Soldier's discharge Character Reference

[Andy J2022]

Hi,
I've just joined RootsChat, and so I hope someone can help me identify a word from this character reference for my great grandfather.  The part I can decipher says: “With regard to the CHARACTER and CONDUCT of John Johnstone the Board have to report that upon reference to the Defaulter’s Book, and by the Parole testimony that has been given, it appears that
his conduct has been Very Good. He would had he not been promoted have been in possession of five Good Conduct badges. He is in possession of [            ] medal for long Service and Good Conduct with gratuity of five pounds.   Indian Mutiny Medal & clasp for Lucknow.
His name appeared once in the Defaulter’s Book and has never been tried by Court Martial.” But despite being from a military background myself, I can't make out the word represented by the square brackets. Any suggestions very gratefully received.

[ShaunJ]

A silver medal?

[Andy J2022]

Thanks, Shaun. I agree that's probably what it is. Were LS&GCs known as 'silver' medals, do you know? Most medals are either silver coloured or bronze in my experience.

[goldie61]

Welcome to Rootschat! 

If you look at the word 'possession' just before this word, the second set of 's's are very similar to the first letter of this unknown word. Other 's's in this piece are more looped, but this writer shows they can certainly form an 's' in different ways when writing.
So I'd agree Shaun, the unknown word could well be 'silver'.

[Andy J2022]

Thanks, Goldie. It seems obvious now!