World War II Miniature Group of Four.
1939-1945 Star. Miniature gilt six-pointed faceted star with lateral loop for ribbon suspension; the face with the crowned cipher of King and Emperor George VI centrally within a stippled ring inscribed ‘THE 1939 - 1945 STAR’; the reverse plain with maker’s mark ‘K.G. LUKE MELB.’; diameter 18.83mm (0.74 inch).
The Star was instituted in 1945 to be awarded for operational service between the declaration of war (3 September 1939) and V.J. Day (2 September 1945). Army personnel were required to complete six months’ service in an operational command. Airborne troops qualified if they had participated in any airborne operation and had completed two months’ service in a fully operational unit. Naval personnel were required to completed six months’ service and at least one voyage in an operational area. Air Force personnel were required to participate in operations against the enemy and to complete two months’ service in an operational unit. Non-aircrew personnel were required to complete six months’ service in an area of operational army command. For Royal Observer Corps personnel, the requirement was 1,080 days’ service.
The Star was awarded immediately if service was terminated by death, disability or wounding. The award of a gallantry medal or of a Mention in Despatches led to immediate qualification for the Star.
K.G. Luke were medal and trophy makers active in Melbourne, Victoria from at least 1937 to 1974.
Africa Star 1940-1943. Miniature gilt six-pointed faceted star with lateral loop for ribbon suspension; the face with the crowned cipher of King and Emperor George VI centrally within a stippled ring inscribed ‘THE AFRICA STAR’; the reverse plain with maker’s mark ‘K.G. LUKE / MELB.’; diameter 18.87mm (0.74 inch).
The Star was instituted in 1943 to be awarded for operational service between the Italian declaration of war (10 June 1940) and the end of operations in North Africa (12 May 1943) on land in North Africa from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Suez Canal and on Malta; also on land in Ethiopia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Sudan and Kenya (up to 27 November 1941) and in the Syrian Campaign from 8 June 1941 to 11 July 1941 at sea in the Mediterranean or in support of operations in East Africa or the Morocco landings; in the air for active operations in the above areas.
War Medal 1939-1945. Miniature circular cupro-nickel medal with claw and ribbon bar suspension; the face with the crowned head of King George VI facing left, circumscribed ‘GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX ET INDIAE IMP : ’(George VI by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, Emperor of India); the reverse with a triumphant lion standing on a prostrate dragon, dated ‘1939 1945’ above right; diameter 18.24mm (0.72 inch).
The Medal was instituted in 1945 and was awarded to full-time members of the armed forces who had served at least 28 days between the outbreak of war (3 September 1939) and V.J. Day (2 September 1945).
Australia Service Medal 1939-1945. Miniature circular cupro-nickel medal with claw and ribbon bar suspension; the face with the crowned head of King George VI facing left, circumscribed ‘GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX ET INDIAE IMP: (George VI by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, Emperor of India); the reverse with the arms of Australia centrally, circumscribed above ‘THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL’ and dated ‘1939-1945’ below; diameter 18.26mm (0.72 inch).
The Medal was instituted in 1949 and originally awarded to Australians who had served for eighteen months overseas or for 3 years at home between 3 September 1939 and 3 September 1945. In 1999 this was reduced to 30 days full time service or 90 days part-time service.
The Group is age-toned, on original ribbons and bar-mounted for wear.
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