The Defence Medal was a Second World War medal which was established
on 16 August 1945. Although the medal was usually awarded to Canadians for
six months service in Britain between 03 September 1939 and 08 May 1945,
the exact terms were: Service in the forces in non-operational areas subjected
to air attack or closely threatened, providing such service lasted for three or
more years. Service overseas or outside the country of residence, providing
that such service lasted for one year, except in territories threatened by the
enemy or subject to bomb attacks, in which case it was six months prior to 02
September 1945. Under the terms of this last condition, Canadians serving for
one year in Newfoundland were eligible and persons serving for six months in
Hong Kong were also eligible. The qualifying period in mine and bomb
disposal was three months. Canadians serving in West Africa, Palestine and
India, other than operational air crew, qualified for this medal. Those awarded
the George Cross (GC) or George Medal (GM) for civil defence received this
medal. Home Guard and others in Britain qualified for this medal.