Eligibility and criteria: The 1939-45 Star was awarded for service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. The medal was for six months service on active operations for Army and Navy, and two months for active air crew.
Description: The six-pointed star is yellow, copper-zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words “The 1939-45 Star”. The ribbon consists
of three equal stripes: dark blue, red, and light blue (representing the Navy, Army and Air Force).
Bars: Battle of Britain – This bar was awarded to those members of the crews of fighter aircraft who took part in the Battle of Britain between 10 July and 31 October 1940.
The Bomber Command – For veterans who served with the British Forces, the bar is worn on the 1939-45 Star. For Canadian Armed Forces veterans, the bar is worn on the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.
Clasps: The ‘BATTLE OF BRITAIN’ clasp was awarded to eligible air crew, which included Canadians, involved in the Battle of Britain. The ‘BOMBER COMMAND’ clasp was introduced in 2012 and is awarded to eligible Bomber Command aircrew.
Physical description: The medal is approximately 44.5mm in height and 51mm in width. The ribbon is 32 millimeters wide. The ribbon colours represent the Royal and Merchant Navies, the Army and the Royal Air Forces.