History
The Air Crew Europe Star was awarded for operational flying from the United Kingdom over Europe between 3 September 1939 and 5 June 1944, the eve of D-Day, after which such service was covered instead by the France and Germany Star. It is among the most sought-after of all campaign stars because its window was narrow and its qualification hard: two months of operational flying, on top of prior qualification for the 1939-1945 Star, in the years when Bomber Command's losses were at their most terrible.
It could not be held together with the Atlantic Star or the France and Germany Star; a recipient who also qualified for one of those wore it as a clasp on the ribbon of whichever was earned first, so an Air Crew Europe Star is frequently seen bearing a France and Germany clasp. Australians of Bomber Command are prominent among recipients, many of them lost. As an Imperial award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Star is a six-pointed star of yellow copper-zinc alloy fitting within a 44 millimetre circle, ensigned with a crown carrying a ring for suspension. The obverse bears the royal cypher GRI VI within a circlet inscribed THE AIR CREW EUROPE STAR. The reverse is plain; Australian issues, unlike most Commonwealth stars, were impressed on the reverse with the recipient's number, initials and surname after a campaign by veterans' organisations.
The ribbon
Light blue with a central black stripe edged in yellow.
The ribbon is light blue with a central black stripe and a narrow yellow stripe on each side, the blue for the sky, the black for night flying and the yellow for the searchlights or the dawn.
Clasps
The Air Crew Europe Star was associated by clasp with two other campaign stars, only one clasp worn on the ribbon.
Atlantic
Worn by recipients of the Air Crew Europe Star who also qualified for the Atlantic Star. Only one clasp is worn on the star, shown by a silver rosette when the ribbon alone is worn.
France and Germany
Worn by recipients of the Air Crew Europe Star who also qualified for the France and Germany Star. Only one clasp is worn on the star, shown by a silver rosette when the ribbon alone is worn.
Eligibility
The Star was awarded for operational flying over Europe from a United Kingdom base between 3 September 1939 and 5 June 1944.
- Two months of operational service in an aircrew role were required, after prior qualification for the 1939-1945 Star;
- It could not be awarded with the Atlantic Star or the France and Germany Star; a subsequent entitlement to either was represented by a clasp on the ribbon of the star earned first, with only one clasp worn;
- As an Imperial award it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Order of wear
No more than five of the Second World War campaign stars could be awarded to one person, six including the later Arctic Star; those who qualified for more wore a clasp on the ribbon of a star they held, naming a further star, with only one clasp worn on any star.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Air Crew Europe Star awarded for?
Operational flying from the United Kingdom over Europe between 3 September 1939 and 5 June 1944, after prior qualification for the 1939-1945 Star and two months of aircrew service.
Why is it so highly prized?
Its qualifying window was narrow and closed on the eve of D-Day, and it belongs to the early bombing offensive when aircrew losses were at their worst; genuine examples are scarce.
Why might it carry a clasp?
The Air Crew Europe, Atlantic and France and Germany Stars were mutually exclusive: a recipient who qualified for a second wore it as a clasp on the ribbon of the first earned.
What happened to European flying service after June 1944?
From 6 June 1944, D-Day, such service was recognised by the France and Germany Star instead.
Is it named to the recipient?
Australian issues are impressed on the reverse with the recipient's details, unlike most Commonwealth stars, which were issued unnamed.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No; it is a campaign star and carries no post-nominal.