The Italy Star was a campaign medal awarded to British and Commonwealth service personnel for service during the Second World War. This article will provide a history of the star, examine how a soldier qualified for the medal, and look at whether there are any medal records. I have created a series of guides to help you research those who served in the British Army during the Second World War:
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The Italy Star
On 17 May 1945, Buckingham Palace announced the creation of the Italy Star along with five other campaign stars and the Defence Medal:
The King has been graciously pleased, in recognition of the great services of the Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy, to institute six new campaign stars – the Atlantic Star, the Air Crew Europe Star, the Italy Star, the France and Germany Star, the Pacific Star and the Burma Star.
His Majesty has also decided to create a Defence Medal for military non-operational service overseas from the country of residence, and for specified service in the United Kingdom and other territories which have been subjected to air attack or closely threatened.
The 1939-45 Star, originally known as the 1939-43 Star, and the Africa Star had already been created during the war.
How did a Soldier Qualify for the Italy Star?
Despite its name, a soldier could qualify for the Italy Star without setting foot in the country, though this is in fact how most qualified. The medal was awarded for service in Italy from 11 June 1943, the date of the capture of Pantelleria until 8 May 1945, when Victory in Europe Day was celebrated. However, if a soldier served in Sicily after the 17 August 1943, they did not qualify for the medal. A soldier also qualified by taking part in operations in the following areas:
- Aegean – Service between 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945
- Corsica – Service on the island after 4 October 1943 did not qualify a soldier for the medal
- Dodecanese – Service between 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945
- Greece – Service between 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945
- Sardinia – Service between 11 June and 19 September 1943. Service after this period did not qualify a soldier for the Italy Star
- Yugoslavia – Service between 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945
If a soldier entered Austrian territory in the final days of the war, they qualified for the Italy Star rather than the France and Germany Star.
Description of the Italy Star
Description: Six-pointed star.
Obverse: Cypher of King George VI surmounted by a crown. Inside a circlet surrounding the cypher are the words THE ITALY STAR.
Reverse: Plain for British service personnel.
Metal: Bronze.
Ribbon: Equal stripes of red, white, green, white and red which represent the Italian flag.
Clasps: No clasps were issued for the Italy Star.
Are there any Medal Records for the Italy Star?
There are no individual medal records for the Italy Star. Instead, if a soldier qualified for the medal it should be recorded on their service record. Even if it wasn’t, then you’ll be able to tell if a soldier qualified by checking where their unit/s listed in the service record served. I’ve written a separate article explaining what medal records are available and how to confirm a soldier’s medal entitlement: What medal records are available for WW2 British Army Soldiers?
War Diaries of the Italian Campaign
If you’re researching a soldier who qualified for the Italy Star, then you can turn to their unit’s war diary to find out more information about their service. A war diary was written by an officer of a unit, and recorded where it served along with its daily activities. By consulting the correct war diary, you’ll be able to find out the date and circumstances which led to a soldier qualifying for the Italy Star. Most war diaries covering the Italian Campaign are part of WO 170: War Office: Central Mediterranean Forces, (British Element): War Diaries. These documents are held at the National Archives in London. The war diaries for units which took part in the Italian Campaign in 1943 are mostly found in WO 169: War Office: British Forces, Middle East: War Diaries. Also, you’ll find a lot of Indian Army war diaries for the Italian Campaign for 1944 and 1945 in WO 169 rather than WO 170.