The Victory Medal 1914 - 1919 

      Instituted in 1919 this medal is the  British/Colonial version of the Inter-Allied Victory Medal.  The common principle design features having been agreed by all the allied nations. Description; - Bronze, 36mm diameter with a gilt finish. Suspension by means of a 14mm free ring and olive. Obverse depicts the standing figure of Victory holding a palm. Reverse: within a wreath the Inscription 'THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914 - 1919'.^* South Africa Produced an English / Afrikaans bi-lingual version with the Additional inscription 'DE GROTE OORLOG VOOR DE BESCHAVING 1914 - 1919'
  Naming; in impressed sans-serif capitals.²
  Ribbon: double rainbow pattern, graded and watered -from centre to edges, red/orange/yellow/green/blue/purple

   Award Criteria

Notes:
The gilt finish does not survive many polishings. To find 100% intact examples you have to look for medals left in their boxes since issued.
* 1914 - 1919 on the medal but the the eventual award period was 1914 -1920 ( 4th Aug 1914 - 1st July 1920.)
^2. The New Zealanders in true antipodean style named theirs the reverse way.

(Also see: Medals of the Regiments for qualification by regiment for Infantry and Cavalry units.)