BRITISH INDIA 1897 ARMY TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION SILVER MEDAL,

Obverse:

Two native women, one standing ¾ left with water pot on head, the other sitting facing with pot, with palm tree above them, 

ARMY TEMPERANCE  -  MEDAL. INDIA. around.

Reverse:

WATCH 

AND 

BE SOBER ,

ARMY TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION 1897 around.

Measures approx.:

Composition - Silver

Diameter - 32mm

Weight (with ribbon) - 21.9g

From the 1850s regimental and garrison temperance associations had been established to combat high rates of drunkenness and to encourage and reward temperance towards alcohol. The Soldiers' Total Abstinence Association (STAA) was founded in 1862 by the Reverend John Gelson Gregson, in and attempt to amalgamate the many military temperance societies set up in British India. The STAA was a success and gained official approval in 1876 with a government financial grant. In 1902 the Association was granted its 'Royal' prefix by King Edward VII.