SERVICE MEDALS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1943, Page 2

SERVICE MEDALS

FIRST OF PRESENT WAR AFRICA & 1939-43 STARS. ISSUE ANNOUNCED BY KING. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.40 a.m.) RUGBY, June 25. The issue of the first two service medals of the present war has been announced by the King. They are the Africa Star and the 1939-43 Star, which had a 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 for those in all my services who have taken part in hard fighting in other theatres of Avar. 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 and still more those who had taken part in them. My wish has now been gratified and it has been my happy experience to bet the bearer of the congratulations of all the peoples of the Empire on a victory Avhich will shine in military history. Throughout my tour it afforded me intense pleasure to see the hardened men of the three British services—veterans of the Libyan Desert as well as their comrades from the West—in such high spirits and good health and to realise that they are working in the closest harmony, not only with each other but with the forces of the Allies, both in and out of battle. Moreover, everything I saw when privileged to be the guest of our United States and French Allies served only to strengthen my confidence in the complete 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 already have 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.”