World War Two - Department of Defence€¦ · World War Two . Campaign Medals. Australia and the Second World War. Australia entered World War II on 3 September 1939, shortly after

Defence Honours & Awards

World War Two Campaign Medals

Australia and the Second World WarAustralia entered World War II on 3 September 1939, shortly after the invasion of Poland by Germany.

On 14 September 1939, Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced that 40 000 members of the Militia would be called up for training. A further volunteer force of 20 000 men was assembled, who would be known as the Second Australian Imperial Force, for overseas service.

It would be six years before Australia, and the world, was at peace again.

Australian men and women served in the Navy, Army, Air Force and the Merchant Navy in campaigns against Germany and Italy in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa as well as against Japan in South-East Asia and other parts of the Pacific in alliance with the United States and Britain.

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LG McPherson One in - all in 1939-1942

On Australian SoilFor the first time in Australia’s history, the Australian mainland came under direct attack, as Japanese aircraft bombed towns in north-west Australia and Japanese midget submarines attacked Sydney Harbour.

Victory in Europe and the PacificOn 7 May 1945 the German High Command authorised the signing of an unconditional surrender on all fronts: the war in Europe was over. The surrender was to take effect at midnight on 8 May 1945.

On 14 August 1945 when Japan accepted a demand for unconditional surrender, World War II was officially ended and Australia was at peace again.

Recognising their serviceDuring World War II, almost one million Australian men and women served, playing a vital role in the war effort and qualified for one or more of the following service medals:

The 1939 – 45 Star

For operational service during World War II.

The Atlantic Star

To commemorate those who fought in the Battle of the Atlantic between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945.

The Air Crew Europe Star

For operational flying from United Kingdom bases over Europe between 3 September 1939 and 5 June 1944.

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The Defence Medal

For specified periods of service in non-operational areas subjected to air attack or closely threatened.

The Italy Star

For operational service on land in Sicily or Italy during the campaign from the capture of Pantellaria between 11 June 1943 until 8 May 1945, when active hostilities ended in Europe.

The France and Germany Star

For operational service on land in France, Belgium, Holland or Germany after the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 until 8 May 1945, when the active hostilities ended in Europe.

The Burma Star

For operational service in the Burma Campaign between 11 December 1941 and 2 September 1945.

The Africa Star

For operational service in North Africa between 10 June 1940 when Italy entered the war, to 12 May 1943, when operations against the enemy in North Africa ceased.

The Africa Star may also be awarded for operational service during the Syrian Campaign in the period from 8 June 1941 to 11 July 1941.

The Pacific Star

For operational service in the Pacific Theatre between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945.

The War Medal 1939 – 1945

For full-time service in the Armed Forces, wherever that service may have been rendered during the war. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration. In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea.

The Australia Service Medal 1939 – 1945

Awarded to all members of the Australian armed forces and those members of the Australian Mercantile Marine who served overseas for at least 18 months full-time service or three years’ part-time service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.

On 16 August 1996, the qualifying periods for the award of the Australia Service Medal 1939-45 were changed to 30 days full-time or 90 days part-time service, respectively.

The Civilian Service Medal 1939 – 1945

Introduced in 1994 to recognise service by Australian civilians in prescribed non-Defence organisations such as the Australian Women’s Land Army, the Civil Constructional Corps and the Red Cross Emergency Service Companies during World War II.

How do I apply for my relative’s medals?Whilst Defence Honours and Awards cannot provide replacement medals to the next of kin of a deceased recipient if they are lost or damaged, it may issue any unclaimed medals to the executor of the will (only at the time the will is being executed), or beneficiary of the will. If, however, after the estate is settled, there are any (future) unclaimed medals due to the member, please contact Defence Honours and Awards toll-free on 1800 111 321.

If you would like further information on eligibility or to ascertain what medals have been awarded or remain outstanding, please contact Defence Honours and Awards, or alternatively, complete an application form ‘Application for the Posthumous Issue of Medals and/or Clasps’, which can be found on the Defence Honours and Awards’ website at www.defence.gov.au/medals.

Can I wear my relative’s medals?Although not officially sanctioned, a protocol has been accepted that family members of a deceased recipient may wear that person’s medals on commemorative occasions such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

In these circumstances, the medals should be worn on the right side to show that the wearer is not the original recipient.

The Order of Wearing Australian Honours and AwardsThe Queen determines the placement of each element in the order of wearing Australian honours and awards, and a consolidation is notified by the Governor-General from time to time.

The most recent order was published on 25 September 2007 and is available from www.itsanhonour.gov.au or the DH&A website www.defence.gov.au/medals.

Defence Honours & Awards

Defence Honours and Awards

Website: www.defence.gov.au/medalsPhone: 1800 111 321 (toll free)Address: Defence Honours and Awards PO Box 7952 CANBERRA BC ACT 2610

Are you researching your family’s military history? These links may assist you.

www.itsanhonour.gov.au (medal information including Order of Wear)

www.gg.gov.au (Office of the Governor-General)

www.naa.gov.au (National Archives of Australia)

www.awm.gov.au (Australian War Memorial)

www.dva.gov.au (Department of Veterans’ Affairs)

www.rsl.org.au (Returned and Services League of Australia)

www.mod.uk (UK Ministry of Defence)

www.veterans-uk.info (UK Service Personnel & Veterans Agency)

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