Awarded to Admiral of the Fleet Lord John Tovey, 1st Baron Tovey of Langton Matravers (1885-1971). Obverse: Head of King George VI. Legend: 'GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX : F:D : IND : IMP'. Reverse: An oak tree and Royal crown supported by lions rampant, their heads turned away. Inscription: '1939', '1945'. Exergue: 'THE DEFENCE MEDAL' Fitted with a bar and orange ribbon with pale green edges divided by a narrow black stripe.

During World War I, Tovey commanded the destroyer HMS 'Jackal' at the Battle of Dogger Bank, HMS 'Onslow' at the Battle of Jutland and 'Ursa' at the Battle of Heligoland Bight. By the start of World War II, he was a Rear-Admiral in command of the destroyer flotillas of the Mediterranean Fleet, promoted to Vice-Admiral on 3 May 1939 and later Second in Command of the Mediterranean Fleet. From November 1940 as Commander-in Chief of the Home Fleet, he organised the pursuit and sinking of the 'Bismarck' and the escort of Arctic convoys. From June 1943 he was Commander-in-Chief, The Nore, involved with the invasion of Sicily and the Normandy Landings. He was ennobled on 15 February 1946 at the time of his retirement as 1st Baron Tovey of Langton Matravers.