Was the Africa Star awarded to Eisenhower with the entitlement to wear both 1st and 8th Army emblems unique? See attached message extracted from WO 229/34. I have found no images of him wearing the ribbon nor star, and wonder if he received both bars when he finally received the star.
Interesting document and question Richelieu. I know one thing, the British Army hate double medalling at the best of times, a few eyebrows would have been raised at Churchill's award to Eisenhower via the King.
Military career of Dwight D. Eisenhower - Wikipedia British African Star with "1" and "8" numerical devices (November 18, 1943) TD Eisenhower Presidential Library England • The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Knight Grand Cross (G.C.B) (June 12, 1943) • Order of Merit (June 12, 1945) • African Star with Silver Numerals 8 & 1 (November 18, 1943)
So Ike had the 8th Army AND the 1st Army clasps ? Ron (who missed out getting the 1st Army Clasp 1st Army, Algeria/Tunisia - The Not So Forgotten Army, see posting No.40)
I read your post Ron. So, as Eisenhower was not “on the posted strength of, or attached for duty to, a formation or unit which appeared on the Order of Battle” of either army he was not entitled to either clasp! He must have had connections!
A unique Africa Star? Not quite! Thanks Clive. One thing is clear, however, that no one can have both stars or both ribbons, nor can they have both the two emblems, x and 8. To this last rule there is one exception. His Majesty has approved of both the Emblems I and 8 being mounted on the ribbons of General Eisenhower and General Alexander, these being the only two officers who did, in fact, command the whole of the First and Eighth Armies.
