British Commonwealth War and Campaign Medals Awarded to New Zealanders - The Atlantic Star
About the Atlantic Star
The Atlantic Star was instituted to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic. Six months naval service, or four months air service, in the Atlantic, or United Kingdom ('Home') waters or North Russian waters was normally required. All this service had to be after the service person's qualifying time for the 1939-1945 Star.
Personnel who served in the qualifying sea areas for all or part of the last six months of the War in Europe (10 November 1944 and 8 May 1945) and who did not subsequently serve in any other area of active operations, could be awarded the Atlantic Star for "entry into the area" and the six month or four month time qualification was waived.
This bronze six-pointed star has a circular centre with the GRI/VI monogram, surmounted by the Royal crown, and inscribed 'The Atlantic Star'. The star has a height of 44mm and maximum width of 38mm.
Personnel qualifying for the Atlantic Star and the France and Germany Star and/or the Air Crew Europe Star were awarded the first star they qualified for, and a clasp in respect of the second (and third) star.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is watered silk coloured blue, white and green. These colours symbolise service in the Atlantic Ocean, and in UK and North Russian waters.
Medal Eligibility Rules
The Eligibility Rules for the Atlantic Star can be viewed here.
Clasps and Bars
Two clasps, ‘Air Crew Europe' and ‘France and Germany' were awarded with this medal. When ribbons only were worn on military uniform, a silver rose emblem on the ribbon denoted the award of a clasp.
Order of Wear
The position of this medal in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.