Defence Medal

Generally speaking, this medal was awarded for three years service in Great Britain between Sept 1939 and 8th May 1945 or six months overseas in territories subjected to, or threatened by enemy attacks. The time was extended to forces overseas until 15th August 1945, the end of the war in the Pacific. In the case of mine and bomb disposal units the time qualification was three months.

This cupro-nickel medal bears the uncrowned head of King George VI and the legend " GEORGE VI D:BR OMN:REX F: D: IND: IMP".

The reverse shows the Royal Crown resting above a small oak tree and flanked by two heraldic lions. The words "THE DEFENCE MEDAL" are shown below the crest and the dates 1939 and 1945 appear in the top left and right respectively. The suspender is a straight non-swivelling economy type riveted to the metal.

The ribbon is 1.25" wide, with green edges to symbolises the green fields of Britain, with a wide a central orange strip to represent the flames of the blitz and narrow black stripes to represent the deaths of people during the bombings.