Description
Physical description
Star, six pointed, in copper-zinc alloy approximately 44.5mm in height and 51mm in width. The obverse design bears the 'GRI VI' cypher, ornate, in 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 uppermost 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.
History note
This medal was awarded to 14649711, Gunner Edward James Scott, 74th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, and a Forward Signaller attached to the 50th (Northumbrian) Division, who had landed on D-Day (6 June 1944). He was wounded in the chest and abdomen near Caen on 28 June 1944, and evacuated back to the UK in July.
The medal, originally designated the 1939-43 Star, was awarded for service in the Second World War between the dates 3 Seoptember 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, wither 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'.