Description
39-45 Star World War 2 Medal
39-45 Star World War 2 Medal was the first in a series of eight bronze stars issued for service in the Second World War, it was awarded to personnel who had completed six months’ service in specified operational commands overseas, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945, though in certain cases the minimum period was shortened. Any service curtailed by death, injury or capture also qualified, as did the award of a decoration or a mention in despatches. Clasps were awarded to RAF aircrew who took part in the Battle of Britain and, as a result of constant lobbying, in 2013 a clasp was also granted to aircrew members of Bomber Command. The clasps are denoted by a gilt rosette when the ribbon is worn alone. Surprisingly RAF ground crews who kept the Battle of Britain fighters in the air did not qualify for the 1939–45 Star, although those who assisted with the evacuation of troops from the beaches of Dunkirk did qualify.
Date: 1945.
Campaign: Second World War 1939–45.
Branch of Service: British and Commonwealth forces.
Ribbon: Equal stripes of dark blue, red and light blue symbolising the Royal Navy, Army and RAF respectively. The 1939–43 ribbon was authorised in November 1943 and worn by those awarded this proposed Star which became the 1939–45 Star when finally issued.
Original Metal: Bronze.
Size: Height 44mm; max. width 38mm.
Description: The six-pointed star has a circular centre with the GRI/VI monogram, surmounted by a crown and inscribed THE 1939-1945 STAR round the foot.
Medals are mounted ready for wear and then placed on a block within the frame. This allows for the easy removal and replacement of the medals as required, meaning they can be removed for wear on parade or for cleaning.
The medals will hang from the block at a slight angle much as they would if they were being worn on the chest.
Medals are not mounted ready for wear and instead are placed flat against the frame backing with the medal ribbon secured through a slot. This means that the medals cannot be removed from the frame and cannot be worn.
Medal mounting swing style is the more traditional method of mounting medals. Swing Style or ordinary style mounted medals are mounted on a medal brooch bar which can then be pinned to your tunic directly, through becketts or attached to a pocket holder. This style of medal mounting allows the medals to move or ‘swing’ when worn. Over time, the edge of the medals can become damaged due to the medals “clinking” together.
Medal mounting court style is alleged to have began during the reign of Queen Victoria. Those attending the Queen would wear medals court mounted to stop them “clinking”. Other sources suggest that the Cavalry first adopted the practice. Either way, this style of medal mounting is becoming more popular. Court mounted medals are fixed to a rigid backing material called buckram. The buckram is then covered in a felt material before the medals are mounted on their own ribbon length. This style of medal mounting holds the medals firmly in place and prevents them ‘clinking’ together and damaging each other when worn.
John Burwood –
A lovely quality copy to replace stolen medal. Many thanks, recommended.