*British, WW2 1939–45, India Service Medal, King George VI Issue, with Original Ribbon and Spare Replacement Ribbon*
A Second World War India Service Medal 1939–45, awarded for non-operational service within the Indian theatre during the war.
The medal is struck in cupro-nickel and fitted with its original suspension and ribbon. The obverse bears the crowned left-facing effigy of King George VI with the surrounding legend GEORGIVS VI G.BR. OMN. REX ET INDIAE IMP. The reverse displays the map of the Indian subcontinent with the inscription INDIA 1939–45 beneath. The rim appears un-named, as commonly encountered with India Service Medal issues.
The medal is accompanied by an additional loose length of correct pattern ribbon. The ribbon mounted to the medal appears to be a period example showing honest age and service wear, while the separate ribbon is unused and in mint condition.
Historical Note:
The India Service Medal was instituted in 1942 to recognise service within India during the Second World War that did not qualify for a campaign star. It was awarded to personnel of the Indian Army, Royal Indian Navy, Royal Indian Air Force, and to British and Commonwealth forces stationed in India on garrison, training, administrative, and logistical duties.
The award effectively served as the Indian theatre equivalent of the Defence Medal in the United Kingdom, recognising the vast support and infrastructure roles that underpinned Allied operations across Burma, the Indian Ocean, and the wider South-East Asian theatre.
*Condition*
Good original condition. The medal retains clear detail to both obverse portrait and reverse map with light overall service wear and surface marks consistent with age. Suspension and bar intact. The mounted ribbon shows period wear and slight fading with fraying to the upper edge, consistent with original use. The additional loose ribbon is in mint condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
WW2 India Service Medal 1939–45 with original worn ribbon and spare replacement ribbon.
