During World War II (1939–1945) British campaign medals are awarded to members of the British Armed Forces and civilians for active service in specific military campaigns or operations. These medals serve as lasting recognition of an individual’s contribution to the war effort in particular theatres of conflict.
Typically, eligibility was determined based on the individual’s service in a specific theater of operations or campaign during the war. However, in addition to specific time frames and locations, individuals had to meet certain criteria related to the duration and nature of their service to qualify for the medal. In some cases, civilians who provided essential support or were directly involved in the war effort were also eligible for these medals. Let’s take a look at the different British Campaign Medals of World War II.
WW2 UK Campaign Medals Eligibility
The general eligibility criteria for World War II campaign medals varied depending on the specific medal, but there were some common requirements for most decorations awarded during this period. For example:
Service Period: Individuals awarded with a campaign medal needed to have served during a specific time frame associated with the campaign for which the medal was awarded. For example, the 1939-1945 Star required service between 3rd September 1939 and 2nd September 1945.
Operational Service: Eligibility often required active operational service in the designated theater of operations. This could involve direct participation in combat, support roles, or other duties contributing to the war effort.
Location of Service: Some medals were awarded for service in specific geographical areas or campaigns. For instance, the Africa Star was awarded for operational service in North Africa.
Nationality: Campaign medals were generally awarded to members of the British Armed Forces, including personnel from the United Kingdom, Commonwealth nations, and allied forces.
Other Requirements: In addition to specific time frames and locations, individuals had to meet certain criteria related to the duration and nature of their service to qualify for the medal. In some cases, civilians who provided essential support or were directly involved in the war effort were also eligible for these medals.
UK WW2 Campaign Medals
Below is a clear and complete classification of all UK Second World War campaign and service medals, organised by type. Britain issued a defined group of medals for WWII, mainly between 1943–1946. I have used the categories Campaign Stars, Service Medals, and Special Operational Awards, although this is not the only way to separate them.
Campaign Stars (Operational Theatre Awards)
These are the main British campaign medals of the Second World War, awarded to personnel who served in particular combat theatres or operational areas during the conflict. Each Star represents service in a specific region or major campaign, such as North Africa, Italy, or the Atlantic. They are commonly known as “Stars” because of their distinctive six-pointed star design, which makes them easily recognisable among British wartime awards.
The Africa Star
The Africa Star is a military campaign medal awarded to those who served in the Second World War specifically in North Africa.
The 1939-1945 Star
The 1939–1945 Star is a military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom on 8 July 1943 for operational service overseas.
The Air Crew Europe Star
The Air Crew Europe Star is a military campaign medal awarded to subjects of the British Commonwealth for service in the Second World War.
The Atlantic Star
The Atlantic Star is a military campaign medal, instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for the Battle of the Atlantic.
The Burma Star
The Burma Star is a military campaign medal for award to subjects of the British Commonwealth who served in the Burma Campaign.
The France and Germany Star
The France and Germany Star is a military campaign medal awarded to subjects of the British Commonwealth who served during WW2.
The Italy Star
The Italy Star is a military campaign medal, instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 for service in the Italian Campaign 1943 to 1945.
The Pacific Star
The Pacific Star is a British military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom in 1945 for those who served in the Pacific Campaign.
2. Defence and War Service Medals (General WWII Service)
Unlike the Campaign Stars, which were awarded for service in specific combat theatres, the Defence Medal and the War Medal 1939–1945 recognised broader wartime service. These awards were issued to millions of personnel who contributed to the war effort both at home and overseas. They are often described as general service medals, because they were not limited to one particular campaign or battlefield.
The Defence Medal (United Kingdom)
The Defence Medal is a campaign medal instituted in 1945 awarded to subjects of the British Commonwealth for service during WW2.
The War Medal 1939-1945
The War Medal 1939–1945 is a British campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom on 16 August 1945. The medal was awarded to subjects of the British Commonwealth who had served full-time.
3. Special Campaign and Operational Medals
In addition to the main Campaign Stars and the general Defence and War Medals, Britain also recognised certain types of service that did not fit neatly into the standard campaign system. These are often referred to as special campaign or operational medals. These awards were created to acknowledge service in unique or extreme conditions, particular operational roles not fully covered by the original Stars, and groups whose contributions were overlooked at the time. Some of these medals were introduced long after WWII ended.
The Africa Service Medal
The Africa Service Medal is a South African campaign medal instituted by King George VI and awarded for service during the Second World War.
The Arctic Star
The Arctic Star is a military campaign medal which was instituted for service on the Arctic Convoys north of the Arctic Circle in WW2.
The India Service Medal
The India Service Medal – 1939-1945 is a Commonwealth campaign medal awarded to Indian Forces for three years service in India in WW2.
4. Merchant Navy and Civilian Operational Medals
Certain medals were specifically for civilians or merchant seamen.
Merchant Navy Star (sometimes classed separately) For Merchant Navy operational service.
King’s Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom. Civilian bravery linked to war service.
How to Apply for a WW2 Campaign Medal
To obtain a World War II campaign medal in the UK, you will first need to confirm your eligibility. This entails ensuring the applicant meet the specified criteria for the particular medal and campaign. You can check the requirements and initiate the process through the UK Government Page.
Once eligibility is established, applicants must gather all necessary documentation, such as service records, to support their claim. They then complete the appropriate application form, which can usually be found online or requested from relevant authorities.
After filling out the form, applicants submit it along with their supporting documents to the designated authority responsible for processing medal applications. Following the submission, applicants must await the processing of their application, which may take some time. Upon approval, the medal will be issued to the applicant or their authorized representative.
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