The Defence Medal 1939-1945

The 1939-45 Defence Medal was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II. It was instituted to recognise both military and some types of civilian service.

The qualifying time required depending on the area served is:

-UK: 1080 days
-Overseas non-operational: 360 days
-Overseas non-operational in an area deemed to be closely threatened or subject to air attack: 180 days

The British issue medals (the one shown here) were made of cupro-nickel.


Obverse: Uncrowned head of King George VI facing left. Inscription GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR. OMN : REX F : D : IND : IMP (George VI by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India); designer's initials 'HP' (for T. Hugh Paget) below the neck.


Reverse: Royal Crown resting top of an oak tree (designer's monogram, 'HWP', for Wilson Parker, below), flanked by a lion and a lioness. 'THE DEFENCE MEDAL' below and '1939' and '1945' at the top left and right, respectively.