Medals Which ones and why?

My grandfather was a truck driver with the RAF.

I have just claimed his medals bit am surprised he has an Italy Star as we have tens of pics of him in North Africa. Indeed one with him leaning against a sign to Tobruk!!

Exactly why might he have been entitled to 39-45 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal and War Medal.

Any answers gratefully receieved.

I'm a forum member from the Great War Forum - hope that this site is can match that one!

There's a challenge

many thanks for your thoughts

Stephen

 

hi...hope can be of some service
ur grandfather would have been entitled to the 39-45 star if he...had served 6 or more months on active duty (between 3sept 39 and 2sept 45)..also if he had been killed or or wounded out of service.
Because he served in the RAF he was entiled to the italy star, as any involvement in air services over the MED. maybe raf flying from north africa etc covered that.
TO receive the defense medal he must have been involved in civil defense, home guard or served in non operational areas subjected to air attacks or like wise over three years...or worked out of service in an area like above over one year!
Every full time memeber of the services received the war medal if served over a 28 day period or were killed , or wounded out etc.
phew.....karlo

 

Thanks Karlo

He was a truck driver for the RAF. He had to be in an area of operations after 12 May 43. Why the Italy Star. He was a man on the ground.

Stephen

 

The Ministry of Defence has some pages on its website which may be of interest.

Summary of the medals and eligibility criteria and the links at the right-hand side of that page give an outline eligibility for each medal, whilst British Armed Forces Medals Booklet is a colour guide in PDF format.

If you have any further questions after reading these, then just ask.

Forrest

 

Thanks for your help.

Stephen