1914 Star

The 1914 Star (colloquially known as the Mons Star) was a British Empire campaign medal for service in World War I.

The 1914 Star was approved in 1917, for issue to officers and men of British forces who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and midnight 22/23 November 1914. The former date is the day after Britain's declaration of war against the Central Powers, and the closing date marks the end of the First Battle of Ypres.

The majority of recipients were officers and men of the pre-war British army, specifically the British Expeditionary Force (the Old Contemptibles), who landed in France soon after the outbreak of the War and who took part in the Retreat from Mons (hence the nickname 'Mons Star'). 365,622 were awarded in total. Recipients of this medal also received the British War Medal and Victory Medal. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.

A very similar medal, the 1914-15 Star, was also issued, but no person could receive both awards.

Alfred Anderson was the last known living recipient of the medal.

Description

 * The medal is a four pointed star of bright bronze, ensigned with a crown, with a height of 50mm, and a maximum width of 45mm.
 * The obverse has two crossed gladii (swords) with blades upwards and a wreath of oak leaves, with the Royal Cypher of King George V at foot and central 'S'-shaped scroll inscribed AUG 1914 NOV.
 * The reverse is plain and displays the recipient's number, rank, name and unit.
 * The ribbon has the red white and blue colours of the French Tri-coloure, in shaded and watered stripes.

Clasp

 * 5th Aug.-22nd Nov. 1914
 * Often referred to as Clasp and Roses. Instituted in 1919 (Army Order Number 361 published 16 October 1919) and awarded to those who had operated within range of enemy mobile artillery during the above period. When the ribbon bar was worn alone, recipients of the clasp to the medal wore a small silver rosette on the ribbon bar.