Canadian Volunteer Service Medal – Second World War
(Unbarred example, in original issue box)
A Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, awarded for voluntary active service during the Second World War, here offered without clasp, and complete with its original issue box.
The medal was instituted on 22 October 1943 and awarded to members of the Naval, Military, and Air Forces of Canada who voluntarily undertook active service and honourably completed a minimum of 18 months’ service between 3 September 1939 and 1 March 1947. The award recognised the essential contribution made by Canadian personnel both at home and overseas during the war.
The medal is struck in .925 fine silver and is unnamed as issued, in accordance with Canadian practice. The obverse depicts seven marching figures, representing men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Nursing Services, with the bilingual inscription “1939 CANADA 1945 – VOLUNTARY SERVICE / VOLONTAIRE” around the rim. The reverse bears the coat of arms of Canada. The design was created by Canadian war artist Major Charles Comfort.
This example is fitted with its correct ribbon, featuring a royal blue centre stripe, flanked by scarlet and dark green stripes. As issued without clasp, it represents qualifying voluntary service completed within Canada or without meeting the additional requirements for an overseas or operational bar.
A well-preserved and complete example of a key Canadian Second World War service award, made especially desirable by the presence of its original box of issue.
AJMS Medals