There was not one but two basic medals that was awarded to just about everyone who served at some point in WW2 They were, Defense Medal, this was awarded to service personnel for three years' service at home or six months' service overseas in territories subjected to air attack. War Medal, was awarded to all full-time personnel of the armed forces wherever they were serving, so long as they served for at least 28 days between 3rd September 1939 and 2nd september 1945. I have attached a photo of those two medals Bomber command aircrew also got, the Aircrew Europe Star plus any campaign medals for the various Theatres of War , of which I do not have a image.
The Air Crew Europe Star was one of 8 campaign stars, the others being the 1939-45, Africa, Atlantic, Burma, France & Germany, Italy & Pacific. The 1939-45 Star was earned by 6 months oerational service except for aircrew, who only needed 2 months. The other Stars were earned by service in the relevant theatre. Although there were 8 Stars a maximum of 5 could be awarded to a single person. Somebody qualifying for both the Burma & Pacific Stars would be awarded the one qualified for first with a clasp indicating qualification for the other. Only one out of the Aircrew Europe, Atlantic or France & Germany Stars could be awarded to a single individual. Qualification for 2 was denoted by the addition of a clasp to the first one. You could wear only one clasp even if entitled to all 3 Stars.
I thought that you were wanting more info for your book! You get it when you have achieved one years service on the forum!
