British Commonwealth War and Campaign Medals Awarded to New Zealanders - The 1914 Star
About this medal
The 1914 Star was the first of a series instituted between 1917 and 1919 to recognise service in the First World War (1914-1918). It was awarded for service in Belgium and France between 5 August 1914 and 22 November 1914. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Mons Star', only two awards to New Zealand military personnel are known, both to New Zealand nurses.
The 1914 Star is a crowned four-pointed star with crossed swords and a wreath of oak leaves, with the royal cypher at the foot and a central scroll inscribed "AUG NOV 1914". The reverse of the 1914 Star is plain, except for the inscribed name and service details of the recipient.
Throughout the British Empire more than 400,000 1914 Stars were awarded.
About the ribbon
The ribbon is watered silk with red, white and blue stripes. This is the same ribbon as that worn on the 1914-15 Star.
Clasps and Bars
One clasp was issued bearing the dates "5th Aug.- 22nd Nov. 1914", to those who had actually been under fire in Belgium and France in this period. This is the first medal for which the clasp was sewn onto the medal ribbon.
When ribbons only were worn on military uniform, a rosette was worn on the ribbon for the 1914 Star, to denote the award of this clasp.
Order of Wear
The position of this medal in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.