WW2 British Medal Group – 1939–45 Star, Africa Star with ‘1st Army’ Clasp, Italy Star, Defence Medal & War Medal with Original WW2 Mention in Despatches Oak Leaf – With Additional Items
A very appealing and characterful full-size Second World War medal group, consisting of:
- The 1939–45 Star
- The Africa Star with rare ‘1st Army’ clasp
- The Italy Star
- The Defence Medal
- The War Medal 1939–45 with original WW2 Mention in Despatches oak leaf emblem
This is an excellent, complete wartime entitlement to a soldier who served across multiple major campaigns, beginning in North Africa with the 1st Army—a clasp far less commonly seen than its 8th Army counterpart—before continuing through the difficult fighting in Italy. The presence of a WW2 gallantry or distinguished service distinction, in the form of the original wartime MID oak leaf, significantly enhances the group’s importance and desirability.
Accompanying the medals are several personal and uniform items retained by the family, adding real depth and authenticity to the grouping. These include:
- Two small silver religious medals, likely carried by the soldier during service
- A period label badge
- An Africa Star ribbon bar, removed directly from his uniform
- Two small MID oak leaves intended for wear on ribbon bars
- The original medal slip, confirming entitlement to five medals and two emblems (the MID distinction)
A highly desirable and well-preserved wartime medal group with gallantry distinction and rare clasp entitlement, accompanied by original personal effects. The medals showed up in a Glasgow based auction, so the recipient might be possible to track down using medal index cards.
AJMS Medals