Awards of
World War IIThe British award – the Atlantic Star – was created as a commemorative award for all those who served in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.
Materials:
copper, zinc.
Award recipient:
Persons who served in the Atlantic during World War II.
Reasons for award:
Service in the Atlantic Ocean, British territorial waters, and participation in Atlantic convoys to Russia and South Africa.
The Atlantic Star was awarded for six months of service in the Atlantic or British territorial waters from 3 September 1938 to 8 May 1945. This star was also awarded to crews who participated in combat operations and to naval personnel, provided they served for at least two months in the operational area.
Merchant Navy sailors could also receive this medal if they served in the Atlantic, British territorial waters, or participated in convoys to northern Russia or South Africa.
If service in these theaters was interrupted by death, disability, or injury, the serviceman automatically received the Atlantic Star. Those who were awarded a medal for bravery or mentioned in the King's Dispatches during their service in this region were also entitled to receive this award immediately.
According to regulations, after being awarded the Atlantic Star, a serviceman could not be awarded the European Aircrew Star or the French and German Star. If one of these medals was awarded, a clasp to the Atlantic Star ribbon was issued instead. Furthermore, the rules stipulate that only one clasp may be worn: the one the recipient previously received.
The Atlantic Star is six-pointed, with a distance of 44 mm between the opposite rays, made of a copper-zinc alloy. On the obverse, in the center, are the initials of King George VI, surmounted by the British crown, surrounded by the inscription "Atlantic Star."
The reverse side of the award is plain, with the exception of awards for Australia and South Africa, which have the recipient's name engraved on them.
The award's ribbon was designed by King George VI and consists of iridescent stripes of blue, white, and green.