Defence Medal

The Defence Medal was instituted on 16 August 1945 and awarded to British and Commonwealth forces that served in non-operational areas for varying amounts of time and the degree of enemy threat. Most Canadians serving in Europe received this medal because they were stationed in Great Britain and met the eligibility criteria of six months service in an overseas non-operational area that was subject to bombing and enemy attack. Canadian forces that had served in Hong Kong also received the Defence Medal. Participation in mine or bomb disposal required only three months service. The medal was also awarded for one year’s service in an overseas non-operational area not subject to bombing or closely threatened by enemy attack so Canadians who had served in Newfoundland for the required time were awarded the medal. For British citizens resident in Great Britain the service criteria were three years because it was not considered overseas, but still subject to bombing and enemy attack. The Defence Medal awarded to 325,000 Canadians was produced at the Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa, and was made of .800 silver.