Medals from Great Britain from The Second World War WW2
British Military Medals & Awards of 1939-1945
In World War II, the United Kingdom played a pivotal role as one of the Allied powers. It withstood the German Blitz during the Battle of Britain, participated in key military campaigns in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and provided vital leadership with figures like Winston Churchill as Prime Minister. The UK’s resilience and military contributions were crucial to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany and Japan, marking a significant chapter in its history.
On this page, you will find all military and campaign medals, orders of knighthood, awards, and decorations of the United Kingdom given during (and after) The Second World War, or WW2. Explore the medals earned during World War II, including the George Cross and the 1939-45 Star, recognizing the courage and contributions of individuals during this global conflict.
Read more: Great Britain’s Orders of Knighthood – British Medals Order of Wear, How to Apply and Request Records – All the British WW2 Campaign Medals and Where to Find Them
Popular WW2 British Medals, Orders & Decorations
The United Kingdom played a pivotal and multifaceted role in World War II, demonstrating resilience, strategic leadership, and significant contributions across multiple fronts. From the early days of the conflict to the eventual Allied victory, the UK’s involvement was crucial in shaping the outcome of the war. Explore the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by the United Kingdom during World War II, and learn more about the events surrounding them.
The George Medal
The George Medal (or GM) is a decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth instituted in 1940 by King George VI for gallantry.
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.
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.
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 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.
All United Kingdom Second World War
WW2 Medals
When Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, the UK and France responded by declaring war on Germany two days later, on September 3, 1939. This marked the beginning of the UK’s direct involvement in World War II. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, and later Winston Churchill, the UK became a central figure in the fight against Axis aggression.
One of the most significant and iconic moments for the UK during World War II was the Battle of Britain, which took place from July to October 1940. The Royal Air Force (RAF) successfully defended the UK against the German Luftwaffe’s extensive bombing campaign.
Below, you will find the complete database of medals awarded during World War II, including the George Cross and the 1939-45 Star, recognizing the courage and contributions of individuals during this global conflict.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal is a British medal granted to persons of any rank in the Naval, Military or Air Forces of Canada.
The Australian Service Medal 1939-1945
The Australia Service Medal 1939–1945 is a military medal (Great Britain, Australia) that recognizes service in Australia’s armed forces, Mercantile Marine, and Volunteer Defence Corps during World War II.
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.
The New Zealand War Service Medal
The New Zealand War Service Medal (NZWSM) was awarded to members of the New Zealand armed forces and Reserves during WW2.
The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal
The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal is a British medal created to honor those from Newfoundland & Labrador.
The George Medal
The George Medal (or GM) is a decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth instituted in 1940 by King George VI for gallantry.
The British Red Cross Medal for Proficiency
Members of the Red Cross had to have three successive certificates in appropriate subjects (nursing, first aid, hygiene and sanitation).
The King’s Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom
The King’s Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom was awarded to foreign civilian nationals who had given meritorious service to the Allied cause.
The King’s Badge
The King’s Badge is a lapel badge issued to servicemen who, as a result of their injuries, had been discharged from active service.
The New Zealand Memorial Cross
The New Zealand Memorial Cross is awarded to the next of kin of New Zealand service personnel killed on active service or who died of wounds.
The South African Medal for War Services
The South African Medal for War Services is a service medal for voluntary unpaid service in support of the war effort during WW2.
The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal
The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal 1939-1945 is a campaign medal awarded to members of the Southern Rhodesia Defence Forces for home service.
The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal
The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal was created to honor those from Newfoundland & Labrador who served in British Forces.
The Royal Tank Regiment Cap Badge
The Royal Tank Regiment Cap Badge is a WW2 badge given to members of the Royal Tank Regiment (previously known as Tank Corps).
Featured Articles about World War II
Discover stories, key events, and remarkable individuals from World War II and explore the bravery, sacrifices, and resilience of nations and individuals during one of the most significant conflicts in human history.
Find British WW2 Medals Online
Research and discover the stories behind the gallantry and service of British and Commonwealth forces through actual medals available on online maketplaces.
Further Reading About Great Britain and WW2
Delve deeper into the history of Great Britain during World War II with this small selection of further reading materials. Explore the pivotal moments, heroic deeds, and enduring legacy of Britain’s role in the global conflict.
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The Miracle of Dunkirk: The True Story of Operation Dynamo
$5.95 Get it from Amazon -
D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II
$11.86 Get it from Amazon -
Feeding the Nation in World War II: Rationing, Digging for Victory and Unusual Food
$24.95 Get it from Amazon -
The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
$15.25 Get it from Amazon -
Bletchley Park’s Secret Source: Churchill’s Wrens and the Y Service in World War II
$27.36 Get it from Amazon
More British Medals
British Medals from the Pre-WW1 Period
From ancient traditions to modern distinctions, explore the lesser-known stories and achievements honored by these esteemed British decorations.
British Medals from the WW1 Period
Discover the valor and bravery commemorated by British medals of World War I. Delve into the rich history of these prestigious honors, each representing acts of courage and sacrifice on the battlefields of the Great War.
