Afrika Star



The Africa Star is awarded for at least one day of active service in or over North Africa between 10 June 1940 (the date of Italy?s declaration of war) and 12 May 1943 (the end of operations in North Africa). Active service in Abyssinia, Somaliland, Eritrea and Malta during this period also qualified the award, just as Royal or Merchant Navy service in the Mediterranean.



Three bars were awarded for :

1. 8th Army, for service in the Eighth Army between 23 October 1942 and 23 May 1943. The silver coloured cipher ?8? is worn on the ribbon in undress to denote this clasp.

2. 1st Army, for service in the First Army or any unit under its command from 23 October 1942 and 23 May 1943. The silver coloured cipher ?1? is worn on the ribbon in indress to denote this clasp.

3. North Africa Star 1942-1943, to Naval, RAF and Merchant Navy personnal operating in specified areas from 23 October 1942 to 12 May 1943. In undress, a rosette on the ribbon denotes this bar.



The bronze award has the shape of a six-pointed star. On the obverse the Africa Star has a circular centre with the GRI/VI monogram, surmounted by a crown and inscribed THE AFRICA STAR around the ribbon. The reverse of the award is plain and is issued unnamed.



The ribbon is pale buff with in the centre a wide vertical red stripe and on the left a narrow vertical dark blue strip and on the left a narrow vertical light blue stripe. The colours represent the desert, Army, Navy and Air Force.