South African military decorations
Encyclopedia
An overview of South Africa
n military decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system
.
military decorations in wartime. From 1894, the colonial governments awarded medals for distinguished conduct and for long service. This was the general practice in the British Empire
at that time. The colonial medals were:
, which continued the system. British decorations for gallantry and distinguished service were awarded during World War I
and World War II
, and the South African government granted the other categories of award. They were:
Incomplete
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|39-45star.jpg|Alternate Text 1|1935–1945 Star
|Italy Star.jpg|Alternate Text 6|Italy Star
|Africa Service Medal.jpg|Alternate Text 2|Africa Service Medal
|King George VI Coronation Medal.jpg|Alt Text|King George VI Coronation Medal
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South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n military decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system
South African orders and decorations
An overview of the South African honours system.-1894-1952:The British honours system became applicable to South Africa as colonial rule was established in the region during the nineteenth century...
.
1894–1913
The colonial military forces received BritishBritish honours system
The British honours system is a means of rewarding individuals' personal bravery, achievement, or service to the United Kingdom and the British Overseas Territories...
military decorations in wartime. From 1894, the colonial governments awarded medals for distinguished conduct and for long service. This was the general practice in the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
at that time. The colonial medals were:
- Decorations
- Volunteer Officers' Decoration (VD) (1894–1901)
- Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration (VD) (1900–13)
- Distinguished Conduct Medal (1896–1913)
- Campaign medals
- Cape of Good Hope General Service MedalCape of Good Hope General Service MedalThe Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal was a British campaign medal awarded to South African Cape Colonial Forces. It was authorised in December 1900, as a retrospective award for veterans of three campaigns fought in South Africa between 1880 and 1897....
(1900) - Natal Native Rebellion MedalNatal Native Rebellion MedalThe Natal Native Rebellion Medal was a South African campaign medal. It was authorised on 9 May 1907, for service in the Bambatha Rebellion in Natal in 1906. ....
(1907)
- Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal
- Long service medals
- Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (1896–1913)
- Meritorious Service Medal (1896–1913)
- Volunteer Long Service Medal (1894–1901)
- Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal (1900–13).
1913–1952
The colonial forces were replaced in 1912 by the Union Defence ForcesSouth African Army
The South African Army is the army of South Africa, first formed after the Union of South Africa was created in 1910.The South African military evolved within the tradition of frontier warfare fought by commando forces, reinforced by the Afrikaners' historical distrust of large standing armies...
, which continued the system. British decorations for gallantry and distinguished service were awarded during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, and the South African government granted the other categories of award. They were:
- Decoration
- Distinguished Conduct Medal (1914–40)
- Campaign medals
- Victory Medal (1919)
- Africa Service MedalAfrica Service MedalThe Africa Service Medal was a South African campaign medal for service in World War II. It was instituted by King George VI, in his capacity as South African head of state, on 23 December 1943, and was awarded in addition to the British stars and medals issued for the war...
(1943)
- Long service medals
- Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (1914–39)
- Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (Military) (1939–52)
- Meritorious Service Medal (1914–40)
- Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration (VD) (1913–39)
- Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal (1913–39)
- Efficiency DecorationEfficiency Decoration (South Africa)The Efficiency Decoration was a distinctive award to recognise long and meritorious service of at least twenty years as an officer in the volunteer Army and Air Force Citizen Force of the Union of South Africa...
(ED) (1939–52) - Efficiency MedalEfficiency Medal (South Africa)The Efficiency Medal was approved by a Royal Warrant dated 29 December 1939, for award to men who had completed twelve years' qualifying service in the volunteer Army and Air Force Citizen Force of the Union of South Africa It was extended to the South African Naval Forces from 1942.Officers were...
(1939–52) - RNVR Volunteer Officers' Decoration (VD) (1915–49)
- RNVR Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (1915–49)
- Air Efficiency Award (1950–52).
Incomplete
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|width=100
|height=200
|39-45star.jpg|Alternate Text 1|1935–1945 Star
|Italy Star.jpg|Alternate Text 6|Italy Star
|Africa Service Medal.jpg|Alternate Text 2|Africa Service Medal
|King George VI Coronation Medal.jpg|Alt Text|King George VI Coronation Medal
}}
Boer war veterans
In 1920, the South African government instituted a separate set of awards, for BoerBoer
Boer is the Dutch and Afrikaans word for farmer, which came to denote the descendants of the Dutch-speaking settlers of the eastern Cape frontier in Southern Africa during the 18th century, as well as those who left the Cape Colony during the 19th century to settle in the Orange Free State,...
veterans of the 1899–1902 Anglo-Boer War
Second Boer War
The Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
— neither of the Boer republics for which they had fought had had its own honours system. The awards were:
- Decoration
- Dekoratie voor Trouwe DienstDekoratie voor Trouwe DienstThe Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst was a South African military decoration. It was authorised on 21 December 1920, as a retrospective award for Boer veterans of the Anglo-Boer War...
