The 1914 Star was authorized in April, 1917, to be awarded to those who served in France or Belgium on the strength of a unit, or service in either of those two countries between 5th August and midnight on 22nd / 23rd November, 1914.
In October, 1919, the King sanctioned the award of a bar to this star to all who had been under fire in France or Belgium during, or between the above dates.
The bar is of bronze 31mm x 5mm and has small holes at each corner enabling it to be sewn on to the ribbon. Recipients of the bar were entitled to wear a small silver rose on the ribbon when the star itself was not worn. The Star and bar are often incorrectly referred to as the ‘Mons Star’ or ‘Mons bar’.
Recipients of the 1914 Star always received the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Groups are to be found, which include this star, and also the Mercantile Marine Medal. The recipients probably transferred to the Merchant Service subsequent to serving ashore during the qualifying period.
Personnel of the Royal Navy were awarded the 1914-15 Star, except for the few who served in Antwerp prior to midnight, 22nd / 23rd November, 1914.
378,000 Stars were issued but it is not known how many of these were awarded with the bar. 160 Stars without bars were awarded to Canadians.
1914 Stars issued to medical units: Ambulance Manners (8); Florence Fiennes Hospital (12); Womens Hospital Corps Wimereux (20); Millicent Sutherland Ambulance (21); Lady Doctors Hospital, Claridges Hotel, Paris (22); Auxiliary Hospital Unit Antwerp (36 approx.); Haden Guest Unit (42); QAIMNS (173); QAIMNSR (175); TFNS (61); Civil Hospital Reserve (370).
WW1 LIVES 