| The Defence Medal is of cupro-nickel, and has the coinage head of King George VI with the usual
legend on the obverse. The reverse shows the Royal Crown resting above a small oak tree and flanked
by two heraldic lions. The dates 1939 and 1945 appear in the top left and right respectively,
whilst beneath the medal are the words THE DEFENCE MEDAL. The ribbon is flame coloured with
green edges, symbolising the air attacks on Britain's "Green and Pleasant Land".
The nationwide black-out is represented by a narrow black stripe down the centre of the green edges.
The medal was awarded for three years service in Great Britain until 8 May 1945 or six months overseas in territories subjected to or threatened by enemy attack. The time was extended to forces overseas until 15 August 1945, the end of active war in the Pacific. In the case of mine and bomb disposal the time qualification was three months. | 
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| © Alan M Stanier (contact details) |