When only the British War and Victory Medals were worn together they became 'Mutt and Jeff' after another pair of cartoon characters. An individual, [1][2], The duration of the Second World War in Europe was from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945, while in the Pacific Theatre it continued until 2 September 1945. the medals centered on the left side of the jacket (not on the lapels). After April 1918 the eligibility Swords of the British Army (1788 to 1914) and foreign unit award emblems with miniature medals. On the Army white and blue uniforms, the white and blue mess and evening mess uniforms; and on the left lapel of formal civilian attire . Tonga Island from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. British Army medal index cards 1914-1920 - The National Archives Holocaust survivor turned Army veteran awarded medals on her 100th birthday. Listed below are the areas to which I can help identify such badges, insignia, medals etc. That was the last thing he ever said to her. But then as the trouble started in that region, the French there rounded up Jewish people for the Nazis. Youll get a letter from the Medal Office - usually within 10 working days of when your applications received. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. ), (2) Female personnel. 1. Images of the Territorial Force War Medal and Mercantile Marine War Medal courtesy of Vic Freeman, Image of Silver War Badge courtesy of Martin Fore. I love England very much. WORLD WAR TWO WW2 MEDAL RIBBON. Our steps will help you learn about some of the most well-known military medals, awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces and to women in auxiliary roles during the First and Second World Wars. Ambulance Service. Announcements are listed in the official journalThe London Gazette. The ceremony was organised by AJEX, The Jewish Military Association, which reunites Jewish veterans and their relatives with their war medals. How to identify a military medal - Family Tree The reverse is plain with the recipient's service number, rank, name and unit impressed on it. The medal with precedence is on the left of the group when seen by someone meeting the wearer (or looking at a display). Wear of United States military medals or ribbons on recreational clothing such as baseball caps and T-shirts is prohibited. Explore military medals and awards from Great Britain. Contact the Ministry of Defence who may be able to supply you with the file reference.. Bear in mind that medals issued by the British Army were not awarded exclusively to British Army soldiers - they could be awarded to personnel from the other armed services too. Institution. Sadly he never made it. Table of contents The records List of records indexed in this database Information about the Military General Service Medal (War of 1812) Information about the Canada General Service Medal (1866, 1870) Information about the North West Canada Medal (1885) Information about the citation cards (1900-1969) The database Search screen light. Uniform Regulation). ), (2) The qualifying period in the United Kingdom ended upon the end of the War in Europe on 8 May 1945. PDF Gov.uk IWM collections. First World War Service Medals indicate that the individual served Britain overseas during the war during a particular period or in a particular role. He also has the TA Decoration with three bars. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Sadly many, who were living in Cologne and moved onto Poland were killed by the Nazis. [9] Medals awarded to Australians, Indians[10] and South Africans were impressed with the recipient's name and details. The Board of Trade awarded this campaign medal, the Mercantile Marine War Medal, to people who had Sinai from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. much wider range of recipients. To issue and name the medals correctly, extensive records (medal rolls) were compiled. There are no RAF medal rolls as such at Kew, although see the sources below for more details. You can also view the digitised images of the cards themselves for a fee. The plain blue looks like a UNHQ medal. Second World War personnel may have qualified for the War Medal 1939 to 1945, 1939 to 1945 Star, Africa, Atlantic, Burma, France and Germany, Italy and Pacific Stars and/or the Defence Medal: 1939 to 1945. British Campaign Medals of the First World War (WW1) - Great War This bronze medal was authorized in 1918. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. Pantellaria from 12 June 1943 to 8 May 1945. The ribbon has two bands of green and red separated by a thin white stripe. The Navy created ledgers to record the issue of First World War Service Medals, which are also digitised and indexed at the National Archives at Kew. This is a guide to the records of British Army soldiers who served in the First World War. You are using an out of date browser. Malaya from 3 September 1939 to 7 December 1941. The inscription on this side of the medal is 1 March 2012 Last updated 21 September 2017 See all updates Information about MOD medals, eligibility criteria and how to apply. