Gold Wider Service Medal Award Bar (Full Size)
The Gold Wider Service Medal Award Bar is awarded in recognition of 900 days of aggregated qualifying operational service on approved Wider Service Medal operations.
Introduced as part of the Wider Service Medal framework, the Gold Award Bar represents an exceptional level of sustained operational commitment across multiple qualifying deployments. It replaces the standard award bar once a recipient has completed the equivalent of five qualifying periods of service, totalling 900 aggregated days.
The Wider Service Medal and its associated bars recognise service on a range of operational deployments that do not qualify for a specific campaign medal but nevertheless make a significant contribution to UK defence and security objectives.
Although the Wider Service Medal was originally approved by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 December 2018, it was subsequently authorised by Royal Warrant under His Majesty King Charles III, with awards backdated to cover qualifying service from that date.
This officially licensed Ministry of Defence product is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is suitable for replacement, display, collecting or professional medal mounting.
Key Features
- Official Ministry of Defence licensed product
- Full Size Gold Award Bar (approximately 32mm)
- British manufactured
- Awarded upon completion of 900 days aggregated qualifying service
- Distinctive gold finish
- Represents exceptional operational commitment
- Suitable for replacement medals
- Ideal for mounting and display
- Compatible with the Wider Service Medal
Eligibility
The Gold Wider Service Medal Award Bar is awarded upon completion of:
- 900 days aggregated qualifying operational service
- Service completed on approved Wider Service Medal operations
- Qualification for the Wider Service Medal and preceding award bars
The Gold Award Bar represents the highest level of recognition currently available within the Wider Service Medal award structure.
Award Progression
The Wider Service Medal award structure recognises continued operational service through the addition of bars:
| Aggregated Service | Award |
|---|---|
| 180 Days | Wider Service Medal |
| 360 Days | 1st Award Bar |
| 540 Days | 2nd Award Bar |
| 720 Days | 3rd Award Bar |
| 900 Days | Gold Award Bar |
Service is aggregated and does not need to be continuous.
Qualifying Operations
Initial qualifying operations included:
- Operation AZOTIZE
- Operation BILOXI
- Operation CABRIT
- Operation KIPION
- Operation ORBITAL
- Operation RELENTLESS
- Operation WOODWALL
Additional operations may be designated by the Ministry of Defence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gold Wider Service Medal Award Bar?
The Gold Award Bar is awarded to personnel who complete 900 days of aggregated qualifying service on approved Wider Service Medal operations.
How is the Gold Award Bar earned?
Recipients must first qualify for the Wider Service Medal and subsequently accrue sufficient qualifying service to reach a total of 900 aggregated operational days.
Is the Gold Award Bar different from the standard award bars?
Yes. The Gold Award Bar features a distinctive gold finish and represents the highest level of recognition currently available within the Wider Service Medal award structure.
Can service be aggregated?
Yes. Qualifying service is aggregated and does not need to be served continuously.