The award of decorations for distinguished military service is an ancient institution and can be traced back to the second century BC when King Alexander presented a gold button to Jonathan a High Priest for his leaderships skills in battle.

The present system of decorations is essentially a modern one dating back no farther than the middle of the seventeenth century. A few medals in gold and silver were awarded to officers during the English Civil War, although the first ‘official’ rewards in Britain were probably those issued to naval officers following their victories over the Dutch fleet in 1653.