Lancashire Barlow - William (Billy) Barlow Medals

MEDAL DESCRIPTIONS

THE WAR MEDAL 1939-1945
	All fulltime personnel of the armed forces wherever they were serving, so long as they had served for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945 were eligible for this medal. It was granted in addition to the campaign stars and the Defence Medal. A few categories of civilians, such as war correspondents and ferry pilots who had flown in operational theatres, also qualified. For members of the Merchant Navy the 28 days had to be served at sea. BARS A single oak leaf emblem is worn to signify a Mention-in-Despatches and the silver oak leaf signifying a King's Commendation for Brave Conduct is worn on this medal. There is no bar other than these emblems. DESCRIPTION A circular medal, 1.42 inches in diameter.
OBVERSE The obverse shows the crowned coinage effigy of King George VI, facing left, and the legend GEORGIVS VI D : BR : OMN : REX ET INDIAE IMP : REVERSE The reverse device shows a lion standing wanton on the body of a double-headed dragon. The dragons heads are those of an eagle and a dragon to signify the principal occidental and oriental enemies. At the top, just right of centre are the dates 1939/1945 in two lines. MOUNTING A plain, straight non-swivelling suspender with a single-toe claw. RIBBON The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide and consists of 7 coloured stripes: red, dark blue, white, narrow red (centre), white, dark blue, and red. NAMING The medals were issued unnamed, except those awarded to personnel of the Canadian Merchant Marine and RCMP, which were named on the rim. Australian and South African versions were also named. DATES The award was established on 16 August 1945. ISSUED There were 700,000 issued. 4,450 to the Canadian Merchant Marine. METAL Cupro-Nickel S ilver (.800 fine) - Canada SIZE 36mm

THE 1939-1945 STAR
	The first in a series of eight bronze star issued for service in the Second World War, it was awarded to personnel who had completed six months' service in specified operational commands overseas, between September 3, 1939 and August 15, 1945, though in certain cases the minimum period was shortened. Any service curtailed by death, injury or capture also qualified, as did the award of a decoration or a mention in despatches. BARs Battle of Britain: This bar was awarded to those members of the crews of fighter aircraft who took part in the Battle of Britain between 10 July and 31 October 1940. This bar is sewn directly on to the ribbon and is denoted by a gilt rosette when the ribbon is worn alone. DESCRIPTION A six-pointed star. 1.5 inches
OBVERSE The star has a circular centre with the GRI/VI monogram, surmounted by a crown and inscribed THE 1939 - 1945 STAR round the foot. REVERSE Plain MOUNTING A small ring at the top of the cross through which a larger ring passes. RIBBON The ribbon consists of three equal stripes: dark blue, red, and light blue (representing the navy, army and air force). NAMING Issued un-named DATES 1945 ISSUED Total issued - ? Canadians received 305,000 stars, 88 with bars. METAL Bronze SIZE Height 44mm Max Width 38mm

THE FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR
	Awarded for operational service in France, Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany from 6 June 1944 to 8 May 1945. Service in the North Sea, English Channel and Bay of Biscay in connection with the campaign in Northern Europe also qualified. Prior eligibility for the Atlantic or Air Crew Europe Stars entitled personnel only to a bar for France and Germany. Conversely a first award of the France and Germany Star could earn an Atlantic bar. BARS If later entitled to that star, the ATLANTIC bar would be worn. The Aircrew Europe Bar is not issued with this star because one could not qualify for that star after 05 June 1944. DESCRIPTION A six-pointed star. 1.5 inches
OBVERSE The star has a circular centre with the GRI/VI monogram, surmounted by a crown and inscribed THE FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR round the foot. REVERSE Plain MOUNTING A small ring at the top of the cross through which a larger ring passes. RIBBON The ribbon consists of equal stripes of blue, white, red, white, and blue. The colours represent the Union flag and those of France and the Netherlands but not of Belgium. NAMING Issued un-named DATES 1945 ISSUED Total issued - ? There were 230,000 stars issued to Canadians. METAL Bronze SIZE Height 44mm Max Width 38mm