1939-1945 Star

The 1939-1945 Star was a Second World War medal awarded for six months service on active operations for Army and Navy, and two months for active air-crew from 2 September 1939 until 8 May 1945 (Europe) or 2 September 1945 (Pacific).

Description

The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy.

Bars

Battle of Britain - This bar was awarded to those members of the crews of fighter aircraft who took part in the Battle of Britain between 10 July and 31 October 1940.

Bomber Command - This bar was introduced in 2012 and is awarded to eligible Bomber Command aircrew.

When the ribbon is worn alone the standard silver rosette ribbon emblem is worn to denote the award of a bar.

Obverse

The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The 1939-45 Star’.

Ribbon

The ribbon consists of three equal stripes: dark blue, red, and light blue (representing the Navy, Army and Air Force).

Naming

The medals were generally not named however stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse.