My First Polish ribbon bar from WW2

[Noor]

Hi,

Today I received my first Polish ribbon bar from WW2 period. Great find for my Global ribbon bars collection .

Awards on it:

- The Cross of Merit with Swords ( Krzyż Zasługi z Mieczami )

- Army Active Service Medal

- 1939-1945 Star (UK)

- British War Medal (UK)

- Italy Star (UK)

Looks like two last ribbons, what is added is worn in combat and is in wrong order. Also like I understand the rules stated no Pole allowed British and Polish "War medals" (No. 2 and 4) together to wear but because Polish one is an award and not an automatic entitlement, the rule was often ignored through ignorance.

1. The Cross of Merit with Swords - is a Polish medal established October 19, 1942, by the Polish Government in Exile and awarded for deeds of bravery and valor not connected with direct combat, and for merit demonstrated in perilous circumstances (combat bravery usually earns a Cross of Valour).

2. Army Active Service Medal

3. 1939-45 Star - Service from 3 September 1939 to 15 August 1945, usually for a period of 6 months front line duty, 2 months front line Air Crew duty, with some exceptions (killed or wounded in action, participation in certain operations and other exceptions could earn this Star automatically).

4. The 1939-45 War Medal - 28 days service of any kind from 3 September 1939 to 5 September 1945. This medal could be awarded to Poles but they were not supposed to wear this medal if they also wore a Polish Active Service Medal (Army, Navy, Airforce or Merchant Marine). They could be awarded both, they just could not wear them simultaneously. Poles were made to sign a waiver by the English government stating that they would not wear both medals together. Most Poles either did not understand the waiver, or simply ignored it.

5. Italy Star - Entry into the Italian theater any time between 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945.

So, did I understand everything correctly?

Edited August 10, 2010 by Noor

[Guest IMHF]

Wow that looks great, love the age in it;) the back looks rough but the front shares the wearers military History.

Lorenzo

[Ulsterman]

wow Noor. Where do you turn up these treasures?

[Noor]

wow Noor. Where do you turn up these treasures?

I am probably just lucky sometimes

Thanks guys!

Timo aka Noor