The Arctic Star

Description

The Arctic Star is a retrospective award announced in late 2012, nearly 70 years after the conclusion of the Second World War. The Queen formally approved its distribution to individuals who participated in the Arctic Convoys during the Second World War, and production commenced in early 2013.

The Arctic Star is a unique British medal in that it is the first to be instituted and bestowed using a deceased monarch’s cypher or effigy, and the monarch did not grant permission for its establishment.

The ribbon features a 3,5 millimetre wide Air Force blue band, a 6 millimetre wide Navy blue band, a 4 millimetre wide red band, and a ¼ millimetre wide black pinstripe band. These bands are repeated in reverse order and are separated by a 4,5 millimetre wide white band. The ribbon is 32 millimetres in width. The three colours denote the forces that participated in the campaign: the Air Forces are represented by light blue, the Navy by dark blue, and the Merchant Navy by red. The central white band, which is outlined in black, symbolises the Arctic.

This design was submitted to the Royal Mint Advisory Committee by the Ministry of Defence. The Queen was requested to approve their recommendation.

Requirements

The Arctic Star is awarded for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945. The Arctic Star commemorates the Arctic Convoys that sailed to North Russia to support the Soviet allies.

To apply for the Arctic Star, you must have:

• service of any length, either afloat or as part of land operations, north of the Arctic Circle, in the army, Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, and RAF (Royal Air Force) ground crew
• service of any length as RAF aircrew who landed or served in the air north of the Arctic Circle
• approved civilians who served in support of military operations north of the Arctic Circle