Description
Militia Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, EDVII, 1845 Pte J. McTarry, 4th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. Known as the Antrim Militia.
Pte McTarry was awarded this medal in Army Orders August 1907.
There were only ever 1587 recipients of this medal, 100 in total were awarded to 4 battalions of the Royal Irish Rifles, with only 8 of them going to the 4th Battalion, being the rarest by far.
A volunteer would have to serve a long 18 years with the Militia and have attended at least 15 training
sessions to earn this medal.
Not many would qualify for the medal, as the Army Order specifies that is only for long and efficient service with irreproachable character and conduct, and that General Officers should only recommended those who have proved themselves in every way worthy of this distinction during the whole of their service.
Additionally the 18 years of service did not count any time with the Regular Army only with the Militia, these add up to making the medal a rare honour.
