Canada: Canada Volunteer Service Medal (1939-1947). With 'Maple Leaf' clasp for 'Overseas Service'

The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal was instituted on 22 October 1943, for award to all qualifying personnel of any rank in the Naval, Military or Air Forces of Canada who voluntarily served on Active Service between, 3 September 1939 to 1 March 1947

Basic award criteria for award of the medal to 'All-Ranks' of the Naval, Military or Air Forces of Canada was for personnel to have voluntarily served on Active Service and honourably completed eighteen months (540 days) total service from, 3 September 1939, to 1 March 1947

On March 14, 2001, the Governor General of Canada extended the eligibility to civilians who served outside of the military forces. Those granted eligibility were Canadian World War II merchant mariners; Auxiliary Services personnel, engaged and paid by the Canadian Legion, Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army and the YMCA; The Corps of Canadian (Civilian) Fire Fighters who served in the United Kingdom and helped fight the fires during the Blitz; Overseas Welfare Workers and the Voluntary Aid Detachments; Ferry Command pilots and aircrew under contract to deliver aircraft from North America; and British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Instructors

On June 6, 2003, eligibility was further extended to include members and reserve constables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who had voluntarily served during the Second World War

The Canadian Volunteer Service Medal was awarded in addition to the standard 'Imperial' (British) campaign awards for the Second World War, and is worn immediately after the Defence Medal and before the War Medal

It is estimated that 650,000 medals were awarded, of which 525,500 had the 'Maple Leaf' overseas service clasp

The medal retaining its original long length silk issue riband

Condition: EF

Code: 22999