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. following uniforms. This was either on the rim of the medal or in the Medal Identification Tools Tools in This Site If you haven't already, you can start by visiting the Military Medals database. British Army soldiers of the First World War - The National Archives He shouted to her Ill see you in England. The same applied to British Commonwealth citizens from overseas who served in the Home Guard in the United Kingdom. The Silver War Badge was issued on 12th September 1916. Fanning Island from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. Medal & Militaria Identification Service I frequently get asked what a particular medal has been awarded for and if I can identify such medals and other militaria items. As the greatest generation become fewer, lasting recognition of their service and commitment is more important than ever. Collectively, they fully deserve The only medal that could be awarded on its own was the British War Medal. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. However, in general, all You can search the index of the medal roll cards for free throughThe National Archives website. Falkland Islands from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. in eligible categories, whose service was brought to an end by death due to enemy action while on duty or by injuries which entitled them to a Wound Stripe; who received an award for bravery, including a, This page was last edited on 19 June 2023, at 17:52. A Jewish woman who fled the Nazis and joined the British Army has been awarded with medals she didnt even know she was entitled to. Henny Franks was a teenager when she left Cologne, west Germany, on the Kindertransport to join her family already living in England. Identify Military Medals and Awards - Great War, Second War, Europe, US In a similar vein when only the British War Medal and Victory Medal are on display together they are Torres Strait Islands from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. Great Britain Military Medals and Awards, British Medals - Identify Medals inclusive. Widely available, also covers some badges and other material often found with medals, and gives guidance on researching in medal records. She was keen to help the war effort and volunteered for the Auxiliary Territorial Service the womens branch of the Army as a truck driver at a munitions factory. One in from the right seems to be the Queens Police Medal. names of the characters became associated with the three campaign medals being issued at that time to they are World War II medals for example, simply 'click' on the relevant section below and locate your medal (s) by name, or, by viewing the images. Payne). The recipient would also receive a certificate with the badge. Royal Navy Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who served ashore with the Royal Naval Division PDF Military Awards - Army Publishing Directorate If you know the 'era' that your medal (s) comes from, i.e. This is the order worn, even when a recipient qualified for them in a different order. On this page you will find all military and campaign medals, orders of knighthood, awards and decorations of the United Kingdom given during (and after) The Second World War, or WW2. [3], Recipients of a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct, earned while performing service qualifying for the Defence Medal, wore an emblem of silver laurel leaves on the medal ribbon. Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast. (B.E.F.). Sardinia from 20 September 1943 to 8 May 1945. Medals can be very useful if you are trying to find out more about the person who received them. Approximately 34,000 Territorial Force War Medals were issued. worn on the top row, if more than one row is required. To make a fitting appointment at our Leavenworth, KS or Woodbridge, VA locations, click here! Daily Mirror newspaper. Victory Medal are the most likely medals to be found among family heirlooms. The Defence Medal and War Medal are worn after the stars. may adjust placement of the medals to conform to differences in individual Lighthouse keepers who served under the three Lighthouse Authorities and keepers of Light-Vessels under those authorities, who did not qualify for the 19391945 Star. The award was open to officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces, Click on the ribbon to see the medal Ribbons marked * are not worn alone. After reading about the best/worst mess dress in NATO on the other thread, I wanted to know what the Gurkha Mess Dress looked like. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the When I was in the Army, I found out my mother was in Belgium, hidden with her two brothers. jackets, and on the Army white and blue uniform coats, females wear (Shire Publications, Oxford, 2011) (Anne Williamson, Harwich, Essex, 2011) It was issued to British forces who had served in France or Belgium from 5 August 1914 (the declaration of war) to midnight 22 November 1914 (the end of the First Battle of Ypres). You may be able to get a replacement medal - it depends how it was lost. top row of miniature medals is centered over the row immediately below. Anglo-Egyptian Sudan from 28 November 1941 to 8 May 1945. It was issued to British forces who had served in France or Belgium from 5 August 1914 (the declaration of war) to midnight 22 November 1914 (the end of the First Battle of Ypres). Apply for a medal or veterans badge - GOV.UK In a non-operational area, not subjected to air attack and not closely threatened, the requirement was 360 days (one year) of service overseas from or outside the individual's country of residence. Females The Defence Medal is a campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945, to be awarded to citizens of the British Commonwealth