Russia. World War 2. 40 year anniversary medal, with award certificate.

This Medal which is also known as the ‘Jubilee Medal’ marks ‘forty years of Victory in the 'Great Patriotic War 1941–1945’. It is technically a ‘commemorative medal’ presented by the Russian Government for service during World War II.

 The medal was established in 1985, and the Russian Government first approached the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the late 1980’s and offered this medal to British ex-Servicemen. However, permission was not granted for it to be accepted and worn at that time.

 Not with standing this, some years later, further official approaches by the Russians to the British Government were reconsidered, and in 1994, The Queen granted permission for this medal to be accepted and worn by eligible British citizens. This was a time when Anglo Russian relationships were on a better footing.

Although not a rare medal, this example has the benefit of its original box and dated certificate of issue to British serviceman L Barrett, which gives it better historical context.

 Also included is a hand written translation of the leaflet. Extremely fine, as issued.