If a service personnel had been a POW, then this time counted towards the medal. If an honour, decoration or Mention in Despatches was awarded, then they qualified for this medal, irrespective of the length of service. If a serviceman had been evacuaated from areas such as Dunkirk, Norway, Greece etc then they were eligble to wear the medal. The only qualification criteria was that they had entered into area of operation. For members of the RAF, if they were flying crew, then they had to complete 2 months service in an operational unit. If they were non-aircrew, then they had to complete 6 months service in an operational area.
Battle of Britain Clasp
There was one clasp issued for this medal, which is "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" and was awarded to RAF personnel who were engaged in the Battle of Britain between 10 July and 31st October 1940. Britain's war time leader Winston Churchill referred to these men as "The Few, who gave so much". When the medal is not worn, and only the ribbons on the tunic can be seen, the clasp is denoted by a gilt rosette
Medal Design
The medal itself is a 6 pointed star with the Royal Cipher "GRI VI" in the centre, with an inscription of "THE 1939 - 1945 STAR" around the cipher. A crown is mounted above the cipher. The reverse of the medal is blank as with all World War II medals. The ribbon is 1.25" and represents the 3 services (dark blue - Navy, red - Army and light blue - RAF).
Medal Mounting
This medal is supplied with loose ribbon. If you require this medal to be mounted ready to wear please select your required mounting option. Full-size Commemorative & Official Medals CANNOT be group mounted together.
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