The War Medal 1939-45
Overview
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded to fulltime members of the Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy across the British Commonwealth for 28 days of service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.
Description
The War Medal 1939-45 is silver in colour and circular in shape. The obverse features the effigy of King George VI. On the reverse is a triumphant lion trampling on a dragon symbolising the Axis powers.
The ribbon represents the (British) Union Flag with a narrow central red stripe bordered by a narrow white stripe on either side. Broad stripes of blue and red flank the central white and red stripes.
No clasps or bars were issued for this medal.
Eligibility
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the British Commonwealth for 28 days of full-time service, either operational or non-operational, in any location between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. It was also awarded to the Merchant Navy personnel for 28 days service anywhere at sea between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.
The full eligibility criteria for the eight Second World War campaign stars (instituted before 1947) and the two British war service medals can be viewed in Campaign Stars and Commemorative Medals instituted for the 1939-45 War, (PDF, 3.4 MB)a British Army pamphlet, issued in 1947 or 1948, which includes NZ Army handwritten annotations.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The War Medal 1939-45 is worn as a war medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is always worn after the Defence Medal and before the New Zealand War Service Medal.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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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.
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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.