This medal commemorates some of the bloodiest battles that have ever been fought by British and Commonwealth troops. The medal was instituted by King George V in 1919 to mark the end of the First World War and record the service given. Although the First World War ended in 1918, the qualification period was extended to cover post-war mine clearance and service in Russia during 1919-20.

A total of approximately 6,500,000 silver medals were issued. A total of approximately 110,000 bronze versions of this medal were issued to Chinese, Maltese, Indian and other native Labour Corps and also to other native personnel who were mobilised for war service and received pay at military rates. This medal was issued to Army personnel who either entered a theatre of war on duty or who left their place of residence and rendered approved service overseas, other than the waters dividing the different parts of the UK, between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.