Australia Service Medal 1939-1945

Description

The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 is an Australian military decoration that was created to recognize the service of Australian personnel during World War II. The medal was established in 1949 and was awarded to those who served in the Australian Armed Forces, or in any other capacity, in a theatre of war between the years 1939 and 1945.

Design

The medal features the effigy of King George VI on the obverse, surrounded by the inscription "GEORGIVS VI D:G: BR:OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP:". The reverse side of the medal bears the Australian Coat of Arms, surrounded by the inscription "THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945".

Ribbon

The ribbon of the medal features a central stripe of light khaki, flanked by narrow stripes of red, with a dark blue border on the left, and light blue on the right. The colours represent the branches of the Imperial Defence Force.

The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 recognizes the vital role that Australian service personnel played during World War II, both at home and abroad. It is a symbol of the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of those who served in the Australian Armed Forces during this significant period in history. The medal is a reminder of the significant contributions that Australians made during World War II, and it is a testament to the legacy of the brave men and women who served their country during this challenging time.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Medal history and eligibility Read the full guide to the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945: its history, who is eligible, and where it sits in the order of wear.

Australia Service Medal 1939-1945: 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.