Historical information

Medal belonged to Joan Grace Gibson (Mitchell) Service numbers: VFX53656 VX53656 VX38752.

The Defence Medal was awarded for 6 months service in a prescribed non-operational area subject to enemy air attack or closely threatened in Australia and overseas, 12 months non-operational service in the forces overseas from or outside Australia.Within Australia, the qualifying area was the Northern Territory, north of 14 degrees 30 minutes south, and the Torres Strait Islands. The qualifying period was between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Overseas service included the Middle East, east of the Suez Canal (less the period of the Syrian Campaign) or Malaya prior to the Japanese invasion on 8 December 1941.

Significance

The medal is of high significance and should be kept in the collection.

Physical description

The Defence Medal, made from cool-to-touch cupro-nickel, showcases intricate design and engraving details. On the reverse, a Royal Crown rests above a small oak tree growing on land surrounded by water, flanked by two lions as supporters. The inscription '1939 1945' encircles the design, with 'THE DEFENCE MEDAL' in exergue, and the artist's monogram HWP (H. Wilson Parker) subtly placed among the tree roots. The medal’s rim is engraved with 'VFC53656 J.G. GIBSON.' The obverse features the uncrowned effigy of King George VI, facing left, with the initials 'HP' for designer TH Paget beneath the truncated neck. Around the perimeter, the legend reads 'GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP:', [Latin meaning: 'George VI, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains and Emperor of India.] The ribbon is orange with green outer stripes, each green stripe having a black pin stripe running down the centre. The green represents the Islands of the United Kingdom, the orange represents enemy attacks, and the black represents the black outs. The ribbon offers a textured ribbed feel under the fingers.

Inscriptions & markings

'VFX53656 J. G. GIBSON' [Engraved around the rim of the medal]