Atlantic Star

Eligibility

Personnel had to first qualify for the 1939-45 Star, which required 6 months full time service. They could then qualify for one of the following stars: Aircrew Europe; Atlantic; or France and Germany. If they qualified for more than one, they wore the first awarded with clasps on it representing entitlement to others.

While sailors needed to serve for 6 months in designated waters, aircrew who had taken part in operations against the enemy at sea needed to have served for two months in an operational unit. All winners of gallantry medal, MIDs or whose service was terminated by death, disability ofr wounds due to service were also awarded the Star.

All Australian winners of WW2 Stars were also entitled to the War Medal 1939-45, and the Australian Service Medal 1939-45

Description

The Atlantic Star is a campaign medal, instituted in May 1945 for award to British Commonwealth forces who took part in the Battle of the Atlantic. The longest continuous campaign of the Second World War lasted from 3 Sep 1939 until 8 May 1945. Two clasps could be worn on the medal ribbon, 'Air Crew Europe' and 'France and Germany'.

The obverse has a central design of the Royal Cypher "GRI VI", surmounted by a crown. A circlet, the top of which is covered by the crown, surrounds the cypher and is inscribed "THE ATLANTIC STAR". The reverse is plain. Australian servicemen have their number rank and name embossed on the rear of the Star.

Notes

Content comes from a combination of Wikipedia and the Australian War Memorial websites. The Atlantic Star is worn immediately following the 1939-45 Star and before any other campaign medals.