The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) was, until 1993, a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Armed Forces (and from September 1942 to personnel of the Merchant Navy of rank equivalent to that of Petty Officer or Seaman) and formerly also to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy at sea or in the air. The original Royal Navy medal was instituted briefly in 1855, and fully on 7 July 1874. During World War II, the Royal Air Force medal- the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) - was added, from 1943.