[4] During World War II, Newfoundland was a separate Dominion of the British Empire, only joining the Canadian Confederation in 1949.

[6] A total of 7,500 medals were awarded, including those issued to next-of-kin, who could claim on behalf of those who died both in or since the war.

[6] The medal was specifically created to honour service with the British Imperial Forces, the Newfoundland Overseas Forestry Unit, the Merchant Navy and the Newfoundland Regiment, or any other unit or organization prescribed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

It is circular, struck in bronze and 36 millimetres (1.4 in) in diameter, the following design:[7]The obverse has the Crown and cypher of King George VI surmounted by a Newfoundland stag caribou, baying.

Around the edge is the legend NEWFOUNDLAND VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945.The reverse bears a depictions of Britannia standing on a scallop shell, with a spear in her right hand and the sun's rays behind her.