WW2 British Canadian The Africa Star Miniature Medal

The WW2 British Canadian The Africa Star Miniature Medal is a reduced-scale version of the Africa Star, a campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom in 1943. Awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, including Canadian personnel, the Africa Star recognizes operational service in North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 during the Second World War. The medal is cast in yellow bronze and features a six-pointed star. The obverse bears the Royal Cypher “GRVI” surmounted by a crown and encircled by the inscription “The Africa Star.” It is suspended from a ribbon with red, pale blue, and dark blue stripes, symbolizing the army, air force, and navy, respectively. Miniature medals such as this were typically worn on mess dress or for less formal occasions. This item represents service in a key theater of World War II and is of interest to collectors of British and Commonwealth military awards.