This medal was awarded for one month’s full time service or six months’ part time service in any of the Armed Services, the Reserve or Home Guard between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. This medal was the first distinctively ‘New Zealand’ campaign medal, which was emphasised by the use of the fern leaf motif on the reverse and the national colours of black and white in the ribbon.
The New Zealand War Service Medal was issued unengraved, as were other Second World War campaign medals awarded for service for New Zealand.
Being a New Zealander I am especially fond of this medal. My grandfathers medal bar contains one as does the one belonging to the Grand-Uncle that I am named after. I have two examples of this medal.
