Is a medal missing on this group ?

[Mervyn Mitton]

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This is a fairly standard South African World War 2 Group of medals. From right : Italy Star - Defence Medal -

War Medal - Africa Medal.

Nothing very unusual - the Africa Medal is 1oz. of silver and is mainly a Sth. African award - however, what about

a 39/45 Star ?

Normally, I would assume that it was missing - but, his issue certificate is with other papers and it is not ticked.

He was with the Air Force and obtained a trade certificate, Also, amongst his papers was his discharge paper - this

makes quite interesting reading.

Please let me have your thoughts on why his 39/45 Star was not awarded ?

[Mervyn Mitton]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2012/post-6209-0-76633600-1346857290.jpgclick

[Mervyn Mitton]

With Full acknowledgements to The Medal Yearbook. (The one medal book we all need.)

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2012/post-6209-0-43850000-1346858641.jpgclick

[Mervyn Mitton]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2012/post-6209-0-93136700-1346859105.jpgclick

[Mervyn Mitton]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_09_2012/post-6209-0-09752100-1346859236.jpgclick

[Mervyn Mitton]

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[Brett Hendey]

Mervyn

Perhaps he served "behind the lines" in North Africa long enough to qualify for the Defence Medal but not the Africa Star, while his period of service in Italy was too short to qualify for the 1939/45 Star (i.e less than 6 months).

Regards

Brett

[Brian Wolfe]

Hi Mervyn,

I agree with Brett.

This happened to a member of my own family.

As most things in life, it's all in the timing.

Regards

Brian

[Arthur R]

I'm with Brett and Brian on this one. He would have qualified for the Italy Star on the day he arrived in the operational theatre, but he would have to serve six months there to qualify for the 1939-45 Star (unless he had previous service in a operational theatre to count towards the six months). The Movement Order shows that he was flown from SA to the Middle East in January 1945, which was only three and a half months before the war ended in Europe.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Helps to clear a problem for future groups. Thankyou. With the Defence Medal I understand that Sth. Africans qualified for it

by spending time in British camps preparing for Italy ? Mervyn

[NPGilbert]

Interesting. That is why I like this "hobby". Always something new to learn.

Regards

[Mervyn Mitton]

Arthur - I'm waiting for an opportunity to post a board with medals for 5 members of a family.

I will appreciate your comments. Mervyn