(Decoration for Devoted Service) (DTD)
- Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst
- Campaign medals
- South African Republic & Orange Free State War MedalSouth African Republic & Orange Free State War MedalThe South African Republic and Orange Free State War Medal, commonly referred to as the "Anglo-Boere Oorlog Medal", was a South African military campaign medal...
- Wounds RibbonWounds RibbonThe Wounds Ribbon, was a South African military award. It was authorised on 21 December 1920, as a retrospective award for Boer veterans of the Anglo-Boer War . The ribbon was issued, on application, to veterans who had been wounded on active service during the war...
.
- South African Republic & Orange Free State War Medal
1952–1975
South Africa introduced its own honours system in 1952. Its largest component was a series of military decorations and medals, which not only replaced the existing long service medals, but provided substitutes for the decorations which the British government had awarded in wartime:
- Decorations
- Castle of Good Hope DecorationCastle of Good Hope DecorationThe Castle of Good Hope Decoration was South Africa's highest military honour from 1952 to 2003. It was introduced on 6 April 1952, and formally authorised by Queen Elizabeth II on 26 January 1953, as a substitute for the Victoria Cross, for which South African servicemen had previously been...
(CGH) (1952–2003) - Louw Wepener DecorationLouw Wepener DecorationThe Louw Wepener Decoration was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1952 to 1975. It was awarded for "most conspicuous or greatest heroism, in circumstances of great danger", and was primarily a non-combat decoration.-References:...
(LWD) (1952–75) - Star of South AfricaStar of South Africa (Decoration)The Star of South Africa was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1952 to 1975. It was awarded to senior military officers, for exceptionally meritorious service.-References:...
(SSA) (1952–75) - Van Riebeeck DecorationVan Riebeeck DecorationThe Van Riebeeck Decoration was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1952 to 1975. It was awarded to military officers, for distinguished service in the field....
(DVR) (1952–75) - Honoris CruxHonoris CruxThe Honoris Crux Decoration was a South African military decoration that was awarded from 1952 to 2003. There were two distinct versions.-First type:...
- 1st Type (HC) (1952–75) - Van Riebeeck MedalVan Riebeeck MedalThe Van Riebeeck Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1952 to 1975. It was awarded to "other ranks" , for distinguished service in the field.-References:...
(VRM) (1952–75) - Louw Wepener MedalLouw Wepener MedalThe Louw Wepener Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1967 to 1975. It was awarded to military personnel for courageous or heroic deeds in saving lives.-References:...
(LWM) (1967–75) - Southern Cross MedalSouthern Cross MedalThe Southern Cross Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1952 to 2003. There were two distinct versions.The first type, introduced on 6 April 1952, was awarded for outstanding devotion to duty...
— 1st Type (SM) (1952–75) - Pro Merito MedalPro Merito MedalThe Pro Merito Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1967 to 2003. There were two distinct versions.The first type, introduced on 6 June 1967, was awarded to "other ranks" for outstanding devotion to duty...
— 1st Type (PMM) (1967–75) - Danie Theron MedalDanie Theron MedalThe Danie Theron Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1970 to 2003. It was awarded for diligent service in the commandos . Originally, from 1970 to 1975, it was reserved for officers, but from 1975 it was open to all ranks...
(1970–2003) - Jack Hindon MedalJack Hindon MedalThe Jack Hindon Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1970 to 1975. It was awarded to "other ranks" for diligent service in the commandos .-References:...
(1970–75)
- Castle of Good Hope Decoration
- Campaign medals
- Korea MedalKorea Medal (South African)The Korea Medal was a military campaign medal of the Union of South Africa. It was issued to South African volunteers who served in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953.-Description:The medal is silver in color 36 mm in diameter...
(1953)
- Korea Medal
- Long service medals
- Permanent Force Good Service MedalPermanent Force Good Service MedalThe Permanent Force Good Service Medal was a South African military medal that was in use from 1952 to 1975. Called the Union Medal from 1952 to 1961, it was awarded to members of the Permanent Force who completed eighteen years qualifying service. It was superseded by the Good Service...
