1914 Star

Description

The 1914 Star is a military campaign medal that was instituted in 1917 to commemorate the service of British and Imperial forces during the First World War. This medal was awarded to individuals who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and midnight on 22 November 1914, which was the period known as the "First Battle of Ypres".

This medal was not awarded with any clasps

To be eligible for the 1914 Star, personnel must have served on the establishment of a unit or formation in a theatre of war. Individuals who entered a theatre of war on duty after 22 November 1914 were not eligible for this medal. The 1914 Star could be awarded alone or with other campaign medals, such as the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Design

The design of the 1914 Star features a four-pointed star made of bronze. The obverse has a central design of crossed swords, overlayed with a ribbon with the inscription "AUG-NOV, 1914". The design is surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, with the initials GV at the base of the wreath. The reverse of the medal is plain, traditionally engraved with the recipient's name and service number.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the 1914 Star has gradient vertical stripes of red, white, and blue.

The 1914 Star is a symbol of bravery and dedication of those who served during the early days of the First World War, and a recognition of their contribution to the war effort.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Medal history and eligibility Read the full guide to the 1914 Star: its history, who is eligible, and where it sits in the order of wear.

1914 Star: mounting options explained

Every replica medal can be supplied loose or mounted ready to wear. Here's how the options differ, so you can choose the right one.

Court mounted Required for serving ADF members

The medals are fixed to a stiff backing board so they sit flat and stay in line while worn. It's the neatest presentation, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force are required to wear their medals court mounted.

Swing mounted Traditional style

Each medal hangs freely from its ribbon below a top bar. This was the usual style from the Boer War through to World War II, and there are no fixed rules about who can wear it.

Ribbon bar For everyday uniform wear

Just the ribbons, mounted in order of precedence on a small bar. Ribbon bars are worn on uniform day to day, when full medals would be impractical.

Unmounted Medal and ribbon supplied separately

The medal and ribbon come as separate parts, ready for you or your mounter to assemble. Full size medals come with 30cm of ribbon and miniatures with 15cm.

Full size or miniature?

Miniatures are mounted the same way at a smaller scale. They're worn at evening and formal events, generally anything after 6pm such as dinners, where full size medals would be impractical.

Pin or magnetic?

Every style comes with a traditional pin or a magnetic fitting. Magnetic mounts hold firmly without putting holes in your jacket or uniform, and are easier to put on and take off, which helps anyone with limited dexterity.