Royal Navy Medal Card

[frothycoffee]

Can anyone clarify for me the details shown on the attached photocopy of my fathers medal card record card provided by the Navy.

I interpret it as the person, my father was awarded the following
1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal.

What I am unclear about is what appears to be F and C  with the letter R awarded. I thought this might be France and Germany? As a ribbon clasp award as this would be worn with the Atlantic medal. The "award" for the Africa star is a bit of a unanswered question as although he served in the Mediterranean I was not aware of any Africa related service and the medal was not found with his other medals. Also why under Service for 1939 – 45 Star is annotated, 
C/Ops HMS LCI(L) 251, 9/3/43 – 19/7/44.

I believe the annotation refers to Combined Operations, Landing Craft Infantry (Large) 251 And I am aware that he trained and served on Landing Craft.

Any light shed on this would be much appreciated.

[Brewins girl]

As a non-military-historian I can't give you any definitive answers but I thought you might find this useful

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medals-campaigns-descriptions-and-eligibility#world-war-2-medals

[KGarrad]

A sailor could be awarded the Africa Star for:
Service in Malta.
RN Inshore Squadrons
Merchant Navy Vessels

for service in 1942 or 1943.

(According to my copy of The Medal Yearbook!)

[frothycoffee]

How did I miss finding that. Thank you. The link supplied regarding awards clarifies that the ribbon clasp was awarded as the specified number of campaign stars had been reach.
Thanks also regarding the information about the Africa star, which was awarded due to his Malta service. My father survived the sinking of HMS Eagle (Operation Pedestal) but was also involved in several relief convoys to Malta and other actions in the Adriatic which also gave him the qualification for the Italy star.