(1952–75) - John Chard DecorationJohn Chard DecorationThe John Chard Decoration was a South African military medal that was in use from 1952 to 2003. It was awarded to members of the Citizen Force who completed twenty years qualifying service, provided they had already earned the John Chard Medal...
(JCD) (1952–2003) - De Wet DecorationDe Wet DecorationThe De Wet Decoration was a South African military medal that was in use from 1965 to 2003. It was named after General Christiaan de Wet. It was awarded to members of the Commandos who completed twenty years qualifying service, and was originally restricted to officers...
(DWD) (1965–2003) - John Chard MedalJohn Chard MedalThe John Chard Medal was instituted with effect from 6 April 1952 to replace the Efficiency Medal and the Air Efficiency Award which was previously awarded to members of the Citizen Force between 1939 and 1952...
(1952–2003) - Cadet Corps MedalCadet Corps Medal-Cadet Corps Medal:Prior to 1966 uniformed members serving in the South African Defence Force’s Cadet Corps were not rewarded for their long and loyal service to the organization by means of a medal award...
(1966–67)
- Permanent Force Good Service Medal
- Shooting medal
- Commandant-General's Medal (1965–2003)
- Emblems
- Mentioned in Despatches (1967–2003)
- Commendation by the Chief of the SADF (1968–74)
1975–2003
A new system was introduced in 1975. It retained seven of the existing decorations and medals. Innovations included a hierarchy of merit awards, cumulative long service medals, and colour-coded ribbons. As the South African Defence Force was engaged in military operations in South West AfricaSouth West Africa
South-West Africa was the name that was used for the modern day Republic of Namibia during the earlier eras when the territory was controlled by the German Empire and later by South Africa....
and Angola
Angola
Angola, officially the Republic of Angola , is a country in south-central Africa bordered by Namibia on the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the north, and Zambia on the east; its west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean with Luanda as its capital city...
throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the number of awards granted each year increased significantly. Additional decorations were instituted between 1987 and 1991.
- Decorations
- Castle of Good Hope DecorationCastle of Good Hope DecorationThe Castle of Good Hope Decoration was South Africa's highest military honour from 1952 to 2003. It was introduced on 6 April 1952, and formally authorised by Queen Elizabeth II on 26 January 1953, as a substitute for the Victoria Cross, for which South African servicemen had previously been...
(CGH) (1952–2003) - Honoris Crux DiamondHonoris Crux DiamondThe Honoris Crux Diamond was a South African military decoration that existed from 1975 to 1993. It was the highest of the four classes of the Honoris Crux Decoration , and was intended to recognise "death-defying heroic deeds of outstanding valour"...
(HCD) (1975–93) - Honoris Crux GoldHonoris Crux GoldThe Honoris Crux Gold was a South African military decoration that existed from 1975 to 1993. It was the second of the four classes of the Honoris Crux Decoration . The decoration is awarded for outstanding acts of bravery while in extreme danger and is of silver gilt...
(HCG) (1975–93) - Order of the Star of South AfricaOrder of the Star of South AfricaThe Order of the Star of South Africa was a South African honour. It was instituted on 1 July 1975, and was granted by the state president of South Africa, for services connected with national defence and security. It replaced the Star of South Africa decoration, instituted in 1952. The order...
(SSA/SSAS) (1975–2003) - Honoris Crux SilverHonoris Crux SilverThe Honoris Crux Silver was a South African military decoration that existed from 1975 to 2003. It was the third of the four classes of the Honoris Crux Decoration The Honoris Crux Silver (HCS) was a South African military decoration that existed from 1975 to 2003. It was the third of the four...
(HCS) (1975–2003) - Honoris CruxHonoris CruxThe Honoris Crux Decoration was a South African military decoration that was awarded from 1952 to 2003. There were two distinct versions.-First type:...
— 2nd Type (HC) (1975–2003) - Pro Virtute Decoration (PVD) (1987–2003)
- Southern Cross DecorationSouthern Cross DecorationThe Southern Cross Decoration was a South African military decoration. It was instituted on July 1, 1975, and was awarded to officers of the South African Defence Force, for outstanding service of the highest order, and utmost devotion to duty. In practice, it was usually a requirement that the...
(SD) (1975–2003) - Pro Merito DecorationPro Merito DecorationThe Pro Merito Decoration was a South African military decoration. It was instituted on 1 July 1975, and was awarded to "other ranks" of the South African Defence Force, for outstanding service of the highest order, and utmost devotion to duty. In practice, it was usually a requirement that the...
