Terms:
The War Medal 1939–1945 was a British decoration awarded to
those who had served in the
Armed Forces or Merchant Navy full-time
for at least 28 days between
3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.
In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been
served at sea.
It is sometimes described as the "Victory Medal" for World
War II, although that is not its correct name.
Medal:
A circular silver (.800 fine) medal, 36mm in diameter. The British issue medals were made of
cupro-nickel.
Obverse:
The obverse shows the crowned coinage effigy of
King George VI, facing left, and the legend
GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE:IMP:
Reverse:
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, just right of centre are the dates
1939/1945 in two lines.
Clasps:
A single bronze oak
leaf emblem is worn to signify a Mention in Despatches and a silver oak leaf is worn to signify an
award
of a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct. There is no bar other than
these emblems
Mounting:
A plain, straight non-swivelling suspender with a single-toe claw.
Ribbon:
The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and consists of 7 coloured stripes.
Red, dark blue, white, narrow red (centre), white, dark blue, and red,
representing the colours of the Union Jack.
Awarded to:
Please note that the above is only a summary outline of the conditions that apply to this medal.
Additional information and a list of
qualifying areas of service are available from the Honours and Awards Section, Veterans Affairs Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P4.
©Crown Copyright/MOD 2008