The 1939-1945 Star

The 1939/45 Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II. The medal was awarded for operational service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.

-Army personnel had to complete 6 months service in an operational command. Airborne troops qualified if they had participated in any airborne operations and had completed 2 months service in a fully operational unit.

-Air Force personnel had to participate in operations against the enemy providing that 2 months service had been completed in an operational unit. Non-aircrew personnel had to complete 6 months service in an area of operational army command.

-Naval personnel qualified if they completed 6 months service, and at least 1 voyage was made through an operational area.

-Royal Observer Corps personnel were awarded the Star for a service of 1080 days.

The star was immediately awarded if the service period was terminated by death, disability or wounding. The award of a gallantry medal or a Mention in Despatches also led to an immediate award.

The Star is made of yellow copper zinc alloy.

Obverse Central design of the Royal Cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The 1939-45 Star'.


Reverse Plain (recipient's name was impressed only for Australian and South African issues)