Gold Wider Service Medal Award Bar (Miniature)
The Gold Wider Service Medal Award Bar (Miniature) is awarded in recognition of 900 days of aggregated qualifying operational service on approved Wider Service Medal operations.
Representing the highest level of recognition currently available within the Wider Service Medal award structure, the Gold Award Bar signifies exceptional commitment and sustained operational service across multiple qualifying deployments.
The Wider Service Medal recognises personnel serving on operations that make a significant contribution to UK defence and security objectives but do not qualify for a specific campaign medal. As qualifying service accumulates, recipients become eligible for additional bars. Upon reaching 900 aggregated days of qualifying service, the standard award bars are superseded by the distinctive Gold Award Bar.
Originally approved by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 December 2018 and subsequently authorised by Royal Warrant under His Majesty King Charles III, the Wider Service Medal and associated bars are awarded retrospectively to cover qualifying service from that date.
This officially licensed Ministry of Defence miniature Gold Award Bar is manufactured in the United Kingdom and is ideal for miniature medal groups, mess dress wear, collecting, display and professional medal mounting.
Key Features
- Official Ministry of Defence licensed product
- Miniature Gold Award Bar (approximately 16mm)
- British manufactured
- Awarded upon completion of 900 days aggregated qualifying service
- Distinctive gold finish
- Represents the highest level of Wider Service Medal recognition
- Suitable for miniature medal groups
- Ideal for replacement, mounting and display
- High-quality finish
- Compatible with the Miniature Wider Service Medal
Eligibility
Recipients must complete:
- 900 days aggregated qualifying operational service
- Service on approved Wider Service Medal operations
- Qualification for the Wider Service Medal and preceding award bars
The Gold Award Bar is awarded in recognition of extended operational commitment across multiple qualifying deployments.
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.