The decoration consisted of a striking oval badge: the edge was a silver oak wreath, whilst the royal cypher and crown, in outline, filled the centre. A green ribbon was provided with a silver bar flanking its topmost edge.
Two years after the officers' decoration received sanction a similar award, known as the "Volunteer Long Service Medal," was provided primarily for the men. The medal was granted to all Volunteers—including officers who had served in the ranks, but who had not qualified for the previous medal—on completion of twenty years' service in the Volunteer Force, provided that they were actually serving on January 1, 1893, and that the commanding officer recommended such award. Service in the Militia or Imperial Yeomanry could be reckoned towards the required period of years.
The obverse of the medal bore a profile of the reigning sovereign (in the case of Queen Victoria, the bust was designed much after the style of that chosen for the Jubilee silver coinage); the reverse consisted of a scroll, with the words "For Long Service in the Volunteer Force" arranged among palm and laurel sprays. The medal was silver, and the ribbon green.
The last decoration with which we shall deal at length is the National Rifle Association's medal, which was awarded to the best shot in the Volunteer Force. There were three pieces, one each of gold, silver, and bronze, which could be competed for annually. The awards were instituted in the year 1860.
The medal was of very fine design. The obverse revealed a bygone English soldier in possession of a bow, and a volunteer holding a rifle; both figures were standing. The reverse bore a circular wreath, within which the words "The National Rifle Association" and the date were inscribed.
There are other decorations which it is well to mention by name. They are:—
1. The Imperial Yeomanry Long Service Medal, which demands ten years' service and ten trainings.
2. The Militia Long Service Medal, which is granted to non-commissioned officers and men who have served eighteen years and completed fifteen trainings.