The Africa Star

Description

The Africa Star is a military campaign medal established by the United Kingdom on 8 July 1943. It was awarded to British and Commonwealth forces who served in North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 during the Second World War. The colours of the ribbon symbolise the desert and the three services.

Requirements

The Africa Star is awarded to personnel who served in North Africa, Malta or Egypt between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943.

To apply for the Africa Star, the person must have:

• One day of operational service in the army in the above qualifying areas.
• One day of operational service as ground crew in the RAF in the above qualifying areas.
• One operational sortie as aircrew in the RAF in the above qualifying areas.
• One day afloat in the Mediterranean in the Royal Navy.

Regulations issued in 1945 only allow one clasp, the first one qualified for, to be worn with the Africa Star. 

• The North Africa 1942–43 Clasp was awarded for service with the 18th Army Group Headquarters between 15 February 1942 and 12 February 1943 inclusive, for Navy and Merchant Navy personnel in shore service, or for Air Force service in specified areas from 23 October 1942 to 12 May 1943 inclusive. In undress, a silver rosette worn on the ribbon bar denotes the award of this clasp.
• The 8th Army Clasp was awarded for service with the Eighth Army between 23 October 1942 and 12 May 1943 inclusive. An Arabic numeral “8” is worn on the ribbon bar in undress to denote the award of this clasp.
• The 1st Army Clasp was awarded for service with the First Army between 8 November 1942 and 12 May 1943. An Arabic numeral “1” is worn on the ribbon bar in undress to denote the award of this clasp.