British Commonwealth War and Campaign Medals Awarded to New Zealanders - The Africa Star
About this medal
The Africa Star was awarded for service in North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is pale buff in colour, with a central vertical red stripe, and narrower stripes, one dark blue and the other light blue. The pale buff background symbolises the desert, the central red stripe symbolises the Army, the dark blue stripe symbolises the Navy and Merchant Navy, and the light blue stripe symbolises the Air Force.
Medal Regulations
The Regulations for the Africa Star can be viewed here.
Clasps and Bars
Three clasps are awarded with this medal.
- North Africa 1942-43
- 8th Army
- 1st Army
When ribbons only were worn on military uniform, a silver rose emblem on the ribbon denoted the award of the North Africa 1942-43 clasp, while a silver Arabic "8" or "1" denoted the award of the 8th Army clasp or the 1st Army clasp, respectively.
Order of Wear
The position of this medal in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.
News related to the service by New Zealand military personnel which was recognised by the Africa Star
21 May 2009 - Ceremony marks the 68th anniversary of the Battle of Crete
18 May 2009 - Battle of Crete Remembered
20 April 2009 - Kiwis’ Libyan trek tracked in Anzac Day documentary