Description
Physical description
medal and ribbon
Star, six pointed, in copper-zinc alloy approx 44.5mm in height and 51mm in width. The obverse bears the GRI VI cypher, ornate, within a circular centrepiece surrounded by an edged band bearing text 'THE 1939-1945 STAR' surmounted by a crown. The star is suspended (via a linked ring on the tip of its topmost ray) by a ribbon 31mm in width, of three equal vertical stripes of navy blue, red and light blue. The design of the ribbon is attributed to HM King George VI. The ribbon colours represent the Royal and Merchant Navies, the Army and the Royal Air Forces.
Label
Second World War campaign star awarded to Wing Commander Paul Henry Mills Richey DFC* (1916-1989).
History note
For biographical details see OMD 3931
Richey's Pilot's Log Book covering the period 1937-1943 is held by the Museum's Document Archive.
The '1939-1945 Star'l, originally designated the 1939-43 Star, was awarded for service in the Second World War between the dates 3 September 1939- and 2 September 1945. In general terms, qualification for the award of this Star was, for naval personnel, six months' (a month is 30 days for the purposes of entitlement) service afloat in areas of active operations. Members of the Fleet Air Arm could qualify for the Star by six months' service afloat or under any of the qualifications applicable to the Royal Air Force. For the Army six months' service in any operational command. Airborne troops qualified if they had participated in any airborne operations and had completed two months' service in a fully operational unit. For the RAF, operations against the enemy providing that two months' service had been completed in an operational unit. Non-aircrew personnel had to complete six months' service in an area of an operational army command. For the Merchant Navy the Star could be awarded to personnel who completed six months' service afloat, providing that at least one voyage was made through an operational area. Service performed during the evacuation of Dunkirk also qualified. Service in fishing vessels and in coastal craft was also included.
Members of crews of fighter aircraft who took part of the Battle of Britain between 10 July and 31 October 1940 were awarded the clasp 'Battle of Britain'