Table of contents
- How do I replace a lost Medal?
- Can I wear my relative’s medals?
- In what order should medals be mounted?
- How much does it cost to replace lost medals?
- I need new ribbons. Where can I obtain new ones?
- I need a new mounting bar. Where can I obtain one?
- Why are medals from the Second World War not engraved with the soldier’s information?
- How do I apply for the Radar Mechanics Certificate?
- I served in the Second World War and I lost my discharge button. Can I get another one?
- Where can I get a replacement of my Operational Wings?
- Where can I purchase a replacement cap, hat or air gunner badges, etc.?
- I want to have my medals mounted and cleaned. Is this service available?
- Bomber Command - What is the Bomber Command Bar?
- Bomber Command - Are Canadian Veterans eligible to apply for the United Kingdom Bomber Command Clasp?
- Arctic Star - How can I apply?
How do I replace a lost Medal?
Veterans Affairs Canada is responsible for first issue or replacement medals for those who served in the Second World War, Merchant Navy and the Korean War.
Helpful Tips When Applying for Medals:
- If you are looking for first issue or replacement medals for the Second World War, Merchant Navy or Korean War, please contact us at 1-866-522-2122.
- If you are looking for first issue or replacement medals for service post Korean War (Canadian Forces Decorations, United Nations Medal for Emergency Force, Egypt, Peace Keeping Medal, or the Special Service Medal, etc.), please contact the Canadian Armed Forces at 1-877-741-8332.
- If you are eligible to the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea, you must contact the Chancellery of Honours at 1-800-465-6890.
Please contact us or download, print and complete the appropriate form below and mail it to the Honours and Awards directorate at the address indicated on the form.
- Veteran of the Second World War
- Family member of a deceased Veteran of the Second World War
Can I wear my relative’s medals?
Medals may only be worn by the Veteran. It is a criminal offense to wear military medals that someone else has earned.
In what order should medals be mounted?
Information can be found in the section on mounting and wearing of campaign stars and medals.
How much does it cost to replace lost medals?
There is no charge for replacement medals for the Veteran to whom they were awarded or their surviving partner. However, for eligible next of kin, there is a fee for replacement medals. The fee for each medal varies.
I need new ribbons. Where can I obtain new ones?
Veterans Affairs Canada provides Veterans and their families with new ribbons at no cost. We will require the name of each medal in order to identify which ribbons are needed. Please contact us for more information.
I need a new mounting bar. Where can I obtain one?
Veterans Affairs Canada can provide new mounting bars at no cost. We have one to five medal bars available. Please contact us for more information.
Why are medals from the Second World War not engraved with the soldier’s information?
The eight campaign stars and two general service medals awarded for service in the Second World War were issued unnamed by England and Canada after the criteria for the medals were finalized in 1948. In accordance with the criteria, the medals were not engraved with the details of military personnel. This criterion is still followed today.
How do I apply for the Radar Mechanics Certificate?
If you served in the RCAF and were a Radar Mechanic attached to the RAF during the Second World War, a certificate of appreciation from the British Air Ministry of Defence is available. Pleasecontact us for more information. Family members of a deceased Veteran can also apply. Please note that only one certificate per Radar Mechanic can be issued.
I served in the Second World War and I lost my discharge button. Can I get another one?
Yes. Please contact us and a replacement discharge button and certificate will be sent after a review of your service documents.
Where can I get a replacement of my Operational Wings?
Operational Wings are available from the Canadian Armed Forces. Please note that they may only replace lost or stolen wings that were already approved prior to or by 31 March 1946. If approval for the operational wings is not in the service member’s file, the wings cannot be issued.
Where can I purchase a replacement cap, hat or air gunner badges, etc.?
Badges and insignias are available from a military outfitter.
I want to have my medals mounted and cleaned. Is this service available?
Veterans Affairs Canada does not provide this service. Please contact a military outfitter in your area.
What is the Bomber Command Bar?
