Battle of the Atlantic and the War in Europe. The Arctic Star, from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945, the duration of the Arctic Convoys and the War in Europe. The Air Crew Europe Star, from 3 September 1939 to 5 June 1944, the period until D-Day minus one. The Africa Star, from 10 June 1940 to 12 May 1943, the duration of the North African Campaign. The Pacific Star, from 8 December 1941 to 2 September 1945, the duration of the Pacific War. The Burma Star, from 11 December 1941 to 2 September 1945, the duration of the Burma Campaign. The Italy Star, from 11 June 1943 to 8 May 1945, the duration of the Italian Campaign. The France and Germany Star, from 6 June 1944 to 8 May 1945, the duration of the North-West Europe Campaign. The Defence Medal, from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945 (2 September 1945 for those serving in the Far East and the Pacific), the duration of the Second World War. The War Medal, from 3 September 1939 to 2 September 1945, the full duration of the Second World War. The 1939–1945 Star is therefore worn as shown: Succeeded by the Atlantic Star. South Africa On 6 April 1952 the Union of South Africa instituted its own range of military decorations and medals. These new awards were worn before all earlier British decorations and medals awarded to South Africans, with the exception of the Victoria Cross, which still took precedence before all other awards. Second World War medals awarded to South Africans continued to be worn in the order shown above, with the Africa Service Medal worn after the War Medal. External links 1939-45 Star on the UK Parliament website References British campaign medals Australian campaign medals New Zealand campaign medals Military decorations and medals of South Africa Military decorations and medals of South Africa pre-1952 1943 establishments in the United Kingdom Awards established in 1943 Military awards and decorations of World War II