Re: help id'ing WW2 medals
Full size medals are: L to R
1. The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal 1939-1945
2. The War Medal 1939-1945
Miniature size medals are: L to R
3. The Star Medal 1939-1945
4. The Atlantic Star Medal
5. The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal 1939-1945 (Can you read what the clasp on the medal reads?)
6. The War Medal 1939-1945
1 and 5: The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal was instituted October 1943.On the obverse seven men and women in the uniforms of the various services, marching in step and the reverse the Canadian national arms. Awarded for eighteen months voluntary service in the Canadian forces from 3 September 1939 to 1 March 1947. The seven marching personnel are based on real people taken from National Defence photographs, representing the land, sea and air forces plus a nurse. 650,000 have been awarded including 525,500 with the overseas bar.
2 and 6: The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded 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
3: The 1939–45 Star was awarded for any period of operational service overseas between 3 Sep 1939 and 8 May 1945 (2 Sep 1945 in the Far East). The criteria are 180 days’ service between these dates, although some special criteria apply when, at certain specified times, just 1 days’ service is required. Naval personnel qualify after 180 days afloat in areas of operations as laid out in the regulations between certain specified dates. RAF air crew will qualify with 60 days service in an operational unit including at least one operational sortie. Air crew of fighter aircraft engaged in the Battle of Britain between 10 July and 31 October 1940 were awarded the Clasp 'Battle of Britain' to be worn on the ribbon of the 1939-45 Star.
4: Atlantic Star Medal Can only be awarded after the 1939-45 Star has been qualified for. Atlantic Star awarded for 180 days’ additional service as ships crew (Royal Navy or Army) in Home Waters or the Atlantic. Certain special conditions apply governing award of the Star for those Naval personnel entering service less than 6 months before the end of the qualifying period, provided it was the last operational theatre in which they served. RAF air crew will qualify after award of the 1939-45 Star for an additional 60 days service in an operational unit having taken part in operations against the enemy at sea.
Campaign History
The Battle of the Atlantic took place between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 as German U-boats (submarines) attacked the convoys transporting valuable supplies from America and the colonies to Britain. Battleships of the Royal Navy and aircraft of the RAF escorted the convoys, hunted the U-boats and, despite some notable successes by the U-boats, the Allies won a comprehensive victory in the Atlantic
The badges: L to R. They are not part of the medals they are attached to.
The General Service Badge. Awarded to members of the Naval, Military or Air Forces of Canada who have declared their willingness, or who have engaged, to serve in any of the said forces on active service beyond Canada and Overseas, during the present war, and who have been honourably ceased to serve on active service:
1.After not less than three months of continuous paid service.
2.By reason of physical disability.
The RCAF Reserve Pin. The RCAF lapel pin is awarded to those who were transfered to the Reserve General Class "E" on the completion of their active service.
The patch: Per Ardua Ad Astra ("Through adversity to the stars" or "Through struggle to the stars") is the motto of the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces such as the RAAF, RCAF, and RNZAF.
This information should get you pointed in the right direction.
Mike
USAF Retired