for both non-operational military and certain types of civilian war service during the Second World War. of the enemy during that period. A large reference book that covers the topic in extensive detail, attractively printed in full colour. Port of London Authority River Emergency Service. Orders & Decorations. The Next of Kin Memorial Plaque is a bronze plaque approximately 11 cms or 4 inches diameter with the name of someone who died serving with the British and Empire forces in the First World War. WMedals of America has created this chart to help you keep your Army medals and ribbons in order of precedence. UK, Military Campaign Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1949 The Long, Long Trail IDENTIFYMEDALS.COM Medals Explore by Country Australia Belgium China France Germany Great Britain Greece Italy Japan Russia & USSR United States All Countries > Explore by Time Period Pre-WW1 Check which First World War campaign medals an individual may have qualified for:the 1914 Star or 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal or Territorial Force War Medal. British military campaign and service medals - The National Archives Civil Defence Reserve, Kent County Civil Defence Mobile Reserve and West Sussex County Civil Defence Mobile Reserve. AR 670-1 - Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. of one-half the size of the original. And while celebrating her 100th birthday today, shes been presented with two medals for her service. stormy sea with an enemy submarine and an old sailing ship to the right of the merchant ship. The name, rank and number of the individual will appear on the medal. Alternatively, search more than 1 million objects from Alternatively, search more than 1 million objects from Second World War Medals - The Mounting and Wearing of Decorations by convention all three medals are worn together and in the same order from left to right 415 shirt.). US military medals and ribbons are properly worn on chests, lapels and collars of conventional civilian dress. Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross Medal w/ Palm. The ribbon (1.25 inches wide) is green on the left and red on the right with a thin white line in Contact Us; Sign In; My Account; Help Centre; 0800 133 7646; info@empiremedals.com; Medals & Awards. World War II Military Medals and Awards - Identify Medals from WW2 Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Except for the Medal of Honor, for Kenya, Tanganyika, Uganda, Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia and Zanzibar. The British War Medal is silver, quite a soft medal; it often shows contact marks if it has rubbed alongside other medals. Great War Medal Collectors Companionby Howard Williamson You do not need to fill out every field to search these records; using only the last name and regiment number often works.. and the blue mess and evening mess uniforms (see fig 29-8 below). Broadly speaking it was awarded to all who served in any theatre of war Several of these badges were officially produced and distributed nationally but many more were produced privately by employing companies to support their employees. The medal must have been awarded for service after World War 1. Their service number, rank, name and unit were impressed on the rim. Apply for a medal or veterans badge : Apply for a medal - GOV.UK Army Awards: Wear of Miniature Decorations and Service Medals 1914-1918 war. member of the Territorial Force on or before 30th September 1914 and to have served in an operational Footnotes: (1) Recommendations in AIR 2 are arranged by old Air Ministry file reference number, not name. Personnel The Military Medal ( MM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. Since ancient times soldiers have been honoured for gallantry in battle. There is an MC in there too - surely it should be first in the row? Modelling Forum - Military & non military models. It includes an administration fee. latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Dairy Milk bars and Ferrero Rocher locked away at Co-op as cost of living bites, Titan rescue team leader holds back tears recalling discovery of debris, Sheep owner heartbroken after finding four of his ewes decapitated with sword, The shadowy Russian military firms vying for power after Wagner mutiny, William jokes he feels underdressed without sequins in film for Pride, Do not sell or share my personal information. and in a similar position on the new version of the white mess uniforms, To qualify, an individual had to have entered a theatre of war (an area of active fighting), not just served overseas. In addition to name, rank, unit, medals and service number (other ranks), some cards show the first date of entry to a Theatre of War (if pre-1916), or casualty information. There were approximately 378,000 1914 Stars issued. I,d agree with your assessment about the silver & golden jubilees, Ostjohn & MBE/OBE/CBE?.Not sure about the all powder blue type one in between Ostj and jubilees.The rest look foreign or suspiciously commemorative tat. black, or blue mess uniforms; the Army white, blue, or black evening mess when viewed from the front. Great Britain Military Medals and Awards from WW2 Second World War Copies of all these books can be freely consulted from open shelves at the Explore History Centre at IWM London. There were five campaign medals available for individuals who saw service in the First World War. The silver or bronze medal was awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered The Allies each issued their own bronze victory medal but with a similar design, equivalent wording and identical ribbon. For persons normally resident in the United Kingdom, the requirement was 1,080 days (three years) of service in the United Kingdom or 90 days (three months) of service in a Mine and Bomb Disposal Unit. Download a copy of our guideto tracing your British Army ancestry, the 1914 Star or 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal or Territorial Force War Medal, Officers and other ranks who served overseas 1914-1918: More than 4 million index cards, created in various formats by the Army records office in the 1920s to record medal entitlement, provide the most complete listing of those who served with the British army during the First World War. When more than Medals and veterans badges. Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility - GOV.UK [1], Eligible civilian service in the United Kingdom included, but was not confined to, civilian services whose members were eligible for Chevrons for war service. An estimated 2.4 million of these medals were issued. [13] The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal was worn after the Defence Medal and before the War Medal, with other Commonwealth war medals worn after the War Medal. [11], The ribbon for the Defence Medal and those of the Second World War Campaign Stars, with the exception of the Arctic Star, were devised by King George VI. Firstly, I am not calling Walt on this photo..yet. The flame-coloured orange centre band and the green bands symbolise enemy attacks on Britain's green and pleasant land while the narrow black bands represent the black-outs against air attacks. Mauritius from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. In 2021 Henny spoke to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, to mark VE Day and describe the experiences of her and her family. The originals of the medal roll index cards are held atThe National Archives (TNA) at Kew and their website gives a comprehensiveexplanation of what a medal index card can tell you. are authorized for wear on the mess and evening mess uniforms. [1], The length of qualifying service required for the award of the Defence Medal varied, depending on where and in what role an individual served. o Adds the newly established Military Horseman Identification Badge (para 8 - 33). the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). Miniature badges are You can get the first replacement veterans badge for free. victory. [3][6], The obverse, designed by Humphrey Paget,[8] shows the bareheaded effigy of King George VI, facing left. issued with the clasp. Seychelles from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. British Military Campaign Medals 1799-1914, British Military Campaign Medals 1919-1939, British Military Campaign Medals 1946-2023, BRITISH CAMPAIGN MEDALS 1919-2018 (EXCLUDING WW2), LONG SERVICE & MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL RIBBONS, MonsterMedals Ltd57, Chamberlain Crescent,Shirley,Solihull,B90 2DG,United Kingdom, Thank you for signing up to our newsletter. was amended to include civilians serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps, female nurses, staff and aid workers. (See para 29-17c in the Army Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross Medal w/ Gold Star. Andaman Islands from 3 September 1939 to 22 March 1942. What's the one with four bars / clasps on it? Approximately 6.4 million of these medals were issued, giving some indication of the scale of the First World War. BRITISH CAMPAIGN MEDAL RIBBONS 1799-1914. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit were inscribed on the rim of the medal. Every individual who served in a theatre of war on active service between 1914 and 1920 was eligible for the award The Defence Medal was instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945, to be awarded to British military and civilian personnel for a range of services in the United Kingdom, and to Commonwealth and British Colonial personnel who . Cook Islands from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career. and will not extend beyond the edge of the lapel. Empire Medals Shop Online for MoD licensed British Military Medals It is very similar to the 1914 Star but it was issued to a Cocos/Keeling Islands from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. Fiji Islands from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, with a 4 millimetres wide green band, a 1 millimetre wide black band and a 4 millimetres wide green band, repeated and separated by a 12 millimetres wide orange band. Sometimes these are misleadingly known as campaign medals, which actually refer to medals that were awarded for participating in a particular series of military operations in a certain area with a defined goal. are worn side by side when four or less are worn in the same row, and (George 6th, by the grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India). Medals should always be worn (or mounted, if displayed) in an order of precedence. The Ministry of Defence is not able to issue or replace First World War medals under any circumstances. Well send you a link to a feedback form. including Sitting Case Cars. Victoria Cross: George Cross: Order of the Garter* . running lights of a ship with the centre white colour being representative of the masthead steaming Bengal and Assam, west of the Brahmaputra, from 1 January 1944 to 2 September 1945. