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The Artic Star

The Arctic Star

Overview

Instituted by the United Kingdom in 2012, the Arctic Star is awarded to those who served in the areas above the Arctic Circle during the Second World War. The Arctic Star commemorates service in the Arctic Convoys to North Russia and their escorts.

Description

The Arctic Star is bronze in colour. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by the Tudor Crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words 'THE ARCTIC STAR'.  

The three colours of the ribbon represent the forces that were involved in the campaign: light blue for the Air Forces, dark blue for the Navy, and red for the Merchant Navy, while the central white band, edged in black represents the Arctic.  

Eligibility

The Artic Star recognises operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle (66°, 32° N) between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945. This includes:  

  • Service by personnel of any Service on the 'Russian Convoys'; 
  • Service in RAF Coastal Command, other RAF Squadrons and Fleet Air Arm crew who flew at least one sortie north of the Arctic Circle;
  • Army personnel who took part in land operations north of the Arctic Circle;
  • Army and Royal Marines personnel who served in His Majesty's ships or Merchant ships north of the Arctic Circle;
  • Merchant Navy personnel other than the Russian Convoys, who served north of the Arctic Circle

Queries and Requests

  • Wearing this medal

    The Arctic Star is worn as a war medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear.  It is always worn after the Air Crew Europe Star and before the Africa Star.

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Applying for this medal

    NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational and service medals to current and former NZDF members.

    If you or someone you know may be eligible, you can apply through our application page.

    Apply for unclaimed medals

  • Checking if this medal was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record