Defence Medal (1939-1945)

Object details

Category: Decorations and awards
Related period: Second World War (production), Second World War (association)
Production date: 1945
Catalogue number: OMD 1069

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Decorations and awards

Related content

a portrait of the cartoon character the Squander Bug, set within a design of a 'Wanted' poster pinned to a wall. text: WANTED FOR SABOTAGE THE SQUANDERBUG ALIAS HITLER'S PAL KNOWN TO BE AT LARGE IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE KINGDOM USUALLY FOUND IN THE COMPANY OF USELESS ARTICLES, HAS A TEMPTING LEER AND A FLATTERING MANNER WANTED ALSO FOR THE CRIME OF 'SHOPPERS DISEASE' INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PEST SHOULD BE REPORTED TO W.F.P.299.

Second World War

This unpleasant-looking character is called the Squander Bug, and it was created during the Second World War by artist Phillip Boydell, an employee of the National Savings Committee. The cartoon bug appeared in press adverts and poster campaigns as a menace who encouraged shoppers to waste money rather than buy war savings certificates.

Off Duty: Locals and United States troops meet at the Dove Inn, Burton Bradstock, Dorset, 1944.

American troops and locals at the Dove Inn, Burton Bradstock, in Dorset, 1944.

Second World War

Tips For American Servicemen In Britain During The Second World War

In 1942, the first of over 1.5 million American servicemen arrived on British shores in preparation for the Allied offensives against Germany during the Second World War. That year, the United States' War Department published Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain to help soldiers, sailors and airmen – many of whom had never travelled abroad before – adjust to life in a new country.