Canadian Volunteer Service Medal

The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal was instituted by Canada on 22 October 1943 and was awarded for eighteen months voluntary service between 2 September 1939 and 1 March 1947 in the Canadian army, navy, air force, and merchant marine. Though the actual medal was not issued until after the Second World War, eligible recipients received the ribbon bar for wear on their uniform. Those who had been killed in action or died or a result of injury or disease due to voluntary service were awarded the medal.

In 2001 the eligibility requirements were expanded to recognise the service of the Auxiliary Services, Canadian Corps of Canadian Firemen on overseas duty, Ferry Command aircraft pilots, and British Commonwealth Air Training Plan instructors. They were extended again in 2003 to regular and reserve members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who served during the Second World War. The medal awarded to 650,000 Canadians was produced at the Royal Canadian Mint, Ottawa, and was made of .800 silver. Four bars have been authorised for the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal:

Overseas Service Bar: Authorised in 1943 for those who served for 60 days service outside of Canada.

Dieppe Bar: Authorised in 1991 for those who served in the Dieppe Raid on 19 August 1942.

Hong Kong Bar: Authorised in 1994 to those who served in the Battle of Hong Kong from 8 December 1941 to 25 December 1941.

Bomber Command Bar: Authorised in 2012 for those who served one day in Bomber Command between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 regardless of rank or role.