Queen’s Commemdation for Brave Conduct was instituted in 1939 by King George VI to acknowledge brave acts by civilians and members of the military in non-warlike circumstances during a time of war or in peacetime where the action would not otherwise be recognised by a existing award. In 1954 it became the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct. There is no ribbon but the award is evidenced by a certificate and in the first stages, by a gold and red coloured badge bearing the design of a sword in a wreath, surmounted by a crown.
The badge was later replaced at a later stage by another badge – in the form of a silver oak leaf for civilians and a bronze oak leaf for the military – the leaves being attached to the ribbon of the War Medal or Defence Medal if held by the recipient. The Commendation has been awarded to 405 Australians including 286 civilians. The award was discontinued for Australians in 1982 and is effectively replaced by the Commendation for Brave Conduct in the Australian Bravery Decorations.