Wearing medals on commemorative occasions

A guide by RSL Australia

The Returned and Services League (RSL), established in 1916, has been at the forefront of commemorating the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women for over a century. The RSL leads the nation in commemorative services, working within communities to share the stories and history of those who have served, ensuring their legacy lives on. Commemoration reflects our commitment to educating Australians about the vital role the ADF has played, and continues to play, both domestically and internationally in shaping Australia. 

This article serves as a general guide, offering suggestions for standardising the wearing of medals on commemorative occasions. It is intended to be a helpful resource, not a strict set of rules. 

Placement of medals and badges 

  • Medals awarded to the wearer: These are worn on the left side of the chest or jacket. This includes campaign medals, bravery medals, and service medals.
  • Ancestor’s medals: Medals that were not awarded directly to the wearer, such as family medals, are worn on the right side of the chest or jacket. This indicates that the wearer is not the original recipient.
  • State-issued medals: Medals for service and bravery issued by a state (e.g., for emergency service personnel) are worn on the right side of the chest or jacket. • Association Badge (e.g., RSL): This badge is usually worn on the left side of the chest or jacket, typically above the medals.
  • Combat Badge: This badge is also worn on the left side of the chest or jacket. 
  • Medals Level: Medals should be worn in a horizontal line, with the top of the medals positioned at a consistent level. Your coat should be buttoned up to maintain a smart and respectful appearance. 

Unit Citations 

  • Army and Air Force: Unit citations are worn on the right side.
  • Navy: Navy citations are worn on the left, below the medals. 

Anzac Day and Remembrance Day symbols 

  • Rosemary on Anzac Day: Rosemary is the traditional symbol of remembrance worn on Anzac Day in Australia. This is because rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, giving it special significance.
  • Poppy on Remembrance Day: The poppy was formally adopted as the international memorial flower to be worn on 11 November by the Australian Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League (the forerunner to the RSL). RSL Australia continues to uphold this tradition, encouraging the nation to wear a poppy on Remembrance Day.

The RSL is often asked about the correct protocols for wearing medals and we hope this guide will support those who have earned medals, and those who are wearing them in memory, to wear their medals proudly to honour our veterans and remember those who have served. Lest we forget. 

 

RSL guide to wearing medals

DVA Notice

Before you don any medals on Anzac day, please be aware that it is an offence under the Defence Act 1903 to falsely represent yourself as a returned sailor, soldier or aviator. It is also an offence to wear service decorations that were not conferred to you. It is an exception to the offence if the person upon whom the service decoration was conferred is now deceased, is a relative of yours, and you are not representing yourself as the person to whom they were conferred (for example, by wearing the medals on the wrong side). The above mentioned offences carry, as a maximum penalty, both a fine and term of imprisonment. For more information about these offences, please see Part VII of the Defence Act 1903. For information about application of this law please refer to section 5 of the Act.