The following decorations were awarded to members of the regiment during World War II, 1939-1945:
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Companion of the Order of the Bath - CBA total of only 16 Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: This includes both World Wars)
The order was founded in 1725. The Most Honourable And Ancient Order Of The Bath was presented for service of the highest calibre. The order has a civil and a military division with three levels in each division:
The crimson ribbon is 1.5 inches wide. A ring is attached to the top of the crown through which a larger ring passes. Military Companions (CB) wear only the neck badge (1.5″ wide). The badge is a gold Maltese cross of eight points, enamelled white, each point tipped with a gold ball, and in each angle between the arms of the cross, a gold lion. The central device consists of the rose, thistle and shamrock issuing from a sceptre and three crowns. Surrounding the central device is a red enamelled bandlet with TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO in gold. Around this circle are two branches of laurel, enamelled green, and below this is a blue enamel scroll with ICH DIEN in gold. The reverse that is similar in appearance to its obverse. |
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Commander of the Order of the British Empire - CBE
A total of 77 Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: This includes both World Wars)
The order was established in June 1917. In December 1918, military and civil divisions were established. King George V created the order with five levels. The first two levels confer knighthood, and other three levels are:
The civil ribbon is rose-pink with pearl grey edges. The military ribbon has a narrow central stripe of pearl grey added. Only after 01 January 1958, gallantry awards were recognized with silver oak leaves. For the CBE there is no star and the badge (2.5″ wide), is smaller than that of the KBE. A cross patonce (four arms with three points on each arm) of silver-gilt is gold in appearance with the arms enamelled pearl-grey, surmounted by an Imperial Crown. In the centre, are the crowned effigies of King George V and his consort Queen Mary. The centre is surrounded by a circular band, enamelled crimson and bearing the motto FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE in gold. |
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Distinguished Service Order - DSO
A total of 150 Distinguished Service Orders (DSO) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: This includes both World Wars)
The Royal Warrant was published in the London Gazette on 09 November 1886. The order was established for rewarding individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in war. This is a military order for officers only, and while normally given for service under fire or under conditions equivalent to service in actual combat with the enemy, it was awarded between 1914 and 1916 under circumstances which could not be regarded as under fire. After 01 January 1917, commanders in the field were instructed to recommend this award only for those serving under fire. Prior to 1943, the order could be given only to someone Mentioned-in-Dispatches. The order is generally given to officers in command, above the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and awards to ranks below this are usually for a high degree of gallantry just short of deserving the Victoria Cross. The red ribbon is 1.125 inches wide with narrow blue edges. A rosette is worn on the ribbon in undress to signify the award of a bar. A ring at the top of the medal attaches to a ring at the bottom of a gold bar, ornamented with laurel. At the top of the ribbon is a second gold bar ornamented with laurel. A gold cross, enamelled gold and edged in gold. In the centre, within a wreath of laurel, enamelled green, the Imperial Crown in gold upon a red enamelled ground. The reverse that is similar in appearance to its obverse. Officially unnamed, some recipients have privately had their names engraved on the back of the suspension bar. |
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Officer of the Order of the British Empire - OBE
A total of 170 Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: This includes both World Wars)
The order was established in June 1917. In December 1918, military and civil divisions were established. King George V created the order with five levels. The first two levels confer knighthood, and other three levels are:
The civil ribbon is rose-pink with pearl grey edges. The military ribbon has a narrow central stripe of pearl grey added. Only after 01 January 1958, gallantry awards were recognized with silver oak leaves. The silver-gilt badge (2″ wide) is gold in appearance with no enamels. A cross patonce (four arms with three points on each arm) with the arms is surmounted by an Imperial Crown. In the centre, are the crowned effigies of King George V and his consort Queen Mary. The centre is surrounded by a circular band and bearing the motto FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE. On the reverse a rope circle with the current Royal Cypher, is surmounted by an Imperial Crown and with a hallmark on the lower limb. |
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Member of the Order of the British Empire - MBE
A total of 203 Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: This includes both World Wars)
The order was established in June 1917. In December 1918, military and civil divisions were established. King George V created the order with five levels. The first two levels confer knighthood, and other three levels are:
The civil ribbon is rose-pink with pearl grey edges. The military ribbon has a narrow central stripe of pearl grey added. Only after 01 January 1958, gallantry awards were recognized with silver oak leaves. A member wears a silver badge (2″ wide) with no enamels. A cross patonce (four arms with three points on each arm) with the arms is surmounted by an Imperial Crown. In the centre, are the crowned effigies of King George V and his consort Queen Mary. The centre is surrounded by a circular band and bearing the motto FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE. On the reverse a rope circle with the current Royal Cypher, is surmounted by an Imperial Crown and with a hallmark on the lower limb. |
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Military Cross - MC
A total of 458 Military Crosses (MC) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: This includes both World Wars)
