*British, WWII, Africa Star Medal – George VI Campaign Star, Original Ribbon*
An original and attractive Second World War British Africa Star campaign medal, awarded for operational service in the North African theatre between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943. This example is the standard six-point bronze alloy star featuring the crowned royal cypher of King George VI (“GRI VI”) to the obverse with the surrounding title THE AFRICA STAR, suspended from its correct campaign ribbon.
The ribbon is the distinctive pale sand colour symbolising the desert campaign, with a central red stripe representing the British Army, dark blue for the Royal Navy, and light blue for the Royal Air Force—reflecting the combined services engaged in the North African campaign. The reverse is plain, as issued, with no naming, which is correct for British campaign stars of the period.
History Note:
The Africa Star was instituted in 1943 and awarded to personnel of the British and Commonwealth forces who served in North Africa, including operations in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. It covered some of the most significant campaigns of the war, including El Alamein, Operation Torch, and the final defeat of Axis forces in Tunisia. Clasps such as 8th Army, 1st Army, and North Africa 1942–43 could be awarded depending on qualifying service, though this example is without clasp as commonly encountered.
A very desirable original British WWII campaign medal from one of the most iconic theatres of the war, highly collectible both as a single decoration and for medal group restoration.
*Condition*
Good original condition with honest service wear and age patina to the bronze finish. Ribbon appears original and shows light age wear and minor fraying. No clasp present. Reverse plain and untouched as issued. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ
