TWO NEW SERVICE MEDALS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 28 June 1943, Page 5

TWO NEW SERVICE MEDALS

ANNOUNCEMENT BY itING AFRICA STAR AND 1939-43 STAR Rugby, June 25. The issue of the first two service medals in the present war were announced by the King. They are the Africa Star and the 1939-43 Star, which had their counterpart in the last war in the Mons Star and the 1914-15 Star. The King, in a message to General Eisenhower, said: “The 1939-43 Star will be a reward to those in all my services who have taken part in hard fighting in other theatres of war. During the long years of the North African campaign with its fluctuating fortunes it was my constant hope that I might one day be able to see for myself the scenes of some of the famous hard fought battles, still more those ./ho have taken part in them. My wish has now been gratified and it has been my happy experience to be the bearer of the congratulations of all the peoples of the Empire on the victory which will shine in military history. Throughout the tour, it afforded me intense pleasure to see the hardened men of the three British services, veterans of the Libyan desert as well as comrades from the west, in such high spirits and good health and to realise that tiiey were working in closest harmony not only with each other but with the forces ot the Allies both in and out of battle. Moreover, everything I saw when privileged to be the guest of the United State® and French Allies served only to strengthen confidence in the com ete and final victory of the United Nations. Heavy tasks still lie before the armies in North Africa, but it is plain to me that nothing will stop the gallant men of the United Nations who have already triumphed over so much. To these men and their tkilful commanders - would ask you to express my gratitude for the past and my heartfelt good wishes for the future.’ B.C.vV