Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History

This Medal is awarded on an annual basis to the best English language writing on military history.


This Medal, which has now replaced the Duke of Westminster Medal for Military Literature, is awarded on an annual basis to the best English language writing on military history, interpreted widely to include the role of the armed forces, the conduct of wars, and the impact of conflict on nations and societies, over any period up to the present day.

Rules for submission

Books published by any living author, regardless of nationality, age, or gender, are welcome to enter the competition.

Sponsors and judges of the medal as well as their families, and current RUSI staff and their families, and previous winners of the Medal for a period of less than two years are not eligible.

The winning entry will be decided by a Board of Judges, composed of the following:

  • Professor Michael Clarke, former Director-General of RUSI (Chair)
  • Professor Sir Hew Strachan FRHistS, St Andrews University
  • Lord Sumption FRHistS
  • The Duke of Wellington


Previous winners include Sir Lawrence Freedman, Sir Max Hastings, and Lord Hennessey.

2023 Duke of Wellington Medal Shortlist Announced

Previous years' awards


View the shortlists and winners.

Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History 2022
Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History 2021
Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History 2020
Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History 2019
Duke of Wellington Medal for Military History 2018

Footnotes