History
The EGM was the result of the splitting in 1922 of the original Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) into two new honours. While the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry (EGM) was henceforward awarded for acts of the highest bravery, the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service (BEM) recognised services other than bravery and was of a much lower level (usually being awarded to those who were not considered senior enough to be awarded the Order of the British Empire itself). The EGM was awarded until 1940, when it was superseded by the George Cross. The BEM continued until 1992. It has since fallen into abeyance in the United Kingdom, although it is still awarded in other Commonwealth Realms.
While only awarded for acts of the highest gallantry, the Empire Gallantry Medal, along with the Albert Medal and Edward Medal, was not considered to hold the same prestige as the Victoria Cross, partly the justification for the introduction of the George Cross after the Blitz. The EGM was finally revoked by Royal Warrant on 24 September 1940. All living recipients and the next-of-kin of recipients who had died after 3 September 1939 (the start of World War II) were obliged to exchange the Empire Gallantry Medal for the George Cross. Recipients of the Albert Medal and Edward Medal became eligible to exchange their original awards for the George Cross only in 1971, and were invited rather than obliged to do so.
Read more about this topic: Empire Gallantry Medal
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