Basic Information

The basics

The War Medal 1939-1945, awarded to personnel within the armed forces of Britain and the British Commonwealth. Complete with box and ribbon. This one appears to have been awarded to a Leading Aircraft Woman, although I could not find a name. Being an LACW, they most likely served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.

The medal's emblem consists of the side profile of King George VI on the obverse, encompassed by a Latin inscription translating to "GEORGE VI, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, KING OF ALL THE BRITAINS AND EMPEROR OF INDIA". 

The reverse depicts a lion crushing a two-headed dragon, with the head of an eagle and the head of a dragon (representing enemies in the Europe and in the Pacific). The years "1939" and "1945" can be seen at the top and to the left, the initials "ECRP" can be seen - the initials of the designer of the medal, Edward Carter Preston.

The ribbon consists of a a pair of red stripes along either side, followed by two navy blue stripes and a white centre upon which is a single narrow red stripe.

 

Item Condition

So you know what to expect

Fine condition, albeit with some degree of wear to be expected of an item from the period. There are some instances of mild wear and tear such as patina, oxidation and minor marks in places.

The ribbon also has some mild marks or loose lint in some areas upon a more thorough inspection.

Otherwise, fine condition

 

Historical and Contextual Information

For your own interest

This medal was awarded to full-time personnel of the armed forces or Merchant Navy who served at least 28 days of active service during WWII. 

The medal was also awarded to personnel before the required 28 days if they were captured as a POW, killed in action or wounded so that they could no longer serve. If a soldier had been awarded a campaign star medal before serving 28 days, they were also eligible for the War Medal 1939-1945.

This one was seemingly awarded to a Leading Aircraft Woman (with a modern equivalent rank of an OR-2 rank).

WAAF personnel played a vital role in the war, and were tasked with numerous responsibilities such as analysing air reconnaissance photographs, intelligence, radio operating, radar operating and as plotters in the operations rooms. Some were also selected to take part in special operations as part of the SOE.