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Image Not Available for Australian Naval General Service medal with Minesweeping 1945-1951 Bar
Australian Naval General Service medal with Minesweeping 1945-1951 Bar
Image Not Available for Australian Naval General Service medal with Minesweeping 1945-1951 Bar

Australian Naval General Service medal with Minesweeping 1945-1951 Bar

Date1945-1951
Object number00034449
NameMedal
MediumMetal, cloth
DimensionsOverall: 88 x 36 mm, 3 mm, 0.02 kg
Display Dimensions: 87 x 36 mm, 3 mm
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionAn Australian Naval General Service medal 1915-1962 with Minesweeping 1945-1951 Bar. The silver medal features a portrait of George VI with the legend 'GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA BRITT : OMN : REX FIO : DEF'. on the reverse is the figure Brittania holding a scepter and a shield in a chariot. The red and white striped ribbon fetares a metal bar with text "Minesweeping 1945-51".HistoryThe Naval General Service Medal 1915-62 was instituted in 1915 for service in minor Naval war-like operations tthat would not otherwise earn a specific campaign medal. The medal is always issued with a clasp denoting the area of operations. Subsequent service is recognised by the award of further clasps to be worn on the original medal. The Minesweeping clasp was awarded for 6 months minesweeping duties in specified areas from 3rd September 1945 (inclusive). Most of the work carried out by these ships immediately after the end of the Second World War involved mine clearance in Australian and south west Pacific waters, especially around harbour entrances. SignificanceMedals have been awarded to military personnel in Australia as commemorative items for war service and are traditionally worn by veterans on ANZAC Day.
Medals such as this Australian Naval General Service Medal and Minesweeping bar show the role of Royal Australian Naval Personnel in conflicts of the twentieth century.