WW2 1939-45 Star, Atlantic, North Africa 1942-42 Clasp, War & Defence Medals – Naval Group

Guaranteed original medals. This is an original WW2 1939-1945 group of British Army medals for sale. In good condition. Please see our other items for more original WW1, WW2 & post war British military medals for sale.

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World War Two British medals are among the most widely collected and historically significant military awards in the world. Issued to millions of servicemen and women who served between 1939 and 1945, these medals recognise everything from active combat to home defence and civilian service. Whether you are a new collector, a family researcher, or simply interested in British military history, understanding WW2 British medals is an essential starting point.

What Are WW2 British Medals?

WW2 British medals were campaign and service awards issued by the British government to members of the armed forces, auxiliary services, and civilians who contributed to the war effort. Unlike earlier conflicts, medals for World War Two were generally issued unnamed, meaning no recipient details were engraved on the medal itself. Instead, entitlement was recorded in official service records.

Most medals were issued after the war, often during the late 1940s or early 1950s, once eligibility had been confirmed.

The Main WW2 British Campaign Medals

During the Second World War, the British government issued a series of campaign stars to recognise operational service in different theatres of war. These medals, commonly referred to as WW2 British campaign medals, were awarded to members of the armed forces who met specific service criteria in active war zones. Many of these medals could also be issued with clasps, indicating participation in particular campaigns or operational roles.

The 1939–45 Star

The 1939–45 Star was awarded for operational service overseas between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. It is the most commonly encountered WW2 campaign medal and forms the foundation of most medal groups.
Clasps awarded:

• Battle of Britain

• Bomber Command

Only one clasp could be awarded to this medal, making clasped examples particularly desirable.

The Atlantic Star

The Atlantic Star was awarded for service in the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the longest continuous campaigns of the war. It recognises naval service at sea, as well as RAF aircrew operating over the Atlantic.
Clasps awarded:

• Air Crew Europe (when earned after the Atlantic Star)

• France and Germany

Due to the strict qualification requirements, the Atlantic Star is highly regarded among collectors.

The Air Crew Europe Star

The Air Crew Europe Star was awarded to RAF aircrew who participated in operational flying over Europe between 1939 and 1944. It was one of the earliest campaign stars to cease being awarded.
Clasps awarded:

• Atlantic

• France and Germany

As with other stars, only one clasp could be worn, even if multiple were earned.

The Africa Star

The Africa Star recognises service in North Africa between 1940 and 1943. It is easily identified by its distinctive sandy-coloured ribbon.
Clasps awarded:

• 8th Army

• 1st Army

• North Africa 1942–43

This is one of the most popular WW2 British medals due to its association with famous desert campaigns.

The Pacific Star

The Pacific Star was awarded for service in the Pacific Theatre against Japan. This medal covers naval, land, and air operations in the Far East, including service around the Pacific islands.
Clasps awarded:

• Burma

• South East Asia

The Pacific Star is less common than European campaign stars and is highly sought after by collectors.

The Burma Star

The Burma Star recognises service in the Burma Campaign, one of the most demanding theatres of the war due to jungle warfare and harsh conditions.
Clasps awarded:

• Pacific

Eligibility rules meant recipients could not receive both the Burma Star and Pacific Star without a clasp, adding complexity and interest for collectors.

The Italy Star

The Italy Star was awarded for service during the Italian Campaign from 1943 to 1945, including operations in Sicily and mainland Italy.
Clasps awarded:

• None

Despite having no clasps, the Italy Star remains a key component of many WW2 British medal groups.

The France and Germany Star

The France and Germany Star recognises service in North-West Europe from D-Day on 6 June 1944 until the end of the war.
Clasps awarded:

• Atlantic

• Air Crew Europe

This medal is strongly associated with the liberation of Europe and late-war operations.

The Arctic Star

The Arctic Star was awarded retrospectively in 2013 for service on the Arctic Convoys to Russia. Although approved decades after the war, it is an official WW2 British campaign medal.
Clasps awarded:

• None

The Arctic Star honours one of the most dangerous naval operations of the conflict.

Understanding Campaign Star Clasps

Clasps were issued to denote participation in specific campaigns and are worn on the ribbon of the medal. Only one clasp could be worn per medal, even if multiple were earned. When a second clasp entitlement existed, it was indicated by a silver rosette on the ribbon bar.

Medal Groups and How They Are Collected

WW2 British medals are often collected as groups, representing all the medals awarded to a single individual. A typical group might include:

• 1939–45 Star

• One campaign star

• Defence Medal

• War Medal

Groups with original ribbons, correct combinations, and accompanying paperwork are especially desirable to collectors.

Collecting and Caring for WW2 British Medals

When collecting WW2 British medals:

• Avoid polishing, as this reduces value

• Store medals in a dry environment

• Keep ribbons intact if original

Proper care preserves both historical integrity and collector value.

WW2 British medals offer a tangible connection to the men and women who served during one of the most important periods in modern history. Whether collected for historical interest, family research, or display, these medals remain enduring symbols of service and sacrifice.

Please see our other items for more original WW1, WW2 & post war British military medal for sale including other WW2 1939-1945 British Army Medals.