Were soldiers serving in 1943 awarded the Africa campaign medal?

[tropenmilitaria]

From what I understand the Italian issued Africa DAK campaign medal was first awarded to German soldiers in 1942 for service in Africa but was it also awarded to German soldiers arriving in Africa at the end of the campaign in 1943? I often see Africa soldiers being awarded the Afrika cuff title in 1943 or 1944 via documents but all of the campaign medals seem only to have been awarded in 1942. Am i wrong on this? Thanks guys!

[Scott C.]

My reference says a German order dated 29 Mar 44 prohibited further wear of Italian awards and decorations (for obvious reasons), with specific reference to the Italo-German Africa Medal. I imagine up to that date, the awarding of the medal for prior service in Africa was okay.

[peterm]

Most of these medals were awarded for service with the "Africa Corps" in 1941 - 1942, but I knew a paratrooper, who came to Africa with FJR 5 in 1943 and was also awarded this medal, although he saw only service in tunisia.

MOST of the cufftitle award-docs for "Africa" and also for "Kreta" I have ever seen were issued in 1943, these for "Italian-German medal" in 1942.

Regards,

Peter

[tropenmilitaria]

thanks for the info guys.