The Sierra Leone Independence Medal was authorised by
Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of the granting of independence to Sierra Leone, to give recognition to individuals of the Royal Sierra Leone Military Forces, Sierra Leone Naval Volunteer Force and the Police Force who were serving on the 27 April 1961. Members of United Kingdom Land Forces seconded to the Royal Sierra Leone Military Forces also qualified.
5,500 medals were supplied by the
Royal Mint.
Description
* The circular
cupro-nickel
Cupronickel or copper-nickel (CuNi) is an alloy of copper that contains nickel and strengthening elements, such as iron and manganese. The copper content typically varies from 60 to 90 percent. (Monel is a nickel-copper alloy that contains a minimu ...
medal has a diameter of and features the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.
* The reverse depicts the Sierra Leone Coat of Arms surrounded by the inscription ''Sierra Leone Independence, 27 April 1961'' in a half circle above.
* The ribbon has a three vertical stripes, green, white and blue, the colours of the Sierra Leone national flag.
See also
*
Medals of Sierra Leone (1961–1971)
A number of new Sierra Leonean medals were instituted in the decade from 1961, when the country gained independence, until 1971, when Sierra Leone was declared a republic.
Background
On 27 April 1961, Sierra Leone, until then a British colony, ...
References
{{reflist, refs=
[{{London Gazette , issue=42341 , date=28 April 1961 , page=3164 ]
Orders, decorations, and medals of Sierra Leone
Military awards and decorations of the United Kingdom
Awards established in 1961