Polar Medal

The Polar Medal is a medal awarded by the Sovereign of the United Kingdom to individuals who have outstanding achievements in the field of polar research, and particularly for those who have worked over extended periods in harsh climates. It was instituted in 1857 as the Arctic Medal, and renamed the Polar Medal in 1904.

The first medal was awarded in 1857, named the Arctic Medal. The Admiralty issued the medal for several expeditions, including the expedition to discover the fate of Sir John Franklin and his crew, who were lost while looking for the Northwest Passage in 1847:

Her Majesty having been graciously pleased to signify her commands that a Medal be granted to all persons, of every rank and class, who have been engaged in the several Expeditions to the Arctic Regions, whether of discovery or search, between the years 1818 and 1855, both inclusive.

The second presentation of the Arctic Medal was to the crews of three ships exploring the Arctic in 1875–76.

In 1904, the medal was awarded to the members of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's first expedition to Antarctica, and therefore renamed the Polar Medal. It was also awarded to the crews of both rescue ships, Terra Nova and Morning. Subsequent medals were awarded to members of Ernest Shackleton's expeditions in 1907–09 and 1914–17.

The Polar Medal is awarded to individuals for outstanding service to the field of polar research.

Until 1968, the Polar Medal was presented to anyone who participated in a polar expedition endorsed by the governments of any Commonwealth realms. However, since 1968 the rules governing its presentation have been revised with greater emphasis placed on personal achievement.

Since 1998, the criteria for being awarded a Polar Medal are: