Arctic Star

Description

The Arctic Star Medal is a military campaign medal instituted by the British government in 2013 to recognize the service of British and Commonwealth forces during the Arctic convoys of World War II.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Arctic Star Medal, personnel must have served north of the Arctic Circle during World War II, specifically on convoy duty to northern Russia, or in support of such convoys in the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.

Design

The medal is designed as a six-pointed star made of a copper-zinc alloy. The obverse of the medal features the Royal cypher, surrounded by the words "The Arctic Star". The reverse of the medal is blank, traditionally engraved with the recipient's name and service number.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the Arctic Star Medal features stripes of light blue, dark blue, and red, with a central white stripe.

The Arctic Star Medal is a symbol of the service and sacrifice of British and Commonwealth forces who served in the harsh and dangerous conditions of the Arctic during World War II. It is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by these personnel and their vital role in defending the freedom of the world.

SPECIFICATIONS:

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

Arctic 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.