SERVICE AWARDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25848, 19 May 1945, Page 8

SERVICE AWARDS

NEW CAMPAIGN STARS CIVIL DEFENCE WORKERS INCLUDED : (P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 18. In a statement to-night the Minister of Defence, Mr F. Jones, referred to an announcement made; in the United Kingdom regarding the' institution of a number of new awards to be granted in recognition of the services of members of the British Commonwealth forces, as well as certain civilians, such as civil defence personnel who have taken an active part in the war. “ The announcement in. the United Kingdom,” -said Mr Jones; coincides with the issue of a White Paper setting out the details of the awards and the conditions under which they will be available to members of the United Kingdom forces, the forces of the British Colonial Empire, and the civil defence workers in the United Kingdom arid the colonies. The application of these conditions to New Zealand and other parts of, the Commonwealth has been under discussion with the United Kingdom authorities for a considerable period and., while are 'Certain important points yet to’ be settled, it can be stated that the awards will be available to members of the New Zealand forces generally on the basis set out in the White Paper.

Issue of Ribbons "The issue of ribbons to New Zealand personnel who are clearly entitled to one or more of the awards will be- undertaken. by the, service and i iri- the .'case :Df.merchant navy, 'personnel by-.the-,Marine Department :at the' earliest - possible moment:- ’ It-. Is proposed, however,that, the medals appropriate., to the awards Will not be 'struckt-uniST the conclusion of the war with Japan. “Until the' settlement of questions which are still being discussed with the United, Kingdom authorities; including the definition! of territories, service in which is to be regarded as. qualification for the awards, it may be that some men who have served • outside New Zealand, , will find that they do not qualify under the existing rules for the grant of certain of the stars While it. Is' unfortunate that it has not- been possible. _to-over-come these , deficiencies the \ awards were made public, the ment is most anxious that every member of the forces who has had a sub-, stantial amount of operational service 7 or nonoperational service in areas, -which were exposed to. or., threatened by enemy attack should receive proper recognition for that service. Every effort is being made to clarify the' remaining points of difference at the earliest possible date, following which it is hoped that ’it will be possible to make a further -announcement.” The new stars for which provision has been made are:—

An Atlantic Star commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic.

An Aircrew (Europe) Star as an award for operational flying from United Kingdom bases over Europe. An Italy Star for operational service in Sicily, Italy, and certain other parts of the Mediterranean theatre. A France and German Star for operational service after the middle of 1944 in France, -Belgium, Holland, or Gex--many. - v A Pacific Star for operational ser- • vice in the Pacific theatre at any time after December 8, 1941. 1 The Africa and Burma Stars.—The institution of these has already been . made public. The currency of the former 1939-43 : Star has been extended to the end 1 of the war in Europe, arid it is now i to be known as the 1939-45'Star. The | question of extending it to the end of the war with Japan is receiving con- .. sideration.

s- A Defence, Medal The conditions of (award of the various stars limit thenrto men who have served in areas of active, operations. They are intended to recognise operational service.

In order to take account of the posi- • tion of personnel whose service .has been non-operational, there is to -be «j a Defence Medal for members, of the <> forces who'have had service of; that nature overseas in specified areas, or .' in their country of residence, where, - as in the case of the United Kingdom, it has been, subjected-to air, attack or ;! very closely threatened. This medal will also-be. available to certain cate- , gories of civil defence workers in those areas.