CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

St.  James's Palace, S.W.I.

12th September,  1946.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division), in recognition of gallant and distinguished services while a prisoner of war, to: —

No. 6977574 Warrant Officer Class II (acting) John Finnerty, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

In 1922, the medal was divided into the Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for GALLANTRY (known as the Empire Gallantry Medal (EGM)) and the Medal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service (BEM.). The EGM. was superceded by the George Cross in September 1940.

The BEM. continued to be awarded for meritorious service after 1940 but also for gallantry. A military and civilian divisions continued.