World War II Defence Medal. The Defence Medal was issued to members of the armed forces serving at home and in territories overseas that were subjected to air attack or closely threatened during the Second World War. Also included were members of the Home Guard (Dad’s Army), Civil Defence and Fire Service. On the obverse is a profile portrait of King George VI. On the reverse two Lions supporting a crowned Oak tree with the dates 1939/1945 and the legend ‘The Defence Medal’. The colours on the ribbon are rather interesting and appropriate: The two broad green stripes represent ‘This green and pleasant land’, the narrow black stripes represent ‘the Blackout’ imposed during the air raids of the Blitz and the wide orange stripe represents the firebombing during the Blitz. A medal issued 72 years ago that is becoming harder to find. A very interesting addition to your collection.
