Original British Pre-WWI Territorial Force Efficiency Medal Name Engraved To Sergeant Louis Stowe, 17th (County of London) Battalion (Poplar and Stepney Rifles) With Document Copies Original Items

Original Item: One-Of-A-Kind. Now this is a beautiful example of a name engraved British medal. The medal itself is a Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, and was a United Kingdom award for long service in the Territorial Force between 1908 and 1921. The Territorial Force was a part-time volunteer component of the British Army, created in 1908 to augment British land forces without resorting to conscription.

The Territorial Force Efficiency Medal is an oval silver medal, 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) high and 31 millimeters (1.2 inches) wide. The obverse depicts the bust of the reigning King in Field Marshal’s uniform, facing left. Originally Edward VII was shown, with the legend, EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR. In 1911 the image was changed to that of George V, the legend reading GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:.

The reverse has a raised rim and bears the inscription “TERRITORIAL FORCE EFFICIENCY MEDAL” on four lines. The recipient’s service number, rank, name, and unit were impressed on the edge of the medal.

This One Reads As: 292 CPL. L. STOWE 17 / LOND. REGT.

The medal hangs from a ring suspension, attached to the medal by a claw swivel fixing. The 32 millimeters (1.26 inches) wide ribbon was originally plain dark green with a central yellow stripe, but in December 1919 was changed to plain dark green with yellow edges. This one retains the older ribbon with the central yellow stripe, though the ribbon has a possibility of being a replacement.

Established in 1908, the medal superseded the Volunteer Long Service Medal and the Imperial Yeomanry Long Service Medal when the Territorial Force was formed on 1 April 1908. This followed the enactment of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907, (7 Edw.7, c.9) which instigated a major re-organisation of the old Volunteer Force and the remaining units of Militia and Yeomanry. The Militia were transferred to the Special Reserve rather than the Territorial Force, and were therefore eligible for the Special Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The medal was superseded by the Territorial Efficiency Medal when the Territorial Force was elevated to become the Territorial Army in 1921.

The Territorial Force Efficiency Medal was awarded to non-commissioned officers and men for a minimum of 12 years service in the Territorial Force, providing they attended 12 annual training camps. Previous service in other part-time forces including the Volunteer Force could count, while war service counted double. Bars were awarded for further periods of 12 years.

According to the documents (copies) he was present for serving in the 17th County of London Battalion, Territorial Force. He enlisted on 11-6-1908 for a period of One Year and re-engaged for periods of One Year on the following dates:

– April 4, 1909
– July 6, 1910
– October 6, 1911
– April 6, 1912

He appears to have continued his service into 1916 when he received his discharge with nothing but positive marks on his record.

This is a lovely award with included copies of his original service records. Comes more than ready for further research and display.