Defence Medal (WW2) at Military Shop for service recognition, remembrance or display. Browse Australian military products. Shop online today. Read more..
The Defence Medal is a British military campaign medal established in 1945 to recognize the service of British and Commonwealth personnel during World War II. The medal honors those who served in non-combatant roles, such as the Home Guard, Civil Defence, and other essential civilian services, whose efforts contributed significantly to the defense of the United Kingdom and its territories from enemy invasion and bombing.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Defence Medal, personnel must have served in non-combatant roles in the United Kingdom, its territories, or in specified overseas locations during World War II, between 3 September 1939 and 15 August 1945 (2 September 1945 for those in the Far East and the Pacific). The minimum service requirement for the Defence Medal varies depending on the specific role and location of the individual. For example, those serving in the Home Guard needed to have served at least three years, while those in Civil Defence needed to have served at least 1,080 days.
Design
The Defence Medal is designed as a circular, cupro-nickel medallion featuring the effigy of King George VI on the obverse, surrounded by the inscription ""GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP."". The reverse of the medal displays an image of a crowned oak tree, surrounded by the inscription ""THE DEFENCE MEDAL"" and flanked by two heraldic lions.
Ribbon
The ribbon of the Defence Medal features a central stripe of orange, flanked by wide stripes of green on the edges, run through with narrow stripes of black.
The Defence Medal is a symbol of the service and dedication of British and Commonwealth personnel who served in non-combatant roles during World War II. It is a testament to their commitment and resilience in the face of adversity and serves as a reminder of their crucial role in defending the United Kingdom and its territories from enemy threats during a time of great global turmoil.
SPECIFICATIONS: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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For any queries, please fill out our support form as the primary way to reach us. This ensures your request is properly logged and addressed promptly by the right team. Alternatively, call us at (02) 6123 2950.
Ribbon is sold by the centimetre. Choose the length you need:
