All the British WW2 Campaign Medals

All the British WW2 Campaign Medals and Where to Find Them

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.

Typically, eligibility was determined based on the individual’s service in a specific theater of operations or campaign during the war. So, 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.

All The WW2 Campaign Medals

Each medal tells a story of courage, resilience, and dedication, honoring the men and women who served on the front lines and behind the scenes during one of the most pivotal chapters in human history. So, let’sdsiscover the valor and sacrifice commemorated by the array of World War II campaign medals.

WW2 Medals and Awards: The Africa Star

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. 

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WW2 Medals and Awards: The Arctic Star

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. 

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WW2 Medals and Awards: The Burma Star

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.

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WW2 Medals and Awards: The Italy Star

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.

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WW2 Medals and Awards: The Pacific Star

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.

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The War Medal 1939-1945 Obverse

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.

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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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