South Atlantic Medal

 

The South Atlantic Medal was commissioned to recognise service during the Falklands campaign between 2 April and 12 June 1982. Information on the medal wsa released under Command Paper 8601, released in July 1982.

There were approximately 29,500 medals issued, with the vast majority of recipients being entitled to wear the rosette.

The obverse of this cupro-nickel Medal shows a crowned profile of Queen Elizabeth II, with "ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID. DEF." around the outer edge.

The reverse has a laurel wreath below the Arms of the Falkland Islands with "South Atlantic Medal" inscribed round the top.

The ribbon is 1.25" wide and is made up of a central green stripe in the centre, followed by a white stripe and then on the outer edges a watery blue. The ribbon is very similar to Atlantic Star medal from World War II and whose design is believed to be attributed to Queen Elizabet II,

There were no clasps issued with this medal, however a rosette was issued to indicate a soldiers presence within the Falklands exclusion zone.

To be eligible to wear the rosette a soldier had to complete a period of 1 or more days service in the Falkland Islands or their South Atlantic dependencies, or in a zone between 35 degrees South and 60 degrees South, or on any operation aircraft sorties out of Ascension Island between 2 April and 14 June 1982.

To wear the medal without a rosette the soldier was required to complete a period of service of 30 days or more in the area of 7 degrees South and 60 degrees South during the period 2 April and 12 June 1982. The 30 days service did not have to be consecutive days.

During this conflict there were 2 Victoria Crosses won, 16 Military Crosses and 34 Military Medals.

An account of the Falklands war can be seen on the SAMA82 web pages or a more in depth look can be gained on the site belonging to Gordon Smith.