The Bomber Command Bar is awarded to Canadian Veterans who earned the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and served a minimum of one day with Bomber Command during the Second World War.
Bomber Command Bar applications can be submitted online or by submitting a paper application to the Honours and Awards Section of Veterans Affairs Canada:
Veterans Affairs Canada
Honours and Awards Section
Ottawa ON K1A 0P4
More information on the Bomber Command Bar can be found here.
Are Canadian Veterans eligible to apply for the United Kingdom Bomber Command Clasp?
Canadian Honours and Awards policy indicates that “awards are made on the understanding that individuals do not receive a similar award from their own or any other Allied government.”
As the Bomber Command Bar is being issued by the Government of Canada, Canadian Veterans are not eligible to receive the UK Bomber Command Clasp to the 1939-45 Star, as this would be a direct duplication of a Canadian honour.
Arctic Star - How can I apply?
The Arctic Star is intended to recognize the particular severity of the conditions experienced by those who served in the Arctic during the Second World War. Eligible Canadian Veterans and next-of-kin can apply for the Arctic Star by submitting the required application.
For your application, you will need to provide the following information:
- service number
- branch of service
- theatre of service
- full name
- date of birth
- your current name and address
Please contact us or download, print and complete the appropriate form below and mail it to the Honours and Awards directorate at the address indicated on the form.
- Veteran of the Second World War
- Family member of a deceased Veteran of the Second World War
Alright, here's the breakdown based on the provided article:
How do I replace a lost Medal?
- Authority: Veterans Affairs Canada is responsible for first issue or replacement medals for those who served in specific wars.
- Process: Contact provided helplines or fill out specific forms based on your service period.
Can I wear my relative’s medals?
- Policy: Only the Veteran can wear their medals; it's a criminal offense to wear someone else's.
In what order should medals be mounted?
- Guidance: Instructions on the mounting and wearing of campaign stars and medals can be found within the article.
How much does it cost to replace lost medals?
- Fees: No charge for replacement medals for the Veteran or their surviving partner. A fee applies to eligible next of kin.
I need new ribbons. Where can I obtain new ones?
- Support: Veterans Affairs Canada provides free ribbons but requires the names of the needed medals.
I need a new mounting bar. Where can I obtain one?
- Support: Veterans Affairs Canada offers free mounting bars with a range of medals supported.
Why are medals from the Second World War not engraved with the soldier’s information?
- Historical Context: Medals issued for service in the Second World War were not engraved based on criteria established in 1948.
How do I apply for the Radar Mechanics Certificate?
- Procedure: Veterans who served as Radar Mechanics during the Second World War can apply for a certificate through the mentioned contacts.
I served in the Second World War and I lost my discharge button. Can I get another one?
- Replacement: Contact the appropriate authorities for a review and issuance of a replacement discharge button.
Where can I get a replacement of my Operational Wings?
- Source: Operational Wings replacements are available from the Canadian Armed Forces, subject to specific approval criteria.
Where can I purchase a replacement cap, hat, or air gunner badges, etc.?
- Sourcing: Military outfitters offer these replacements.
I want to have my medals mounted and cleaned. Is this service available?
- Not Offered: Veterans Affairs Canada doesn’t provide this service; it suggests contacting a military outfitter.
What is the Bomber Command Bar?
- Award: Granted to Canadian Veterans meeting specific criteria during their service in Bomber Command during the Second World War.
Are Canadian Veterans eligible to apply for the United Kingdom Bomber Command Clasp?
- Policy Clarification: Canadian Veterans receiving the Bomber Command Bar aren't eligible for the UK Bomber Command Clasp to avoid duplication.
Arctic Star - How can I apply?
- Application: Canadian Veterans or next-of-kin eligible for the Arctic Star need to submit specific details as outlined in the provided form to the Honours and Awards directorate.
These points cover various aspects related to medals, their replacement, wearing protocols, specific awards, and the process for obtaining or replacing them for Canadian Veterans or their next-of-kin.
