Claims for the 1914 Star

By Chris BakerArticles

The 1914 Star is authorised: Army Order 350 of 1917

The records offices were placed under obligation to produce a nominal roll of soldiers entitled to the Star.

The Stars become available for issue

Both clippings above are from the “Northern Whig” of Saturday 11 January 1919 (British Newspaper Archive). The same information appeared in other newspapers of this date and the next few days, and concerned the first issue of the medal to certain regiments as listed. On 16 January, some 200 men of the Household Cavalry were presented with their Stars. Note the information for men who were not serving about applying for the medal.
From the “Birmingham Mail” of Wednesday 19 February 1919 (British Newspaper Archive). The process of issue to other regiments was underway, but it is evident from later announcements (examples below) that the process took some time. This appears to have been at least in part due to the need to procure the ribbon.
From the “Sunday Post” of Sunday 23 February 1919 (British Newspaper Archive).
“The [Derbyshire] Courier” of Saturday 3 May 1919 (British Newspaper Archive)
“Birmingham Gazette” of Monday 26 May 1919 (British Newspaper Archive)

Newspapers announced in October 1919 that the medal was available for issue to men of all regiments, including the military nursing services. They said “officers or nurses and other ranks not now serving who have not yet received their Stars should apply …” and added that applications from legatees or next of kin of deceased officers, nurses and other ranks should similarly apply.

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Campaign medals of the Great War