The Africa Star was granted for operational service in North Africa from the date of the entry of Italy into the war on 10 June 1940, up to the date of the cessation of operations against the enemy in North Africa on 12 May 1943.
The Africa Star may also be awarded for operational service as a member of the Australian Defence Force during the Syrian Campaign in the period from 8 June 1941 to 11 July 1941.
The Africa Star is awarded for a minimum of one days operational service in North Africa, west of the Suez Canal between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943 and in Syria between 8 June 1941 and 11 July 1941.
The six–pointed star is yellow copper zinc alloy. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Africa Star’.
Stars issued to Australian personnel have recipient names engraved on the plain reverse.
The ribbon colours represent the desert and the service of the Armies, Naval Forces, Merchant Navy and the Air Forces.
Three clasps were issued for the Africa Star:
- 8th Army
- 1st Army
- North Africa 1942-43
Only one clasp is worn and when the ribbon is worn alone a ribbon emblem, ‘8’, ‘1’ or silver rosette as appropriate is worn to denote the award of a clasp.
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