The 1939-43 Star (British) ?

[roajeep]

Hi,

I have seen a copy of a Service Record that refers to the 1939-43 Star being issued in 44.
The recipient was in a British Army infantry regiment, having signed on pre-war.

I have searched for this but keep on ending up only at the 39-45 Star.
But that one cannot have been awarded back in 44.

Does anyone have any suggestions what Star medal it could be referring to.
Unfortunately we do not have any of the original medals or ribbons at hand.

The only 39-43 Star I can find seems to be the Atlantic Star but that I believe was only issued to aircrew.

Thanks.

[paulscoot]

It is referring to a ribbon bar only that was issued from july 43 (same colours as the 39-45 medal ribbon) to those that had reached the criteria, At the end of hostilities the medal was minted and issued as the 1939-45 star. Wikipedia explains it probably better than I. Regards Paul.

[roajeep]

Thanks Paul. Wiki does explain it well. But to me it seems a bit unfair that anyone serving and qualifying during the 39-43 period did not get any special acknowledgement whereas someone serving at the end of the war and then having the required qualifying time would get the same ribbon and medal as someone who maybe was serving as early as 39. In the case of the soldier I was checking he actually signed on in 28 and then re-signed on in 40, serving until at least June 44.