Indian General Service Medal 1854
The India General Service Medal (1854 IGSM) was a campaign medal approved on 1 March 1854, for issue to officers and men of the British and Indian armies. It was awarded for various minor military campaigns in India and nearby countries, between 1852 to 1895.
A total of 24 clasps were awarded for 23 campaigns with 55 qualifying actions. Those who qualified for a second or subsequent clasp received the new clasp only, to be attached to their existing medal. The medal was never issued without a clasp, with the maximum number known to be awarded to one individual being seven.
The following clasps were issued:
Pegu (2nd Burmese War, 1852–53)
Persia (Persian War, 1856–57)
North West Frontier (Various small expeditions, 1849–68)
Umbeyla (N. W. Frontier, 1863)
Bhootan (Bhutan War, 1864–66)
Looshai (N. E. India, 1871–72)
Perak (Malayan coast, 1875–76)
Jowaki 1877–78 (N. W. Frontier)
Naga 1879–80 (N. W. Burma)
Burma 1885–7 (3rd Burmese War).
Sikkim 1888 (N. E. India)
Hazara 1888 (Black Mountain Expedition, N. W. Frontier)
Burma 1887–89 (Some clasps inscribed Burma 1887–9)
Chin Lushai 1889–90 (India-Burma border)
Lushai 1889–92 (India-Burma border)
Samana 1891 (Miranzai Expedition, N. W. Frontier)
Hazara 1891 (2nd Black Mountain Expedition, N. W. Frontier)
NE Frontier 1891 (Manipur, India-Burma border)
Hunza 1891 (Northern Frontier)
Burma 1889–92 (Small local operations)
Chin Hills 1892–93 (N. W. Burma)
Kachin Hills 1892–93 (Northern Burma)
Waziristan 1894–95 (N. W. Frontier)
After the first phase of the Second Afghan War in May 1879, it was proposed that the India General Service Medal be issued with clasps for Afghanistan, Ali Musjid and Peiwar Kotal. However then the war recommenced in September 1879, it was decided to award a distinct Afghanistan Medal instead to cover the whole Afghan War.