Italy Star 1943-45 awarded to Private Frederick John Wickens, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)

Copper-zinc alloy medal in the form of a six-pointed star, on the obverse, the royal cypher, 'GRVI', for King George VI (1895-1952), within circlet bearing the medal name, 'The Italy Star', surmounted by a crown. The reverse is inscribed with the recipient's name, service number and regiment, and the medal is suspended by a ring from a ribbon with central green stripe flanked by white and red stripes.

Instituted in May 1945, the Italy Star was awarded to British and Commonwealth personnel who served in Sicily or Italy between the 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945. Those serving in Yugoslavia, Greece, Corsica and Sardinia at various times also qualified for the campaign medal.

From a medal group awarded to Private Frederick John Wickens, The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment), comprising: India General Service Medal 1908-35, 1939-45 Star, Italy Star 1943-45, Defence Medal 1939-45, British War Medal 1939-45 and Imperial Service Medal.

From the collection of the former Buffs Regimental Museum.