Context

The War Medal 1939-1945 is a Second World War medal.

Eligibility and Criteria

The medal was awarded to all full-time personnel of the Armed Forces and Merchant Marines for serving for 28 days between 03 September 1939 and 02 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea.

Description

A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. The British issue medals were made of cupro-nickel. A plain, straight non-swiveling suspender with a single-toed claw. The award was established on 16 August 1945.

The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and consists of seven coloured stripes: red, dark blue, white, narrow red, white, dark blue, and red.

The obverse shows the crowned coinage effigy of King George VI, facing left, and the legend GEORGIVS VI D : BR : OMN : REX ET INDIAE IMP :

The reverse shows a lion standing on the body of a double-headed dragon. The dragon’s heads are those of an eagle and a dragon to signify the principal occidental and oriental enemies. At the top, right of centre are the dates 1939/1945 in two lines.

Bars

A single oak leaf emblem is worn to signify a Mention-in-Despatches and the silver oak leaf signifying a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct is worn on this medal. There is no bar other than these emblems.