The Medal was instituted on 18 May 1899 to be awarded for 20 years’ service in the Colonial Auxiliary Forces (service in West Africa counting double). The Medal was superseded in 1930 by the Efficiency Medal having been awarded in small numbers throughout its existence. Miniature circular silver medal with claw and swivel ribbon suspension bar; the face with the head and shoulders portrait of King Edward VII in field marshal’s uniform, circumscribed ‘EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR’ (Edward VII King Emperor); the reverse with a scrolled crowned plaque inscribed ‘FOR / LONG SERVICE / IN THE / COLONIAL AUXILIARY / FORCES’ within a wreath of oak and laurel; height 24.76 (0.97 inch); age-toned; on original ribbon. No 93189 S M GP MACKAY AAMC

The Africa Star was granted for operational service in North Africa from the date of the entry of Italy into the war on 10 June 1940, up to the date of the cessation of operations against the enemy in North Africa on 12 May 1943. The Africa Star may also be awarded for operational service as a member of the Australian Defence Force during the Syrian Campaign in the period from 8 June 1941 to 11 July 1941. This medal is awarded for a minimum of one days operational service in North Africa, west of the Suez Canal between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 and in Syria between 8 June 1941 and 11 July 1941. Clasps Three clasps were issued for the Africa Star: 8 th Army 1 st Army North Africa 1942-43 Only one clasp is worn and when the ribbon is worn alone a ribbon emblem, ‘8', ‘1' or silver rosette as appropriate is worn to denote the award of a clasp. The Medal The Africa Star is a six–pointed star of yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Africa Star'. Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse. The Ribbon The Africa Star ribbon colours represent the desert and the service of the Armies, Naval Forces, Merchant Navy and the Air Forces. Recipient is not engraved on reverse, so, either a replica or not issued to Australianmedal africa star

Document. Harry Biggs Collection. A letter from an unknown person to Mr. F. G. Menzies, Crown Solicitor, Melbourne. It is in relation to a will of the late Amy M. J. M. Gwilym in which she left funds to a Trust. In the letter the writer undertakes to set a room aside at the Police Barracks & call it the 'Gwilym Room' & in it exhibit articles relating to Maryborough District. If funds from the will are made available to the Bendigo Historical Society.organization, club/society, community, harry biggs collection, old police barracks