Southern Cross Medal
Encyclopedia
The 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. It was originally open to all ranks, but after the Pro Merito Medal
was introduced in 1967, it was restricted to officers.
The medal is silver, displaying the stars of the Southern Cross against a dark blue background framed in a circle of oak leaves. The reverse displays the 1910-pattern South African coat of arms, and specimens struck before the country became a republic in 1961 also have Queen Elizabeth's royal cipher (E II R). The ribbon is dark blue, with an orange-white centre panel (the colours of the national flag at that time).
The first awards were made on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Union of South Africa
in 1960.
The second type, introduced on 1 July 1975, was awarded to officers for exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty. It was superseded by the iPhrothiya yeSiliva
decoration on 27 April 2003.
In practice, it was generally a requirement that recipients must already have received the Military Merit Medal
.
The medal is silver, and displays the stars of the Southern Cross on a dark blue roundel in the centre of a starburst of radiating points. The reverse displays the 1910-pattern South African coat of arms. The ribbon is that of the Southern Cross Decoration
with the addition of white stripes down the edges.
The equivalent award for "other ranks" (enlisted men) was the Pro Merito Medal
.
South African military decorations
An overview of South African military decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system.-1894–1913:The colonial military forces received British military decorations in wartime. From 1894, the colonial governments awarded medals for distinguished conduct and for long...
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. It was originally open to all ranks, but after the Pro Merito Medal
Pro Merito Medal
The 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...
was introduced in 1967, it was restricted to officers.
The medal is silver, displaying the stars of the Southern Cross against a dark blue background framed in a circle of oak leaves. The reverse displays the 1910-pattern South African coat of arms, and specimens struck before the country became a republic in 1961 also have Queen Elizabeth's royal cipher (E II R). The ribbon is dark blue, with an orange-white centre panel (the colours of the national flag at that time).
The first awards were made on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Union of South Africa
Union of South Africa
The Union of South Africa is the historic predecessor to the present-day Republic of South Africa. It came into being on 31 May 1910 with the unification of the previously separate colonies of the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and the Orange Free State...
in 1960.
The second type, introduced on 1 July 1975, was awarded to officers for exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty. It was superseded by the iPhrothiya yeSiliva
IPhrothiya yeSiliva
iPhrothiya 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...
decoration on 27 April 2003.
In practice, it was generally a requirement that recipients must already have received the Military Merit Medal
Military 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"...
.
The medal is silver, and displays the stars of the Southern Cross on a dark blue roundel in the centre of a starburst of radiating points. The reverse displays the 1910-pattern South African coat of arms. The ribbon is that of the Southern Cross Decoration
Southern Cross Decoration
The 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...
with the addition of white stripes down the edges.
The equivalent award for "other ranks" (enlisted men) was the Pro Merito Medal
Pro Merito Medal
The 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...
.
See also
- British and Commonwealth orders and decorations
- South African military decorationsSouth African military decorationsAn overview of South African military decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system.-1894–1913:The colonial military forces received British military decorations in wartime. From 1894, the colonial governments awarded medals for distinguished conduct and for long...