Canadians who receive the Arctic Star for service with British forces during the Second World War cannot wear it since it has not been recognized by Canada’s system of honours and awards.

The Arctic Star was announced in 2012 and began production in 2013.

It is awarded for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle between Sept. 3, 1939, and May 8, 1945. Those eligible include Royal Navy and merchant navy personnel, Royal Air Force members if they landed north of the Arctic Circle or served in the air over this area. Also eligible are non-aircrew who were on operational service in the area and army personnel who served in British ships or in defensively equipped merchant ships. Foreign nationals such as those serving in the Royal Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Navy are eligible, so long as the individuals have not been recognized by a similar award from their own government.

“Although the United Kingdom statute creating the Arctic Star does allow for the award of this medal to Canadian recipients, the Government of Canada has not yet authorized the medal for wear by Canadians,” said Melanie Villeneuve, a spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. “This issue is currently being reviewed by Canada’s Honours Policy Committee. Until guidance is given by this committee, the Arctic Star should not be worn by Canadians, as it is not officially recognized within the Canadian order of precedence.”

Staff Sergeant Sally Williams of the British High Commission in Ottawa said applying for the Arctic Star is relatively straightforward when using the link, http://www.veterans-uk.info/arctic_star_index.htm.

To claim the medal a veteran should include as much information as possible, including service number, regiment, branch and trade, full name, date of birth, rank and date of discharge, plus a current address.

If a service person’s medal was not claimed while he or she was alive, the medal can still be claimed. However, proof of death and kinship are required.

“Please bear in mind that it does take about nine months,” she added.

Those who do not wish to apply online, can write Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, MOD Medal Office, Innsworth House, Imjin Barracks, Gloucester, GL3 HW, U.K.