(PMD) (1975–2003) - Pro Virtute Medal (PVM) (1987–2003)
- Ad Astra Decoration (AAD) (1987–2003)
- Army Cross (CM) (1991–2003)
- Air Force Cross (CA) (1991–2003)
- Navy Cross (CN) (1991–2003)
- South African Medical Service Cross (CC) (1991–2003)
- Southern Cross MedalSouthern Cross MedalThe Southern Cross Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1952 to 2003. There were two distinct versions.The first type, introduced on 6 April 1952, was awarded for outstanding devotion to duty...
— 2nd Type (SM) (1975–2003) - Pro Merito MedalPro Merito MedalThe Pro Merito Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1967 to 2003. There were two distinct versions.The first type, introduced on 6 June 1967, was awarded to "other ranks" for outstanding devotion to duty...
— 2nd Type (PMM) (1975–2003) - Danie Theron MedalDanie Theron MedalThe Danie Theron Medal was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1970 to 2003. It was awarded for diligent service in the commandos . Originally, from 1970 to 1975, it was reserved for officers, but from 1975 it was open to all ranks...
(DTM) (1970–2003) - Military Merit MedalMilitary Merit Medal (South Africa)The Military Merit Medal was a South African military decoration. It was awarded for services of a high order.It was instituted on 9 October 1974, to replace the Commendation by the Chief of the SADF emblem, and was originally called the "CSADF Commendation Medal"...
(MMM) (1974–2003)
- Castle of Good Hope Decoration
- Campaign medals
- Pro Patria Medal (1974)
- Southern Africa Medal (1989)
- General Service Medal (1989)
- Commemorative medal
- Unitas Medal (1994)
- Long service medals
- Medal for Distinguished Conduct & Loyal Service (1987–2003)
- Good Service Medal (1975–2003)
- John Chard DecorationJohn Chard DecorationThe John Chard Decoration was a South African military medal that was in use from 1952 to 2003. It was awarded to members of the Citizen Force who completed twenty years qualifying service, provided they had already earned the John Chard Medal...
(JCD) (1952–2003) - De Wet DecorationDe Wet DecorationThe De Wet Decoration was a South African military medal that was in use from 1965 to 2003. It was named after General Christiaan de Wet. It was awarded to members of the Commandos who completed twenty years qualifying service, and was originally restricted to officers...
(DWD) (1965–2003) - John Chard MedalJohn Chard MedalThe John Chard Medal was instituted with effect from 6 April 1952 to replace the Efficiency Medal and the Air Efficiency Award which was previously awarded to members of the Citizen Force between 1939 and 1952...
(1952–2003) - De Wet Medal (1987–2003)
- Shooting medals
- SADF Champion Shot Medal (1965–2003)
- Cadet Corps Champion Shot Medal (1987–2003)
- Emblems
- Mentioned in Despatches (1967–2003)
Armed opposition organisations
In 1996, two separate sets of decorations were instituted for veterans who had served in the Azanian People's Liberation ArmyAzanian People's Liberation Army
The Azanian People's Liberation Army was the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress in South Africa. It was originally called Poqo.-History:...
and Umkhonto we Sizwe
Umkhonto we Sizwe
Umkhonto we Sizwe , translated "Spear of the Nation," was the armed wing of the African National Congress which fought against the South African apartheid government. MK launched its first guerrilla attacks against government installations on 16 December 1961...
during the armed campaign against the former government.
Azanian People's Liberation Army
- Decorations
- Gold Star for Bravery (GSB)
- Bravery Star in Silver (BSS)
- Star for Conspicuous Leadership (SCL)
- Gold Decoration for Merit (GDM)
- Silver Medal for Merit (SMM)
- Bronze Medal for Merit (BMM)
- Campaign medal
- Operational Medal for Southern Africa
- South Africa Service Medal
- Long service medal
- Service Medal (APLA)
Umkhonto we Sizwe
- Decorations
- Star for Bravery in Gold (SBG)
- Star for Bravery in Silver (SBS)
- Conspicuous Leadership Star (CLS)
- Decoration for Merit in Gold (DMG)
- Merit Medal in Silver (MMS)
- Merit Medal in Bronze (MMB)
- Campaign medal
- Operational Medal for Southern Africa
- South Africa Service Medal
- Long service medal
- Service Medal (MK)
South African National Defence Force
The South African National Defence ForceSouth African National Defence Force
The South African National Defence Force is the armed forces of South Africa. The military as it exists today was created in 1994, following South Africa's first post-apartheid national elections and the adoption of a new constitution...
