This mounted group of five British WWII medals represents the service of a soldier or officer in multiple theaters of war. The medals are mounted in order of precedence and include campaign and general service medals awarded for active duty between 1939 and 1945.
Medals (From Left to Right)
1. The 1939–1945 Star
Material: Bronze
Ribbon: Dark blue, red, and light blue stripes, representing the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
Eligibility:
Awarded for six months of operational service during WWII in Army and Navy, or two months for aircrew.
Significance:
Recognizes general service during WWII, including participation in major campaigns.
2. The Africa Star with 1st Army Clasp
Material: Bronze
Ribbon: Pale buff (desert sand), with central dark blue, red, and light blue stripes, symbolizing the three military branches.
Eligibility:
Awarded for service in North Africa between 10 June 1940 – 12 May 1943.
The 1st Army Clasp indicates service with the British First Army, which fought in Tunisia (1942-1943).
Significance:
Recognizes combat or operational service in North Africa, particularly in the battles of El Alamein, Tunisia, and the Western Desert Campaign.
3. The Italy Star
Material: Bronze
Ribbon: Red, white, and green stripes, representing the Italian flag.
Eligibility:
Awarded for service in the Italian campaign from 11 June 1943 to 8 May 1945.
Significance:
Recognizes participation in the Sicilian landings, Anzio, Monte Cassino, and the final push into Northern Italy.
4. The Defence Medal (1939–1945)
Material: Cupro-nickel (Silver appearance)
Ribbon: Green with orange and black edges, symbolizing the British Isles under air attack.
Eligibility:
Awarded for three years of service in Britain, or one year overseas in a non-operational area.
Significance:
Recognizes civil and military defense efforts, including home front service, anti-aircraft units, and civil defense volunteers.
5. The 1939–1945 War Medal
Material: Cupro-nickel (Silver appearance)
Ribbon: Red center stripe with black and white edges, symbolizing the British Empire’s struggle.
Eligibility:
Awarded to all personnel who served for 28 days or more between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.
Significance:
Recognizes general war service, including active duty and non-combat support roles.
Overall Significance of This Group
This set of five medals suggests the recipient:
Served in multiple WWII theaters, including North Africa and Italy.
Was likely part of British land forces, given the 1st Army Clasp on the Africa Star.
Completed full wartime service (1939-1945), indicated by the War Medal and Defence Medal.
Possible Units:
British Army infantry or armored regiments (e.g., 8th Army, 1st Army, Royal Artillery).
Possibly attached to Commonwealth forces or specialist support units in the Mediterranean.