WW2 Canadian The Defence Medal 1939-1945 Full Size

The Defence Medal 1939-1945 is a full-size campaign medal issued by the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, including Canada, to recognize service during the Second World War. Authorized in 1945, the medal was awarded to military and certain civilian personnel who served in non-operational zones subjected to air attack or closely threatened from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945. The medal is circular, struck in cupro-nickel, and measures 36 millimeters in diameter. The obverse features the crowned effigy of King George VI, while the reverse displays two lions flanking an oak sapling, symbolizing resilience. The ribbon comprises a green stripe representing the green fields of England, flanked by narrow black stripes for the blackout and broad orange stripes symbolizing firebombing raids. This medal was commonly awarded to members of the Canadian armed forces and select civilian organizations who contributed to home defense during the war.