The medal was approved in 1919, for issue to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who had rendered service between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918.

Officers and men of the Army (including colonial and dominion forces) were required to have either entered an active theatre of war, or left the United Kingdom for service overseas, between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918, and completed 28 days mobilised service. The medal was automatically awarded in the event of death on active service before the completion of this period. The same criteria were applied for eligibility for staff of officially recognised non-military hospitals, such as those run by the Red Cross, and members of the women's auxiliary forces.^[1]