposes
• Compatible with medal mounting services
• High-quality finish

Medal Design

Obverse

The obverse features the crowned effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Reverse

The reverse bears the inscription:

FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT

within a simple and dignified design reflecting the medal's purpose of recognising dedicated service.

Ribbon

The medal is suspended from the distinctive UDR ribbon featuring:

• Dark green outer stripes
• Red stripes
• Central gold stripe

The ribbon colours became closely associated with the Ulster Defence Regiment throughout its service.

Eligibility

The medal was awarded to:

• Part-time officers of the Ulster Defence Regiment
• Part-time soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment
• Personnel completing 12 years of continuous qualifying service
• Service completed after 1 April 1970

Additional Bars

A clasp (bar) was awarded for each additional six years of qualifying service beyond the initial award.

Historical Background

The Ulster Defence Regiment was formed on 1 April 1970 as part of the British Army and was tasked with supporting security operations throughout Northern Ireland.

The UDR Long Service (Volunteers) Medal recognised the dedication of part-time personnel who served their communities and country during a period of significant security challenges.

The award remained in use until 1 April 1980 when it was replaced by the Northern Ireland Home Service Medal, which broadened recognition for service within Northern Ireland.

Today the medal remains a significant part of UDR history and is sought after by collectors of British military and Northern Ireland-related medals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualified for the UDR Long Service (Volunteers) Medal?

Part-time officers and soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment who completed 12 years of continuous qualifying service.

When was the medal introduced?

The medal was introduced following the formation of the Ulster Defence Regiment on 1 April 1970.

When did the medal cease to be awarded?

The medal ceased on 1 April 1980 when it was replaced by the Northern Ireland Home Service Medal.

Were clasps awarded?

Yes. Additional bars were awarded for each further six years of qualifying service.

Is this an original medal?

No. This is a high-quality replica intended for collecting, display, educational use and replacement purposes.

Product Specification