Obverse: The head of Queen Victoria wearing a diadem and with hair tied in a knot. Legend: 'VICTORIA REGINA 1848'. On the truncation: 'W. WYON R.A.' Reverse: Britannia seated on a sea horse, a trident in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Exergue: 'W. WYON R.A.' Inscription on the edge: ' 'EDWARD BARTLETT.' Inscription on the bar: 'SURPRISE WITH HERMIONE'. The medal is suspended by a plain silver clasp from a white ribbon edged with blue. Only seven men were awarded the bar for this action.