"Nonetheless, this is a clearly written, well-organised volume for those wishing to know more about British medals and offers a very sound base for those wishing to go further with research."

Phil McCarty, The Douglas Haig Fellowship Records, No.24 December 2021

An essential read if you have any service men /women in your ancestry and interesting even if you have not.

Clwyd FHS

This is the 2nd edition of a book first published in 2009 in which the author traces the history of medals and gallantry awards from Elizabethan times to the modern day, including accounts of their design and production. Campaign and gallantry medals are a key to understanding and exploring British and Imperial military history and they can help to uncover the careers and exploits of individuals as well as the history of individual military units.

The book is a clear and concise guide which is well-organised, primarily by chronological themes which explore thoroughly the origin and purpose of the different medal groupings. Within each period, there are copious details, dates, descriptions and references to sources to pursue for further information. There is advice to aid research including using the Internet. There is a good bibliography and index and the book has many illustrations of the subject matter.

Geoff Gardiner, Bristol and Avon Family History Society

"If you collect a wide range of British medals and want an easy-to-read guide, this is an extremely useful addition to your library."

Journal of The Orders and Medals Research Society

Whether you are a specialist in military research or a family historian seeking to bring more colour to the story to an individual ancestor’s military service, this book has much to offer. It will most certainly be placed within easy reach on my bookshelf.

Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group

In this admirably clear and concise guide Peter Duckers introduces the many medals that we might come across in the course of research into service personnel. As well as describing the medals and the reasons they were awarded Duckers also includes details of books, websites and archive resources (mainly medal rolls, which are almost all at Kew in series WO 100) where you can find out more.

The second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, it is little wonder that this book has quickly become an essential reference work on medals.

Friends of the National Archives

Meet the medal man! Peter Duckers is curator of the Shropshire Regimental Museum in Shrewsbury Castle and knows about medals, decorations and the various orders. This wonderful guide for the collector or family historian will also ensure that many more of us know an awful lot more as well. In this special year of remembrance, learning about military medals has a greater significance - not just because of the honours themselves but because of what they represent and who was eligible for what. The courage, the incredible actions, the moving stories of those who received them are at the heart of it. Peter Duckers is a leading military authority on British medals and already a prolific author on so many things military. His latest book is informative and absorbing on how giving medals has progressed down the centuries and another reminder of the sacrifice of so many.

Shropshire Magazine

A reference book that should form part of the collection of anyone with an interest in British Military History.

The Armourer

A well-organised and thorough book that should prove invaluable for those embarking on military research.

Family Tree Magazine

Medals are curious things. I’ve never felt an urge to collect them, but knowing all about the plethora of campaign stars, clasps and the rainbow of ribbons is solid general knowledge of the old sort and I am always glad to build on what I know.

This book describes awards dating back to the days of Cromwell and continues through the expansion of the East India Company to the much sought after Waterloo Medal  issued to the British participants of the battle in 1815. It becomes something of a souvenir guide to the history of the British Empire as it spread across the world. I have learned to identify colourful medal ribbons in black and white photographs and although some are a lot easier than others, there is always much to learn.

War History Online

Peter Duckers is curator of Shropshire Regimental Museum at Shrewsbury Castle and one of the leading experts on military medals, and this book is a new edition which updates and expands the original from 2009. Comprehensive and clearly presented, this is an essential guide for anybody with an interest in militaria and a need to know more about the subject.

Shropshire Star / Express & Star (Wolverhampton)

British Military Medals traces the history of medals and gallantry awards from Elizabethan times to the modern day and features an expert account of their design and production. Campaign and gallantry medals are a key to understanding - and exploring - British and Imperial military history, and to uncovering the careers and exploits of individual soldiers. In this accessible and wide-ranging account, Peter Duckers provides a fascinating insight into the origins and long tradition of these awards.

In a series of succinct and well-organized chapters the author explains how medals originated, to whom they were awarded and how the practice of giving medals has developed over the centuries. From the earliest medals of Elizabethan times up to those awarded in the present day, medals have much to tell us about the life histories of their recipients and the armed forces in which they served.

controltowers.co.uk

In this admirably clear and concise guide, Peter Duckers introduces the many medals that we might come across in the course of research into soldier and sailor forebears. Includes details of books, websites and archive resources. The standard guide for genealogists and medal ancestors alike.

BBC Who Do You Think You Are?