[stephenb (Stephen)]

Originally Posted by Larryp

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

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.

Originally Posted by 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/Con...ar/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/exp...rvice-records/

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!

Originally Posted by 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.

Ah, ok, that sounds quite plausible indeed.