Irish Emergency Medal
Ireland During Wartime
Pictured is the Irish Emergency Service Medal from 1946. It was awarded to military and civilian organisations in the Irish Republic (then known as the Irish Free State) who served during World War 2 when the Irish state was neutral.
The medal is bronze and features a woman with an Irish wolfhound with the words Re na Práinne in Gaelic - The Emergency. The top clasp features the words Serbís Náisiúnta or National Service. This particular example features two 1939-1946 clasps, each clasp denoting a period of 2 years' service above the standard 1 year for which the medal is awarded.
The medal was award to members of numerous organisations including the Army, Navy, Air Corps, Reserve Defence Force and First Aid units. The name of the organisation is shown on the rear of the medal.
This medal was awarded to a member of the Local Defence Forces - An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil.
The medal is suspended from a red and white ribbon with either a single white stripe, or as in this case two narrow stripes depending on the unit of issue.
The medals are comparatively rare and in demand from collectors. Prices can range from £60 to well over £100 depending on rarity and condition.