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.