Arctic Star Full Size Medal
The Arctic Star is awarded for operational service of any duration north of the Arctic circle from the outbreak of war on the 3rd September 1939 until VE day on the 8th May 1945. Whilst the primary intent is to recognise those who served on the Arctic Convoys, eligibility is extended to include all who served north of the Arctic Circle in World War Two. Those eligible will include members of all three Services as well of course as the Merchant Navy who crewed the ships taking the vital supplies to Russia. The Arctic star was issued retrospectively from March 2013.
The medal itself is a 6 pointed star with the Crowned Royal Cipher "GRI VI" in the centre, with an inscription of "THE ARCTIC STAR" around the cipher. The reverse of the medal is blank as with all World War II stars. The ribbon is a standard width of 32mm or 1.25" wide; the centre of the ribbon is white bordered with two narrow black lines, followed by dark red, Navy and light blue on the edge of the ribbon on both sides. No bars were awarded to be worn on the ribbon.
The qualifying period for the Arctic Star is “service of any length” north of the Arctic circle during WWII, recognising the particular severity of the conditions experienced by those who served in the Arctic.
Our museum quality replica full-size medals are struck in exactly the same way as the origional issue and made to the same exacting standards in line with MoD licensing. All official medals are sent loose on the ribbon unless medal mounting is also purchased on the same order.
WWII medals were not engraved when originally issued, so replacements therefore are not suitable for engraving.