ATS Medals

[KB783]

My mother served in the ATS from 1939 until 1944 including from 1942 in Egypt stationed in Alexandria. I sent for her medals as she did not claim them. I received the Defence Medal and the War Medal. Should she have been awarded the Africa Star as well?

[John915]

Good evening,

The answer is yes, she should have it;

(119: Africa Star with 8th Army clasp119: Africa Star The Africa Star
Awarded to the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy and to women of the A.T.S and W.A.A.F. for entry into an operational area in North Africa, Abyssinia, Somaliland, Eritrea, and Malta, between 10 June 1940 and 12 may 1943. The Africa Star ribbon and the 1939-43 Star (which later became the 1939-45 Star) were the first WW2 ribbons to be issued. They were announced in early August 1943 and distribution began on 1 November 1943. At the time, no individual could qualify for both stars. See Churchills' announcement to the House of Commons here)

John915

[macintosh]

John, I wonder if you could clarify for me the 1939-43 star and the 1939-45 star my father was awrded the 39/43 star, was this star withdrawn and the 39/45 star issued at the end of hostilities as its replacement?

Thanks
James 

[KB783]

Many thanks John.

[John915]

Good evening,

James, the reference to the 1939/43 star is the only one I can find. I copied that statement verbatim from one of the sites about medals. No site specifically about the 1939/45 star say anything about the date 1943.

I would however suggest that as it was first issued in 1943 that is what it was first referred to as. No one would have known at that time what the end date of the war would be to put on the medal.

John915

[macintosh]

Thanks John I will make some additional enquiries.
KB783 sincere apologies for "hijacking" your post.

James