British Commonwealth War and Campaign Medals Awarded to New Zealanders - The 1939 - 1945 Star
About the 1939-1945 Star
The 1939-1945 Star is the first in a series of eight campaign stars instituted in 1945 to recognise service in the Second World War. It was usually awarded for six months service in specified operational areas (see the Eligibility Rules for the 1939-1945 Star). Those whose service was shortened by death, injury or capture or who were awarded a decoration or mention in despatches also qualified for the medal.
Service of one day or more in specified battles or invasions qualified for the special award of the 1939-1945 Star. For example, in Greece and Crete between 10 March 1941 and 31 May 1941, or in Guadalcanal (Allied invasion) between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943. The full list of the 'qualifying special areas (one day)' are in paragraph 15 of the Eligibility Rules for the 1939-1945 Star.
This bronze six-pointed star has a circular centre with the GRI/VI monogram, surmounted by the Royal crown, and inscribed 'The 1939-1945 Star'. The star has a height of 44mm and maximum width of 38mm.
The 1939-1945 Star was issued unengraved to New Zealand service persons, as were other Second World War campaign medals awarded for service for New Zealand. The same no engraving policy was applied by other British Commonwealth countries, except for Australia and South Africa.
About the ribbon
The ribbon has three equal vertical stripes of dark blue, red and light blue. The dark blue stripe symbolises the service of the Navy and the Merchant Navy, the red stripe symbolises the service of the Army, and the light blue stripe symbolises the service of the Air Force.
Medal Eligibility Rules
The Eligibility Rules for the 1939-1945 Star can be viewed here.
Clasps and Bars
One clasp, ‘Battle of Britain', was awarded for aircrew who saw service during the Battle of Britain in 1940. When ribbons only were worn on military uniform, a gilt rose emblem on the ribbon denoted the award of this clasp.
A second clasp, the 'Bomber Command' clasp was instituted by the United Kingdom on 26 February 2013. Information on the 'Bomber Command' clasp can found on the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence website - see http://www.veterans-uk.info/arctic_star_index.htm
Order of Wear
The position of this medal in the Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table can be viewed here.
News
15 April 2013 - The Arctic Star and the Bomber Command clasp