SERVICE MEDALS

Southland Times, Issue 25691, 28 June 1943, Page 5

SERVICE MEDALS

First Two Of Present War

(8.0.W.) RUGBY, June 25. The issue of the first two service medals of the present war is announced by the King—they are the Africa Star and the 1939-43 Star which have their counterpart in two last war medals, the Mons Star and the 1914-15 Star. F

The King in a message to . General Eisenhower says: “The 1939-43 Star will be some reward to those in all my services who have taken part in the hard fighting in othei’ theatres of war. “During the long years of the North African campaign with its fluctuating fortunes it has been my constant hope

that I might one day be able to see for myself the scenes of some of the famous hard-fought battles and still more those who 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 a victory which will shine in military history. Throughout the tour it has 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 realize they are working in the closest harmony, not only with each other but with the forces of our Allies, both in and out of the battle. Moreover, everything I saw when privileged to be the guest of the United States and French allies served only to strengthen the confidence of complete and final victory for 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 skilful commanders I would ask you to express my gratitude for the past and my heartfelt good wishes for the future.”