The Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted by King George V in 1919, the year following the establishment of the world's first independent Air Force. The medal could be awarded to Regular Force non-commissioned officers and airmen of the Royal Air Force. The award criteria were later relaxed to also allow the award of the medal to officers who had served a minimum period in the ranks before being commissioned.
When it was instituted, the medal could be awarded to Regular Force Royal Air Force non-commissioned officers and airmen after eighteen years of unblemished service. The qualifying period was reduced to fifteen years with effect from 1 December 1977
Three versions of the medal exist: King George V; King George VI; Queen Elizabeth II.
