Obverse: The head or Queen Victoria wearing a diadem and with hair tied in a knot. Legend: 'VICTORIA REGINA 1848'. Reverse: Britannia seated on a sea horse, a trident in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Inscription on the bars: 'MARTINIQUE', 'RECRUIT 17 JUNE 1809'. Inscription on the edge: 'ROBERT PATTERSON'. The medal is suspended by a straight clasp from a white ribbon, edged dark blue. The date of 17 June is incorrect, it should be 17 April 1809. Only seven clasps for 'Recruit' were awarded. Other records give the recipient's name as Pattinson.