A bronze oakleaf worn on the ribbon of the primary campaign medal of each period of war, denotes a mention in despatches of the recipient. Instituted by King George V in 1920.

As an outward sign to denote that a serviceman or servicewoman had been “mentioned” approval was given by the King for an oak leaf emblem in bronze to be worn on the ribbon of the Victory Medal by all personnel who had been “mentioned” once or more in military despatches during the first World War by the commander in the field.

The Mention in Despatch is worn with the medal and is affixed to the centre of the ribbon at an angle of sixty degrees from the inside edge of the ribbon, stem to the right of wearer.