Atlantic Star

Description

The Atlantic Star Medal is an Imperial military campaign medal that was awarded to individuals who served in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, or Royal Air Force in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. The medal was established on May 8, 1945, and recognizes the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of those who served in this vital theater of war.

Eligibilty

To be eligible for the Atlantic Star Medal, personnel must have served in the Atlantic Theatre of Operations for at least six months between September 3, 1939, and May 8, 1945. Personnel who were awarded another campaign medal for the same period of service were not eligible for the Atlantic Star.

Design

The Atlantic Star is designed as a six-pointed bronze star, with the points of the star representing the compass points. The obverse of the medal features a central design of the Royal cypher of King George VI, surrounded by the words "The Atlantic Star". The reverse of the medal is plain, traditionally engraved with the recipients name.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the Atlantic Star Medal features gradient vertical stripes of navy blue, white, and green. The ribbon's design symbolizes the vital role played by the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, and Royal Air Force in ensuring the safe passage of supplies to the United Kingdom during the Battle of the Atlantic.

SPECIFICATIONS:

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

Atlantic 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.