It was my understanding that campaign medals ( 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, etc ) were awarded to veterans only after 1945, when the war ended. Were campaign medals given out during the campaigns ?
I still have my father's original mailing packet that his medals came in, dated 1951. He has the The Italy Star, The 1939-1945 Star, The Defence Medal, and one that just says 1939-1945 on one side.
As far as I'm led to believe you had to apply for your medals, you got a form from the post office to complete and received your medals unlike ww1 where they were automatically posted out
As far as I recall - my stars and medals arrived shortly after I was de mobbed in 1947 - no application - just arrived in the mail Cheers
Ribbons .... Yes..... Stars & Medals....No. That is, at least some of them, and the Africa Star, in general, was being worn in Italy by an awful lot of men. I know we have discussed this in another recent thread and I will search for it forthwith. Ron
Hi I agree with Ron, the Africa Star ribbon was worn in Italy before the end of the war, I have a picture of my Dad with only that one. Cant find the other discussion? regards Robert
Knew we'd discussed this recently ! (See my comment #4) http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/48453-medal-ribbons/#entry570793 Ron
Thank you Ron ! So it seems the Africa Star was sent out before the end of the war. I was wondering when the Burma Star was actually delivered to the troops, but it's a small deal.
Martin Note well that it was the RIBBON and not the actual medal that was issued. I don't think any actual medals were sent out during the war. Ron
My Father and his comrades (those that were entitled) were issued with their first ribbon, Africa Star, January/February 1944. It caused quite a bit of 'trouble' in Hertford and around the North of London where 51st Highland Division were billeted when the newly arrived Americans turned up with chests full of ribbons.!!!! Dad got his actual medals after wars end. His Military Medal arrived in 1950.
Just checked up with my records The sheet below confirms that the Africa Star was authorised on 19/2/44 Ron
We have discussed this elsewhere on the forum, a little while back though. Here is a link to Churchill's statement in the House of Commons, explaining the timing and award of the Africa Star and 1939-43 Star, later 1939-45 Star ribbons. http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=1943-08-03a.2091.4
Hi, Any tips on the restoration of my late uncles WW2 medals ?....they are looking a bit tired after nearly 70yrs. . Derrick
Derrick You have a bit of a problem there.................... In my own case, a work colleague completely renovated my own rack and Court Mounted them in the process so that the only "original" parts were the medals themselves. They now look presentable and are easy to clean. In your late uncles case I would venture to suggest that apart from taking them off that dreadful bar you leave them alone, un-cleaned and perhaps tastefully place them in a picture frame. Ron
Ron, Good idea, i don't want to over do them, just a respectful spruce up, i'll do some looking around for a suitable frame ...depth of the medals etc being the main issue and how to support them with the original ribbons being so fragile ! Derrick
Derrick Plenty of advice here; http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/34520-putting-my-grandas-medals-into-a-frame-some-tips-please/ Ron
Back in the 1970s i was a eletricial aprentice to a ex RAF lad who had served in the Western Desert , i recall him discussing medals and when awarded , one point he made with his squadron was the uproar when some lads recived theirs and others did not ,aparently there was a stand off with the co as to if they would be worn on parade untill all the lads had been issued with the medals .
I have met a few British Officers from Indian Regiments over the years, they had to apply for their own entitlement after the war. Some took a look at the "quality of the WW2 awards and didn't bother", their own words exactly.