The War Medal 1939-1945 was awarded for full-time service in the Armed Forces, whatever that service may have been rendered during the War. Operational and non-operational service may be counted, providing that it was of 28 days or more duration. In the Merchant Navy there is a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea.

The single bronze oak leaf Emblem signifying either a Mention in Dispatches, King’s Commendation for brave conduct, or a King’s Commendation for valuable service in the air, will, if granted for service during World War II, be worn on the ribbon of the War Medal 1939-1945.

The War Medal 1939-1945 is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has a lion standing on a fallen dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945.

The Ware Medal 1939-1945 ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag.

The medal is awarded for 28 days full time service in the period between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.

Approximately 240,000 were issued to Australians.

The Mention in Despatch is worn with the medal and is affixed to the centre of the ribbon at an angle of sixty degrees from the inside edge of the ribbon, available as a separate item

All loose ribbon available in 30cm lengths, as full size or miniature.