WW2 Canadian The Defence Medal 1939-1945 Full Size

The Defence Medal 1939-1945 is a British Commonwealth campaign medal awarded for non-operational military and certain types of civilian service during the Second World War. This full-size example represents the version issued to Canadian personnel. Established in 1945, the medal recognizes service in the United Kingdom, designated territories, or in non-combatant roles in proximity to the enemy between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. The circular silver-coloured medal features the effigy of King George VI on the obverse, while the reverse shows the Royal Crown resting atop a sword and flanked by a lion, with the dates “1939” and “1945” and the inscription “THE DEFENCE MEDAL.” The medal is suspended from a distinctive ribbon of green with orange and black stripes, symbolizing enemy bombing and the blackout. This WW2 Canadian Defence Medal is a significant artifact reflecting the contributions of Canadian military and eligible civilians during the conflict.