1939-45 War Medal

The 1939-45 War Medal was a Second World War medal awarded to all full-time personnel of the Armed Forces and Merchant Marines for serving for 28 days between 03 September 1939 and 02 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea.

Description

A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. The British issue medals were made of cupro-nickel.

Bars

A single oak leaf emblem is worn to signify a Mention-in-Despatches and the silver oak leaf signifying a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct is worn on this medal. There is no bar other than these emblems.

Obverse

The obverse shows the crowned coinage effigy of King George VI, facing left, and the legend GEORGIVS VI D : BR : OMN : REX ET INDIAE IMP :

Reverse

The reverse shows a lion standing on the body of a double-headed dragon. The dragon’s heads are those of an eagle and a dragon to signify the principal occidental and oriental enemies. At the top, right of centre are the dates 1939/1945 in two lines. Bars

Ribbon

The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and consists of seven coloured stripes: red, dark blue, white, narrow red, white, dark blue, and red.

Mounting

A plain, straight non-swiveling suspender with a single-toed claw.

Dates

The award was established on 16 August 1945.

Naming

The medal is not named.