*British, WW2, Air Crew Europe Star Medal, with Ribbon*
Original Second World War Air Crew Europe Star campaign medal, complete with its correct ribbon. The medal is the standard six-pointed gilt brass star featuring the crowned GRI VI cipher within a circlet reading “THE AIR CREW EUROPE STAR.” The reverse is plain as issued, intended for wear with the ribbon mounted to the ring suspension.
The ribbon is the correct pattern with a pale blue centre flanked by narrow yellow stripes and black edges, representing the night sky and searchlights associated with RAF bomber operations over Europe.
Historical Note:
The Air Crew Europe Star was instituted in 1945 and awarded to Royal Air Force and Allied aircrew who flew operational sorties over Europe between 3 September 1939 and 5 June 1944, prior to the Normandy landings. Qualification typically required participation in operational flights over enemy territory, making it one of the more respected—and comparatively scarcer—Second World War campaign stars due to the hazardous nature of Bomber Command and other air operations.
After June 1944, qualifying service transferred to the France and Germany Star, further limiting the period of eligibility and contributing to the medal’s relative scarcity compared with some other campaign stars.
*Condition*
Original medal with honest service wear and age patina to the gilt finish. Detail to the royal cipher and lettering remains clear and well defined. Suspension ring intact. Ribbon present and correct, showing some fraying and service wear consistent with age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