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. All five branches of the United States military issue a number of medals and decorations to servicemembers to recognize various accomplishments, achievements, and service rendered. top edge of the top button of the Army white and blue uniform coats, Full Size; Miniature. To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. Civil Defence services established by a Government Department or Local Authority. [5], The following territories were classified as non-operational areas subjected to enemy air attacks or closely threatened during the periods as shown:[5]. [5][7], Regarding service outside the country of residence, five territories were classified as single contiguous areas. Youll usually get your replacement veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying. [6], Service by Indian Army personnel in India did not count as qualifying service for the Defence Medal, since such service qualified for the India Service Medal, awarded to members of the Indian Armed Forces instead of the Defence Medal for three years of non-operational service in India. You can also call the enquiries line to get a paper application form sent to you. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was The restoration and reclamation of medals is a striking way of ensuring this. body shape. Medal Index Cards (WO372) on, The cards are an index to almost 3,000 ledgers organised by regiment with a separate series for each medal. Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt and Transjordan. An individual could earn between one and four, but usually received two or three. There were a total of six service medals available for men and women who saw military service in the First World War. The recipient would also have received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Other types of medals include those awarded for bravery, long service, or a specific type of work. Enriched with case studies and full-colour photography, it is your ideal companion to medals research. www.medals.mod.uk Designed & Produced by RAF Design Studio Tel: 01452 712612 x5426 - 07/3057JL Service Personnel Uniform Regulation for wear of dress miniature badges with miniature Belgian Croix de Guerre. The recipient had to have received the U.S. Army medals-original issue or replacement 1 - 43, page : 20: Medals and appurtenances 1 - 44, page : 20. This bronze medal award was authorized by King George V in April 1917 for those who had served in France Medal Ribbon - MonsterMedals For information about the medal records and where you can view them go to our page at: For information about British Gallantry Awards go to our page at: Replacement replica medals, medal ribbons and a replica of the Next of Kin Memorial Plaque can be obtained. This research guide provides information which will prove useful if you are searching for records of a campaign or service medal awarded to someone who fought with the. If you're applying on behalf of someone else, you must include a copy of . They help us remember what veterans went through and to take pride in what they did.. combat and special skill badges are worn with miniature medals. Personnel will wear miniature medals on the Army This bronze medal was awarded to those who were either Members of the Territorial Force or Territorial Force Nursing Service on 4 August 1914 OR members with four years or more service prior to 4 August 1914 and who rejoined by 30 September 1914 who also: - had volunteered prior to 30 September 1914 for overseas service, - and served outside the United Kingdom between 4 August 1914 and 11 November 1918, - and who were not eligible for the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star. attire, when wear of Army uniforms is inappropriate or not authorized. [13], The Defence Medal is therefore worn as shown:[13]. My mother went into the street and saw my father being pushed onto some ramps. The ribbon is yellow with two narrow green stripes. Defence Medal (United Kingdom) - Wikipedia About the Medals. Well illustrated, it is useful for: orders, decorations and medals; ribbons in full colour;order of precedence, for correct mounting. Christmas Island from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. Nicobar Islands from 3 September 1939 to 22 March 1942. The British War Medal weighs an ounce; if it alone is missing from a group of medals, it might indicate that it was once pawned or sold for its scrap silver value, and melted down. mess and evening mess uniforms; and on the left lapel of formal civilian BRITISH CAMPAIGN MEDALS 1919-2018 (EXCLUDING WW2) NATO & EUROPEAN UNION MEDAL RIBBON. [3], The reverse, designed by Harold Parker,[8] shows the Royal Crown resting on an oak sapling, flanked by a lion and a lioness above stylised waves. Military-Ranks.org maintains a full list of all national decorations awarded by the military. I am still proud Ive been in the Army. Youll get the replacement within 4 weeks from the Medal Office getting your payment. The present medal is a five-pointed golden star, lays over a green enameled laurel wreath. Approximately 5.7 million Victory Medals were issued. So, if any of the other medals is found on its own, it must be a split group i.e. Read more: Great Britain's Orders of Knighthood - British Medals Order of Wear, How to Apply and Request Records Popular WW2 British Medals, Orders & Decorations