Creighton Medals


David S. Creighton (1913-1998)
The Defence Medal
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal
The War Medal 1939-1945


This is a non-commercial reproduction of the original copyright holder, Veterans Affairs Canada

The Defence Medal


Terms

Although the medal was usually awarded to Canadians for six months service in Britain between 03 September 1939 and 08 May 1945, the exact terms were: Service in the forces in non-operational areas subjected to air attack or closely threatened, providing such service lasted for three or more years. Service overseas or outside the country of residence, providing that such service lasted for one year, except in territories threatened by the enemy or subject to bomb attacks, in which case it was six months prior to 02 September 1945. Under the terms of this last condition, Canadians serving for one year in Newfoundland were eligible and persons serving for six months in Hong Kong were also eligible. The qualifying period in mine and bomb disposal was three months. Canadians serving in West Africa, Palestine and India, other than operational air crew, qualified for this medal. Those awarded the GC or GM for civil defence received this medal. Home Guard and others in Britain qualified for this medal.

"Please note that the above is only a summary outline of the conditions that apply to this medal. Additional information and a list of qualifing areas of service are available from the Honours and Awards Section, Veterans Affairs Canada, 66 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P4"

Bar

There was no bar to this medal.

Description

A circular, silver (.800 fine) medal, 1.42 inches in diameter. The British issue medals were made of cupro-nickel.

Obverse

The obverse shows the bareheaded 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-swivelling 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.

Dates

The award was established on 16 August 1945.

Issued

There were 325,000 medals issued to Canadians.

The Defence Medal
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