The original Medal was awarded to Lieutenant Herbert Benjamin Edwardes, 1st Bengal European Regiment, for 'raising and organizing a large force in a foreign territory under circumstances of the greatest difficulty; in wresting, within a very brief period, an extensive tract of country from the power of the rebels; in skilfully combining his forces with those of an ally; and in signally defeating the troops of the enemy in two pitched battles'. It is believed that these later pieces were made as Prize Medals for Cadets.