This is a World War II Defence Medal, instituted by the United Kingdom in May 1945 and awarded to citizens of the British Commonwealth for both military and civilian service during the war.
The medal was awarded for service in non-operational areas that were subjected to air attack or closely threatened.
The obverse features the effigy of King George VI, while the reverse depicts a royal crown resting on an oak tree stump, flanked by a lion and a lioness.
The green, black, and orange ribbon symbolizes different aspects of the war effort. The green represents the "green and pleasant land" of Britain, the orange symbolizes the enemy attacks (flame color), and the black represents the blackouts enforced against air raids.
For Canadians, six months of service in Britain was the general requirement.
The dates 1939 and 1945 are visible on the reverse of the medal.