The Military Cross was established on 28 December 1915. The Military Cross can be awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below (therefore acting and temporary Majors are eligible) or Warrant Officers for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. In 1920, the terms were altered to clearly state the award was for gallant and distinguished services in action and that naval and air force officers could be awarded the cross for gallant and distinguished services on the ground. A watered white ribbon (1.375″ wide), with a central purple stripe (0.5″ wide). The ring welded to the top of the cross is joined to the plain straight suspender ring by a small ring (3 rings). A plain silver cross, 1.75 inches across, on each arm of the cross is an Imperial Crown and in the centre of the cross is the Imperial and Royal Cypher of the reigning sovereign (GVI). The reverse is plain with the year of the award engraved on the lower arm. |
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Distinguished Conduct Medal - DCM
A total of 187 Distinguished Conduct Medals (DCM) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: This includes both World Wars)
The DCM was created on 04 December 1854 because of the Crimea War. The DCM was awarded to Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, serving in any of the sovereign’s military forces, for distinguished conduct in the field. It was thus the second highest award for gallantry in action (after the Victoria Cross) for all army ranks below commissioned officers. The crimson ribbon is 1.25 inches wide with a dark blue central stripe (0.375). An ornate scroll suspender is attached to the medal by a single-toe claw. A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter with a crowned effigy, facing left, with the legend: GEORGEIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: On the reverse shows on four lines (as below) FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD With a horizontal line through a small oval wreath below the wording. The service number, rank, initials, surname and unit of the recipient are impressed in plain block capitals around the rim of the medal. |
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George Medal - GM
A total of only 11 George Medals (GM) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: This includes both World Wars)
The George Medal was established on 24 September 1940. The medal was awarded only for acts of great bravery and was intended primarily for civilians. Awards to the military were confined to actions for which purely military honours were not normally granted. The red ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, with five equally spaced thin blue stripes. A single-toe scroll claw at the top of the medal has a hollow ball through which a larger silver ring passes. The circular silver medal is 1.42 inches in diameter shows a crowned effigy of King George VI facing left and encircled with GEORGEIVS VID: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: On the reverse shows St. George on horseback slaying the Dragon with the legend THE GEORGE MEDAL around the top edge of the medal. Servicemen have their first name and surname plus rank and regiment engraved in Roman capital letters usually with serifs. |
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Military Medal - MM
A total of 890 Military Medals (MM) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: this includes both World Wars)
The medal is awarded to Warrant Officers, non -commissioned officers and men for individual or associated acts of bravery on the recommendation of a Commander-in-Chief in the field. A dark blue ribbon, 1.25 inches wide, with five equal centre stripes of white, red, white, red, and white (0.125″ each). An ornate scroll suspender is attached to the medal with a single-toe claw. A circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter shows a crowned effigy of King George VI facing left and encircled with GEORGEIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP. On the reverse shows on four lines (as below) FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD Encircled by a laurel wreath and surmounted by the Royal Cypher and Imperial Crown. The regimental or equivalent number, rank, initials, surname and unit of the recipient appear in plain block capitals around the edge of the medal. |
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British Empire Medal - BEM
A total of 94 British Empire Medals (BEM) were awarded to members of the Australian and Commonwealth Military Forces as at 31st July 1946 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Note: this includes both World Wars)
The medal was created by Royal Warrant on 29 December 1922. The EGM was superseded by the George Cross on 24 September 1940 and the BEM was thereafter awarded for gallantry as well as service. This medal replaced the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (1917-1922) and had a military and a civil division. The medal was awarded for meritorious service which warranted such a mark of royal appreciation. The Military division medal was awarded to subordinate personnel only: non-commissioned officers, Petty Officers, and men who were eligible for the military division of the various levels of this order. After the Empire Gallantry Medal (EGM) was superseded by the George Cross, the BEM continued to be awarded for gallantry but of a degree less than that required to earn the George Medal. With the institution of the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, the award of the BEM and later admitted to the order could continued to wear the BEM. The ribbon is rose-pink with pear-grey edges (1.25″ wide). The military ribbon has a narrow, pearl-grey central stripe added. Only since 06 December 1957 has a silver oak leaf has been worn to signify an award for gallantry. The laurel leaves on the underside of a straight bar attached to the medal by a single-toe claw. On a thin, circular, silver medal, 1.42 inches in diameter Britannia is shown seated, the sun to her right and the legend around the edge: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE and in exergue below: FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE. On the reverse the Royal Cypher is surmounted by a crown and at the bottom within a border of four heraldic lions are the words: INSTITUTED BY KING GEORGE V Military awards have the service number, full name and unit engraved around the rim. |
The following Service Medals were awarded to members of the regiment who served during World War II, 1939-1945:
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1939-1945 Star
Description
The 1939-45 Star is awarded for service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945 for:
Design 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’. Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse. Ribbon The ribbon has three vertical stripes of dark blue, red and light blue. The dark blue stripe represents the Naval Forces and the Merchant Navy, the red stripe the Armies and the light blue stripe the Air Forces. |
