United Kingdom. A Royal Observer Corps Medal, Fullsize and Miniature, to Leading Observer V.E.I. Wheeler

Elizabeth II, Type II with "+ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA·F:D:". (LEADING OBSERVER V E I WHEELER). In cupro-nickel, measuring 36.3 mm in diameter, contact marks, original ribbon with pinback, accompanied by its miniature in cupro-nickel, measuring 18.5 mm in diameter, original ribbon. Better than very fine.

Footnote: The Royal Observer Corps Medal is a long service medal awarded in the United Kingdom, to members of the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) relating to service between 1941 and December 1995, when the ROC was stood down. The medal was initiated in 1950 by HM King George Vl. Prior to the Second World War, Observer Corps personnel were classed as Special Constables, retained by local constabularies, and qualified for the award of the Special Constable Long Service Medal following a period of twelve years continuous service. However, this qualification and award ceased in 1941 when RAF Fighter Command assumed sole responsibility for the ROC. In 1950, HM the King, as Air Commodore in Chief of the ROC, granted permission for the award of the Royal Observer Corps Medal in recognition of long service. For part-time personnel, the medal was awarded to those having completed twelve years of continuous service. Each subsequent service period of twelve years was recognized by the award of a clasp depicting a winged crown. (On ribbon bars, a silver rosette was worn to represent the clasp). Full-time service on the part of ROC Officers counted for half the qualification period for part-time personnel; therefore requiring twenty-four years service to qualify for a medal or clasp, but with any previous part-time service counting in full. Post-1953 medals featured the legend "+ELIZABETH II DEI GRA:BRITT:OMN:REGINA F:D:", with later editions featuring the legend "+ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA·F:D:) on the obverse.