, which was formed in 1994 by amalgamating the SADF, the liberation armies, and the military forces of the former homelands, used the SADF decorations and medals until 2003, when a new series of decorations was instituted:
- Decorations
- Nkwe ya GautaNkwe ya GautaThe Nkwe ya Gauta is South Africa's highest of the three classes of the Nkwe Decoration The Nkwe ya Gauta is South Africa's highest of the three classes of the Nkwe Decoration The Nkwe ya Gauta is South Africa's highest of the three classes of the Nkwe Decoration (see also Nkwe ya Selefera and...
(NG) (Golden Leopard) - Nkwe ya SeleferaNkwe ya SeleferaThe Nkwe ya Selefera is South Africa's second of the three classes of the Nkwe Decorations ....
(NS) (Silver Leopard) - Nkwe ya BoronseNkwe ya BoronseThe Nkwe ya Boronse is South Africa's third of the three classes of the Nkwe Decorations ....
(NB) (Bronze Leopard) - iPhrothiya yeGolideIPhrothiya yeGolideiPhrothiya yeGolide is a South African military decoration. It was instituted with effect from 27 April 2003, and may be awarded to members of the South African National Defence Force for exceptional leadership, or exceptional meritorious service and utmost devotion to duty...
(PG) (Golden Protea) - iPhrothiya yeSilivaIPhrothiya yeSilivaiPhrothiya yeSiliva is a South African military decoration. It was instituted with effect from 27 April 2003, and may be awarded to members of the South African National Defence Force for outstanding leadership, or outstanding meritorious service and particular devotion to duty...
(PS) (Silver Protea) - iPhrothiya yeBhronziIPhrothiya yeBhronziiPhrothiya yeBhronzi is a South African military decoration. It was instituted with effect from 27 April 2003, and may be awarded to members of the South African National Defence Force for leadership, or meritorious service and devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded to a recipient who earns...
(PB) (Bronze Protea)
- Nkwe ya Gauta
- Campaign medal
- Tshumelo IkatelahoTshumelo IkatelahoThe Tshumelo Ikatelaho is a South African military medal. It was instituted with effect from 27 April 2003, and may be awarded to members of the South African National Defence Force for service in military operations, belligerent or otherwise, for which individual campaign medals are not...
(General Service Medal)
- Tshumelo Ikatelaho
- Long service medal
- Medalje vir Troue DiensMedalje vir Troue DiensThe Medalje vir Troue Diens is a South African military medal. It was instituted with effect from 27 April 2003, and is awarded to members of the South African National Defence Force who complete ten years qualifying service and whose character and conduct have been irreproachable...
(Medal for Loyal Service)
- Medalje vir Troue Diens
- Emblems
- OkhankanyiweyoOkhankanyiweyoThe Okhankanyiweyo emblem is a South African military award. It was instituted with effect from 27 April 2003, and may be awarded to members of the South African National Defence Force for brave or meritorious conduct, leadership, devotion to duty or praiseworthy service which does not warrant...
(Mentioned in Despatches) - Emblem for Reserve Force ServiceEmblem for Reserve Force ServiceThe Emblem for Reserve Force Service is a South African military award. It was instituted on 27 April 2003, and may be awarded to members of the part-time Reserve Force of the South African National Defence Force after twenty years of service, provided that at least five of those years have been...
(RD) (Reserve Distinction)
- Okhankanyiweyo
See also
- Orders, decorations, and medals of South Africa
- British and Commonwealth orders and decorations
- South African civil honoursSouth African civil honoursAn overview of South African civil orders, decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system.-Union of South Africa:The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, as a self-governing dominion in the British Empire...
- South African intelligence service decorationsSouth African intelligence service decorationsAn overview of South African intelligence service decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system.-National Intelligence Service:...
- South African orders and decorationsSouth African orders and decorationsAn overview of the South African honours system.-1894-1952:The British honours system became applicable to South Africa as colonial rule was established in the region during the nineteenth century...
- South African police decorationsSouth African police decorationsAn overview of South African police decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system.-South African Police:The South African Police was established in 1913 as a national police force...
- South African prisons decorationsSouth African prisons decorationsAn overview of South African prisons service decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system.-1922-1968:The Prisons Department was established in 1911. It was a civil service department, with uniformed warders...