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RSS FeedsCampaign Stars and Medals (1939-1954) - The War Medal 1939-1945
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Terms
The War Medal was awarded to all full-time personnel of the armed forces and merchant marines for serving for 28 days between 03 September 1939 and 02 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea.
"Please note that the above is only a summary outline of the conditions that apply to this medal. Additional information and a list of qualifing areas of service are available from the Honours and Awards Section, Veterans Affairs Canada, 66 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P4"
Bars
A single oak leaf emblem is worn to signify a Mention-in-Despatches and the silver oak leaf signifying a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct is worn on this medal. There is no bar other than these emblems.
Description
A circular, (.800 fine) silver medal, 1.42 inches 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 : BR : OMN : REX ET INDIAE IMP :
Reverse
The reverse device shows a lion standing wanton on the body of a double-headed dragon. The dragons 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.
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.
Naming
The medals were issued unnamed, except those awarded to personnel of the Canadian Merchant Marine and RCMP, which were named on the rim.
Dates
The award was established on 16 August 1945.
Issued
There were 700,000 issued, including 4,450 to the Canadian Merchant Marine.
