History
The Second World War reached into Australian civilian life as no conflict had before. Alongside the uniformed services, thousands of civilians served in organisations run on military-like lines: the Australian Women's Land Army working the farms, Voluntary Aid Detachments in the hospitals, and the workforces that built and ran the war works, often far from home and sometimes under attack, as in the Darwin area.
The Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 was introduced in 1994 on the recommendation of the Committee of Inquiry into Defence and Defence Related Awards, the same review that reshaped the Defence long service awards. It recognises civilians who served in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort as part of organisations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service, for at least 180 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Thirty eight eligible groups are listed against the regulations, and applications are still received and assessed by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet today.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 is bronze. It portrays the Southern Cross surrounded by golden wattle, Australia's floral emblem: the Southern Cross represents Australia, and the wattle represents the civilian population joining in the defence of the country.
The ribbon
Ochre at the centre for the soil of Australia, green at the edges for the land and food production.
The ribbon has three vertical bands. The central band is ochre, representing the soil of Australia, and the two outer bands are green for the land and food production.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister or a delegate, to civilians who served in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort as part of organisations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service.
- The qualifying period is at least 180 days of service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945, in any one or a combination of the 38 eligible groups;
- The eligible groups include the Australian Women's Land Army and other women's agricultural services, Voluntary Aid Detachments, and organisations whose members served in the Darwin area or at the locations of war works;
- Applications are assessed by the Honours and Symbols Section of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet against wartime records.
Order of wear
The medal is worn among the Australian service awards, after the National Emergency Medal and before the commemorative medals. The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945?
Civilians who served in Australia in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort, as part of organisations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service, for at least 180 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.
Which organisations count?
There are 38 eligible groups, including the Australian Women's Land Army and other women's agricultural services, Voluntary Aid Detachments, and organisations whose members served in the Darwin area or at the locations of war works. The full guide is published by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Why are munitions workers not eligible?
The medal was intended for war service more arduous than the norm, performed under military-like conditions. Members of the industrial workforce generally lived at home under standard civilian working conditions, so that service falls outside the criteria.
Can the medal still be applied for?
Yes. Applications with records of eligible service are submitted to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and once approved the medal is engraved and can be presented through a local Federal Member or Senator.
What does the design show?
The bronze medal portrays the Southern Cross surrounded by golden wattle: the Southern Cross for Australia, and the wattle for the civilian population joining in the defence of the country.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.