Any experts here on Service medals & ribbons?

[stephenb]

I'm hoping the wealth of knowledge with the members could help me.

I have come across this ribbon in a tin of memorabilia passed down through the family. I believe it was my grandfather's who served in PNG during WWII.

I understand this ribbon bar represents the 1939-45 Star but I can only find reference to this ribbon having a star attached. Obviously mine does not have a star but a small pin and plate. Was this a standard issue also?

Stephen

[Larryp]

Many RSL clubs have display cabinets with all Aust. medals and ribbons. You could probably find out there.

[Hans Tucker]

Possibly awarded for Battle of Britain campaign?

Usually the clasp would have something written on it to denote which campaign the medal was awarded.

http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/Content/+040%20Campaign%20Medals/+100%20World%20War%20II/+010%201939-1945%20Star/default.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1939–45_Star

If you look under Australian Imperial Awards you might have some success otherwise contact the Australian War Museum (AWM) Canberra and they might have knowledge of this clasp.

You can request your Grandfathers service records from archives which will list his awards.

http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/explore/defence/service-records/

[Astro_Bot]

In modern times, when a medal is awarded, there is also a ribbon and miniature medal. I assume this was also the case in WWII. The ribbon in the photo should be wrapped around the metal bar but seems to have come undone - these days they glue them on - so that the bar itself cannot be seen. It is then pinned on to a uniform to be worn on a daily basis (other than "working dress" such as overalls, dungarees, etc. - the permutations of uniforms and what's worn with them are many).

The medal (or star in this case) would be reserved for formal or ceremonial occasions and the miniature for formal evening uniforms (mess dress).

Possibly, the ribbon you have is a replacement - maybe home made - since (as is the case now and I assume then) some raw ribbon material is often also provided to the recipient for this eventuality.

[stephenb]

Thanks for your reply Larry. I plan to get to my local RSL at some stage next week. You're right they probably will know the answer.






Thanks Hans,

Yes I checked those links (Wiki and Dept. of Defence) and that's the conclustion I came to also. I have his service records (two "tours" of PNG and the Pacific) but no mention of any medals awarded. I know he was awarded some as they are in the possession of another family member . But the Service Record does make for fascinating reading!




Ah, ok, that sounds quite plausible indeed.

[Baddad]

Hi Steve

I believe this is what you are looking for. What you have is the "dress ribbon" that has unravelled.
The ribbons are worn on less formal occasions. The medals are worn on Parades and are heavy.

The unravelled ribbon was bound around a former, which seems to have separated. When intact it looks like a small bar wrapped with the ribbon.

The medal itself must be else where.

When I was presented with my medals: Along with the main medal there is a miniature. Complete with ribbon.
Then there is also a ribbon bar.

I believe that the mini medal is a more recent award and was not awarded back in the 40's but that is guessing.

The image titled index shows what the bars look like, not related to the ribbons you have displayed.

Hope that helps:)
Cheers:)

Hopefully that helps

[Baddad]

The penny dropped.

I had another good look at the image. The plate is the former that the ribbon is wrapped around. The pin is to secure it to the shirt or jacket.

Cheers:)