Awarded for six months service afloat for Navy and Merchant Marine between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 in the Atlantic, Sth Atlantic and convoys to North Russia. Qualifying period for the Air Force was 2 months between the specified dates and like the Navy only if eligible for the 1939-1945 star as well.

Applicable Clasp – Air Crew Europe or France and Germany (in lieu of stars issue). The colours of the ribbon represents the colours of the sea.

Approximately 5,000 issued to Australians.