1914-15 Star

The 1914-15 Star was a First World War medal awarded to all who saw service in any theatre of war against the central powers between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915 except those eligible for the 1914 Star. Many Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) small ships were entitled to this star, as Canada considered 'overseas' to be service beyond the three mile limit. This medal is always issued with the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Description

A bronze four-pointed star, 1.75 inches wide, with its uppermost point replaced by a crown. Across the face of the star are two crossed swords (blades upward), with the blades and hilts protruding to form four additional points of the star.

Obverse

On the obverse, in the centre is a scroll with 1914-15. This is surrounded by a laurel wreath and on the bottom is the Royal Cypher GV (large G with smaller V inside).

Reverse

The reverse is plain, except for the engravings of the recipient's number, rank and name for the first issue.

Ribbon

The watered ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and is shaded left to right: red, white, and blue.

Mounting

For mounting purposes, a suspension ring at the top of the crown is stamped out solid with the star.

Dates

The 1914-15 Star was authorized in December 1918.

Naming

Engraved on the reverse are the recipient's number, rank, name and unit along with the following Canadian units and ships:

E.E.	LD:S'CONA'SH	1/CAN:INF:BDE:H.Q.
1/CAN:INF	F.GH.	2/CAN:INF:BDE:H.Q.
1/CAN.MTD:RIF	R.C.H.A.	CAN:D.S.COY
2/CAN.MTD:RIF	CAN:A.S.C.	2/CAN:DIV:A.C.
3/CAN.MTD:RIF	CAN:A.M.C.	1/CAN:DIV:AC.
5/CAN.MTD:RIF	CAN:FD:ART	H.M.C.S. NIOBE
R.CAN.:R.	CAN:Y.M.C.A.	H.M.C.S. GLORENCE
P.P.C.L.I.	1/CAN:DIV.CYCLIST.	H.M.C.S. RAINBOW
R.CAN:DNS	1/CAN:DIV:CAV:	H.M.C.S. EARL GRAY

Issued

There were 71,150 issued to Canadians with an overall total of 2,366,000 issued.