Hi I wonder whether anyone can tell me when WW2 Campaign Medals were authorised to be worn, especially the 1939-45 Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939-1945 War Medal. The reason I ask is that I have a photo of a WW2 Pioneer Corps Officer wearing what appears to be 5 medal ribbons on his tunic. He served throughout WW1 and qualified for the 1914 Star and Clasp, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. He served on after the War ,received his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. and was discharged in 1932 after completing 21 years service. At the outbreak of WW2 he re-enlisted and went on to serve throughout the War, receiving an Emergency Commission in the Pioneer Corps in 1941. He was finally demobilised in September 1945 aged 51. Looking at the medal ribbons (from left to right), the first 3 appear to be 'Pip, Squeak and Wilfred' and the 5th ribbon in the group appears to be his LSGCM, but it is the 4th ribbon that I can't make out. From the shading it appears it could be the 1939-1945 War Medal but as he also qualified for the 1939-45 Star and the Defence Medal, my question is - why would he only be wearing the one medal ribbon? Could it be that the War Medal was issued before the other 2 or could I be wrong in my identification? He didn't qualify for any of the other theatre stars as after being evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940 he only served in the UK until the end of the War. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Best regards Mike
Hi, The 39/45 Star was originally the 39/43 Star and was approved at the same time as the Africa Star 8th July 1943. The remaining Stars plus Defence and War Medals were approved on various dates 1945/46 after the cessation of hostilities. WAR DECORATIONS AND MEDALS (Hansard, 22 March 1944) War Decorations (New Medals) - Hansard The Official 1945 Statement regarding the British WW2 Campaign Stars and Defence Medal Steve
Hi Mike, To me, the photo looks as if it shows just the four medals: 1914 Star and Clasp, the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the LS&GC. Regards Bruneval
