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10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

Do you get a new medal around your neck?

No, you do not receive a separate medal to hang around your neck. Instead, you get a small bronze oak leaf pin. You attach this leaf to the ribbon of an existing war medal you have already earned.

A despatch is an official report written by a high-ranking military leader. The commander sends these letters back home to the government to describe the progress of a war. If a soldier acts with great bravery, the commander might write their name in the report to praise their service.

Can civilians receive this award?

Yes, it is possible for some civilians to receive this honor. This includes merchant seamen or others who work closely alongside the military during a time of war. These people perform vital jobs that support soldiers, so they are recognized for their hard work and courage.

What does the leaf look like?

The honor looks like a tiny bronze branch with oak leaves on it. It was first created in 1919 after World War I ended. Over many years, the shape of the leaf has changed slightly, but it remains a simple and important symbol of bravery.

Is it still given today?

Yes, the British military still gives out this award to brave service members. It has been used in many conflicts, including the Gulf War and the war in Afghanistan. It continues to be a special way for leaders to say thank you for distinguished service.

Do you get a new medal around your neck?

No, you do not receive a separate medal to hang around your neck. Instead, you get a small bronze oak leaf pin. You attach this leaf to the ribbon of an existing war medal you have already earned.

A despatch is an official report written by a high-ranking military leader. The commander sends these letters back home to the government to describe the progress of a war. If a soldier acts with great bravery, the commander might write their name in the report to praise their service.

Can civilians receive this award?

Yes, it is possible for some civilians to receive this honor. This includes merchant seamen or others who work closely alongside the military during a time of war. These people perform vital jobs that support soldiers, so they are recognized for their hard work and courage.

What does the leaf look like?

The honor looks like a tiny bronze branch with oak leaves on it. It was first created in 1919 after World War I ended. Over many years, the shape of the leaf has changed slightly, but it remains a simple and important symbol of bravery.

Is it still given today?

Yes, the British military still gives out this award to brave service members. It has been used in many conflicts, including the Gulf War and the war in Afghanistan. It continues to be a special way for leaders to say thank you for distinguished service.

Home Library United KingdomMentioned in Despatches

Valor decoration

Mentioned in Despatches

An official honor recognizing soldiers who showed gallant or distinguished action described in commander reports.

United Kingdom Established 1919 All servicesPrecedence: Worn as an oak leaf emblem on the ribbon of the appropriate campaign medal.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for brave deeds or distinguished service written about in official field reports by commanding officers.

Eligibility

Members of the British armed forces and allied service members serving alongside them.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn as an oak leaf emblem on the ribbon of the appropriate campaign medal.

Mentioned in Despatches, Valor decoration, United Kingdom medal

History

Mentioned in Despatches dates back centuries as a way for army generals to write reports home telling king or parliament about brave deeds. It became an official worn honor during World War I when bronze oak leaf emblems were created to pin onto medals.

Unlike standard medals, it is not a standalone medallion, but an emblem attached to a war campaign medal ribbon. It did not replace other gallantry decorations, but filled a gap by praising bravery and fine leadership that was not quite high enough for a Victoria Cross or Military Cross.

Over the years, the design of the oak leaf changed slightly. Today, British armed forces personnel still receive this honor for brave deeds during modern combat operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I World War II Korean War Falklands War Gulf War War in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Percy Pickard, including Distinguished Service Order and Two Bars, Distinguished Flying Cross, Mentioned in Despatches, shown against a light France flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Distinguished Service Order and Two Bars Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches

Percy Pickard

Who Was Group Captain Percy Pickard and Why Did He Lead the Raid on Amiens Prison?

Group Captain Percy Pickard was a celebrated RAF pilot who led the precision bombing of Amiens Prison to liberate French Resistance fighters before their scheduled execution.

British18 February 1944

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Sources

Back to United Kingdom

Mentioned in Despatches

Medals & Awards

History

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you get a new medal around your neck?

What is a despatch?

Can civilians receive this award?

What does the leaf look like?

Is it still given today?

Used In

Veterans Who Received This Award

Percy Pickard

Sources