Atlantic Star Regulations.

[ChrisKelly]

I read the regulations relating to awards of the Atlantic Star to Royal Navy and Merchant Navy personnel, presented to the parliament in May 1945.

 

How, when and why were the regulations changed to allow award for "the last six months", so to speak...  My relevant sources are below...

 

https://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/britishguide/hmso/campaign_stars_defence.htm

 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a81dda3e5274a2e87dbfe4f/MEDALS_QUALIFICATIONS_LEAFLET-new.pdf

 

https://www.hms-vengeance.co.uk/atlstar.htm#:~:text=The last six months (8th,only - one day is enough.&text=After qualification for the 1939,six months service afloat first).

 

https://www.hms-vengeance.co.uk/atlstar2.htm

 

 

 

[Farkas]

I had to read those over a few times 🙃

With exceptions, the norm was first doing 6 months service to earn 1939-45 star.

Plus 6 months additionally in theatre to receive the star for that theatre, ie Atlantic, Italy etc

The 1945 regs do already say those in theatre on VE Day would receive the star for that theatre, regardless of time served therein, but then they would not be entitled to get a 1939-45 star as a result.

 

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Is this what you are questioning ChrisKelly?

The ‘reinterpretation’ in 1998, 🤷‍♂️.

 

The first 6 months earns a 1939-45 Star, & even if spent in the Atlantic theatre, does not count towards Atlantic Star qualification.

- Qualifying service for the new Stars may not run concurrently with service qualifying for, and preceding the date on which a candidate qualifies for the 1939-45 Star.

- The 1939-45 Star must be earned in operations before a candidate can begin to qualify for the Atlantic Star.

 

So this makes no sense 👇

 

 

 

The 1945/6 regulations clearly state…

 

Campaign Stars and Clasps. General

11. (i) Entry into operational service

(a) Service in ships making occasional visits to the defined areas for fuelling and so forth will not necessarily be a qualification.

(b) The expression " entry into operational service " in the case of the new Stars is subject to the qualification that six or two months operational service must already have been rendered. Qualifying service for any one of the new Stars may not run concurrently with service qualifying for, and preceding the date on which a candidate qualifies for the award of the 1939-45 Star.

 

 

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I’ve not seen anything to suggest that the criteria has ever been changed, if that’s the case, I don’t understand that 1998 decision.

cheers

tony 🍻