Defence Medal

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The detailed descriptions and images were kindly donated by Sarah Jane Framing. Specialists in the refurbishment and framing of medals and other military memorabilia.

The Defence Medal

History:
Awarded to service personnel for three years' service at home or six months' service overseas in territories subjected to air attack or otherwise closely threatened. Personnel of Anti-Aircraft Command, RAF ground crews, Dominion forces stationed in the UK, the Home Guard, Civil Defence, National Fire Service and many other civilian units qualified for the medal.

Observe:
The obverse shows the uncrowned coinage effigy of King George VI, facing left, and the legend:
GEORGEIVS VI D: BR: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP:

Reverse:
On the reverse, the Royal Crown rests on the stump of an oak tree, flanked by a lion and a lioness. At the top left is the date 1939, and at the top right, the date 1945. In exergue, though not ruled off, is the wording: THE DEFENCE/MEDAL.

Mounting:
A plain, straight, non-swiveling suspender with a single-toe claw.

Ribbon:
The light green ribbon is 1.25 inches wide with a central stripe of orange (0.5" wide) and a narrow black stripe in the middle of each green stripe. The orange (flame colour) represents the enemy attacks on the green land of England and the black represents the black-outs.

Date:
The award was established on 16th August 1945.

Metal:
Cupro-Nickel.

Size:
36mm.

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The Defence Medal