Africa Star

Africa Star

The Africa Star is military campaign medal instituted under the imperial awards to recognize service of British and Commonwealth forces in North Africa. To be eligible for the Africa Star, personnel must have:

• Served a minimum of one day’s operational service in North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 during the Second World War; or
• Served a minimum of one day’s operational service during the Syrian Campaign between 8 June 1941 and 11 July 1941

The following clasps were awarded with this medal; however, the Africa Star could also be awarded by itself:

• 1st Army
• 8th Army
• North Africa 1942-43

If you require one of these clasps please add it to your cart.

Design

The six–pointed star is a copper-zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Africa Star’. The reverse is blank, traditionally engraved with the recipient's name and service number.

Ribbon

The Africa Star ribbon is a sand-yellow, with stripes of navy, red, and light blue. The ribbon colours represent the desert, and the branches of the Imperial Forces.

Unmounted Medals

If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.

Africa Star Full Size Court Mounted

The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.

It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.

Africa Star Full Size Swing Mounted

The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.

Africa Star Miniature Court Mounted

Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Africa Star Miniature Swing Mounted

Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Africa Star Ribbon Bar

A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.