WWII~SET OF THREE MEDALS~NAMED~62280  P.J. HARMSE~VGC

WWII WAR MEDAL, AFRICA STAR, AND THE 1939-45 Star

WWII WAR MEDAL, AFRICA STAR, AND THE 1939-45 Star

WAR MEDAL

This medal was awarded to all full-time personnel of the Armed Forces. Operational and non-operational service of at least 28 days counted. The Merchant Navy requirement stated that the 28 days minimum should be served at sea. The recipient was awarded this medal if their service period was terminated by their death, disability due to service or capture as a prisoner-of-war and their service qualified them for one of the stars. Also if the recipient had received one of the stars for a service period of less than 28 days, they were also awarded the War Medal.

The War Medal were made from cupro-nickel, whilst the Canadian War Medal are made from silver.

Those War Medal issued to UK personnel were not officially named. However, those issued to Australian and SA personnel were officially named. 

Africa Star

This medal was awarded for 1 or more days service in North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 (inclusive).

Royal and Merchant Navy qualified through service in the Mediterranean between these two dates. Also service in the campaigns  in Abyssinia, Somaliland and Eritrea between 10 June 1940 and 27 September 1941 would qualify. Merchant Navy would also qualify with service in operations off the Moroccan coast between 8 November 1942 and 12 May 1943.

Army personnel had to enter North Africa on the establishment of an operational unit. Service in Abyssinia, Sudan, Somaliland and Eritrea also qualified. Service in West Africa did not qualify for this medal.

RAF personnel had to land in, or flown over, any of the areas previously mentioned.

There were 3 clasps for this medal: 8th Army, 1st Army and North Africa 1942-43. Only one bar could be worn on the medal. If a recipient was entitled to more than one clasp, they wore the first clasp gained.