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Africa Star
Description
The Africa Star was granted for operational service in North Africa from the date of the entry of Italy into the war on 10 June 1940, up to the date of the cessation of operations against the enemy in North Africa on 12 May 1943. The Africa Star may also be awarded for operational service as a member of the Australian Defence Force during the Syrian Campaign in the period from 8 June 1941 to 11 July 1941. The Africa Star is awarded for a minimum of one days operational service in North Africa, west of the Suez Canal between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 and in Syria between 8 June 1941 and 11 July 1941. Design 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 Africa Star’. Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse. Ribbon The ribbon colours represent the desert and the service of the Armies, Naval Forces, Merchant Navy and the Air Forces. |
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Pacific Star
Description
The Pacific Star is awarded for entry into operational service in the Pacific Theatre of Operations between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Navy and Merchant Navy personnel are eligible if the 1939-45 Star is earned by six months service or if they entered the Pacific Theatre between 2 March 1945 and 2 September 1945. United States Army Small Ships The Pacific Star is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel. See required evidence to support a claim. Design 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 Pacific Star’. Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse. Ribbon The ribbon has central yellow and green stripes that represent the forests and the beaches of the Pacific, flanked dark blue, light blue and red stripes that represent the service of the Naval Forces and Merchant Navy, the Air Forces and the Armies. |
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Defence Medal
Description
The Defence Medal is awarded for six months service in a prescribed non-operational area subject to enemy air attack or closely threatened, in Australia and overseas, or for 12 months service in non-prescribed non-operational areas. Within Australia the area is the Northern Territory, north of 14 degrees 30 minutes south, and the Torres Strait Islands between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Overseas service includes the Middle East, east of the Suez Canal (less the period of the Syrian Campaign) or Malaya prior to the Japanese invasion on 8 December 1941. Design The medal is cupro-nickel, with the uncrowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has a conventional oak tree centrally, with a crown above, with two lions counter rampart as supporters between the dates 1939 and 1945. The base of the medal reverse has the words ‘THE DEFENCE MEDAL’. Ribbon The ribbon is orange with green outer stripes, each green stripe having a black pin-stripe running down the centre. The green represents the Islands of the United Kingdom, the orange represents enemy attacks, and the black represents the black outs. |
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War Medal 1939-1945
Description
The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded for 28 days full-time service in the Armed Forces between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration. In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea. A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945. United States Army Small Ships The War Medal 1939-45 is awarded to Australian Civilian Personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility is the same as that for Merchant Navy personnel. Design The medal is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has a lion standing on a double-headed dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945. Ribbon The ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag. |
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Australia Service Medal 1939-1945
Description
The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during World War II. The medal was originally awarded to those who served at home or overseas for at least 18 month full-time service, or three years part-time service, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Members of the Australian Mercantile Marine must have served the qualifying time at sea. In 1996 the qualifying time was reduced to 30 days full-time or 90 days part-time service. To be eligible for the medal a serviceman or woman must have been honourably discharged from the Australian Armed Forces. Design The medal is nickel silver with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has the Australian coat of arms, placed centrally, surrounded by the words ‘THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945’. Ribbon The ribbon has a wide khaki central stripe, flanked by two narrow red stripes, which are in turn flanked by two outer stripes, one of dark blue and the other of light blue. The khaki represents the Australian Army, and the red, dark blue and light blue represent the Merchant Navy, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force respectively. |
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Greek Commemorative War Medal
The Medal for the War of 1940–1941 was instituted by Royal Decree of August 19th 1947 to recognize the actions of the Royal Greek Armed Forces who took part in the war efforts from the outbreak of the war in Greece in 1940 until the fall of Crete in 1941 (it covers the campaigns in Epirus, Albania, Macedonia, Thrace and Crete.)
The medal was also awarded to foreign forces that fought on Greek soil. Design The medal can either be of bronze or of gilt. The riband is of a dark blue color with a pale blue center stripe and two narrow white edge stripes. Some variations have a more grey stripe in the center. Every recipient receives a certificate with the recipients name. The obverse bears the head of King George II, surrounded with a laurel wreath. The wreath is at the top joined by a crown. In 1983 the obverse was changed because of the changing of Greece from a kingdom to a republic in 1974. From 1983 the obverse shows a headless winged female figure above the inscription “1940-41”. The figure is surrounded by a laurel wreath, at the top joined by the Greek word for “Greece”. The reverse has original a Greek inscription meaning “1940-41 Eprius, Albania, Macedonia, Thrace, Crete” for Army medals and “1940-41 Aegean, Ionian, Myrtoum, Adriatic” for Navy medals. From 1983 the “1940-41” was removed but the rest remained. |