Java Medal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Java Medal |
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Obverse of the medal depicted on a cigarette card
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| Type | Campaign medal |
| Eligibility | HEIC forces |
| Awarded for | Campaign service |
| Campaign(s) | Java 1811 |
| Clasps | None |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 1812 |
 Suspension cord for the medal |
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The Java Medal was a special award given to soldiers. It was created by the Honourable East India Company (HEIC). This medal was for soldiers who took part in the invasion of Java in 1811. This important event happened during the Napoleonic Wars.
Contents
Who Received the Java Medal?
This medal was approved in February 1812. Lord Minto, who was the Governor-General of India, made the decision. He had actually gone along with the soldiers to Java.
Gold and Silver Medals
The Java Medal came in two types: gold and silver.
- Only 133 gold medals were given out. These were for higher-ranking officers.
- A total of 6,519 silver medals were awarded. These went to other soldiers.
- Most silver medals (5,761) went to Indian soldiers.
- About 750 silver medals went to European soldiers serving the HEIC.
Who Did Not Get the Medal?
Soldiers from the regular British Army and sailors from the Royal Navy who were there did not receive the Java Medal. They had different awards for their service.
- British Army officers (Major rank and higher) could get the Army Gold Medal.
- Later, in 1847, British soldiers and sailors could get other medals. These were the Military or Naval General Service Medal. They would get a special 'Java' clasp on their medal.
What Did the Java Medal Look Like?
The Java Medal was made at the Calcutta Mint. Both the gold and silver versions were about 1.9 inches (48 mm) wide.
Front of the Medal (Obverse)
The front of the medal showed a picture of Fort Cornelis being attacked. British and HEIC troops captured this fort on August 26, 1811. The word CORNELIS was written above the picture.
Back of the Medal (Reverse)
The back of the medal had writing in two languages.
- It had a Persian message. It said the medal was for the bravery of the English Company's soldiers. It mentioned their courage in taking over Java in the Hijri year 1228.
- Around the edge, it said in English: JAVA CONQUERED XXVI AUGUST MDCCCXI.
- The medals were given out without any names on them.
How the Medal Was Worn
The medal had a flat loop at the top. A cord went through this loop. This allowed soldiers to wear the medal around their neck.
A Small Date Detail
The Hijri year 1228 mentioned on the medal's back started on January 4, 1813. This was the year the medals were made, not the year of the battle. It seems to have been a small mistake on the medal.
