Medals - The Rewards of War
Amy - Holmemead Middle School
WW2 Home | Retrospective Views
This piece was inspired by my Grandad who fought in Burma for most of the war. During his time in the services, he was awarded these medals. I researched each one in order to know more about my Grandad and also all the ordinary men who gave up so much
The Defence Medal
This is the defence medal. It was awarded to most soldiers.
There were two main areas to whom they were awarded:
Awarded to members serving six months specified non-operational
areas subjected to enemy air-attack or closely threatened.
Awarded to members who served six months at any time between
3.9.1939 and 2.9.1945
The War Medal
The war medal was awarded to members who served full time or non-operational service between 3.9.1939- 2.9.1945. The qualifying period to receive this medal was 28 days.
The Pacific Star
This medal was awarded for service in the Pacific theatre of operations in the period 8 December 1941 to 2 September 1945
The Italy Star
This medal was awarded for operational service in Sicily or Italy during the period 11 June 1943 to 8 May 1945.
The France or Germany Star
This medal was awarded for service in France, Belgium, Holland or Germany in the period 6 June 1944 and 8 May 1945.
The Burma Star
Awarded for services in Burma from the invasion in December 1941 until the surrender of the Japanese in September 1945. Though many were entitled to both this medal and the Pacific Star the two medals could not be worn together, therefore the clasp 'Pacific' was issued in place of the other Star.
The 1939 to 1945 Star
The Star was awarded for six months service on active operations for Army and Navy, and two months for active air-crew between 2 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 in Europe or 2 September 1945 in the Pacific.
The African Star
The African Star was awarded to soldiers fighting in the Africa campaign.
This medal was awarded for 1 or more days service in North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943
Why these medals are so important?
My Granddad fought in Burma during the war and
for his efforts was awarded these medals.
Although they are relatively common to the war effort, they
reinforce the effort made by every soldier to give their best.
WW2 Home | Retrospective Views
Page last updated: 25th February 2014