Royal Sussex Society Regulations on Awards

Occasionally a worthy member’s efforts will be recognized by the Society with an award.  This is to recognize excellence and build regimental pride.  Decorations are chosen carefully, and the Society does not grant valor or gallantry decorations, nor British decorations currently in use out of respect.  No other decorations except those authorized below are to be worn on the person or uniform.  An exception can be made if in the context of portraying a specific historical person, such as Queen Victoria or Prince Albert wearing the Order of the Garter at a Society event. 

CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR COCKADE
  •  When an exceptional civilian is recognized by the Civilian Committee, that person is awarded an orange and blue cockade or bow from the Civilian Committee Chair.  This may be worn on all orders of civilian dress for one year.

REGIMENTAL AWARD FOR BEST MUSKETRY
  •  A uniquely regimental award for the winner of Best Musketry black powder competitions.  A small metal disc suspended on a narrow red satin ribbon; the winner is entitled to wear the medal around the collar for special occasions.  The award is bestowed only once per year.

ORDER OF THE DIAMOND
  • A fictional order, the Knight Commander Star of the Order of the Diamond was a gift to the Captain on October 15, 2022, by the Secretary (as Queen Victoria) and Civilian Committee Chairwoman in recognition of his twenty years serving as Royal Sussex Society president.

18th and early 19th Centuries

 Historically, there were no official ribbons, medals, or other decorations available to the rank and file during the periods of the War of Spanish Succession, American Revolution, and Napoleonic Wars.  The President and Executive Committee of the Royal Sussex Society may, however, recognize worthy and exceptional members through other means.

Early Victorian - 1830s

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LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT STRIPE (Solid Soldier)
  • Established in 1836, the chevron is worn point-up on the wearer’s right sleeve, above the cuff, to acknowledge excellent soldiers.  Open to privates and lance corporals only, as corporals and serjeants are expected to conduct themselves exceptionally without the need for special recognition. Requirements: A private or lance corporal in the 35th Royal Sussex Regiment shall have demonstrated exceptional attendance, engagement, performance, and knowledge with at least 3 years active and good standing time in the ranks.
 
WATERLOO MEDAL 1816 (The Old Sweat)
  • Awarded by the Prince Regent to those who participated in the battles of Ligny, Quatre Bras, and Waterloo.  It is worn on the wearer’s left-side chest. Requirements: An officer or soldier is at least 34 years old and 1) participated in the 2012-2015 Napoleonic bicentennial as 35th Sussex Regiment or 2) is active and in good standing with the early Victorian 35th Royal Sussex Regiment for 6 years.  Requirement is reduced to 5 years if said officer or soldier had been, or is concurrently, an active officer or soldier in good standing with the Napoleonic 35th Sussex Regiment.
 
GHUZNEE MEDAL 1839 (For the Cause)Awarded by Shah Sujah to Crown and East India Company officers and men for the reduction of the Ghuznee Fortress in Afghanistan. Requirements: 1) Singular excellence in establishing a unique early Victorian event or 2) impeccable proficiency in addition to recruiting 2 or more soldiers to the unit.

Late Victorian - 1880s

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LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT STRIPE (Solid Soldier)
  •  Worn point-up on the wearer’s left sleeve by the 1880s, above the cuff, to acknowledge excellent soldiers.  Open to privates and lance corporals only. Requirements: A private or lance corporal in the Royal Sussex Regiment shall have demonstrated exceptional attendance, engagement, performance, and knowledge with at least 3 years active and good standing time in the ranks.
 
INDIA GENERAL SERVICE 1854 (Enterprising)
  • Campaign medal awarded for various operations in India and the subcontinent region between 1852 and 1895. Requirements: Singular excellence in establishing a unique late Victorian event.
 
INDIA MUTINY MEDAL 1858 (Long Sunburned)
  • Campaign medal awarded for service in the Indian Mutiny of 1857-1858. Requirements: 10 years active and good standing in ranks, aged 40+.
 
EGYPT MEDAL 1882 (Proficient)
  • A campaign medal awarded to officers and soldiers serving in the Egypt and Nile campaigns. Requirements: Impeccable performance and drill proficiency, plus 4 years of active and good standing time in ranks.

KHEDIVE’S STAR (Marketer)
  • Awarded to officers and soldiers by the Khedive of Egypt along with the Egypt Medal.  Worn to the right (wearer’s left) of British ribbons. Requirements: Egypt Medal a prerequisite, recruit 2 or more soldiers to the unit.

QUEEN VICTORIA JUBILEE MEDAL 1887 & 1897 (Meritorious)Awarded to participants in Queen Victoria’s Golden and later Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Ladies’ version is worn as a bow. Requirement: Special and excellent service to the Royal Sussex Society.

World War One

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LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT STRIPE (Solid Soldier)
  • On khaki wool for World War One, the chevron is worn point-up on the wearer’s left sleeve, above the cuff, to acknowledge excellent soldiers.  Open to privates and lance corporals only. Requirements: A private or lance corporal in the Royal Sussex Regiment shall have demonstrated exceptional attendance, engagement, performance, and knowledge with at least 3 years active and good standing time in the ranks. 
 
QUEEN’S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899 (Dirt Under the Nails)
  • A campaign medal awarded to officers and soldiers who participated in the 2nd Anglo-Boer War. Requirements: Participate in at least 5 unit-sponsored Boer War events.
 
KING’S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1902 (Old Contemptible)
  • A campaign medal awarded to officers and soldiers who were serving in the 2nd Anglo-Boer War in 1902 with 18 months of service. Requirements: QSA a prerequisite, participate in at least 7 unit-sponsored Boer War events.