Air Force Cross (South Africa)

Last updated

Air Force Cross
Air Force Cross (CA).jpg
TypeMilitary decoration for bravery
Awarded forExceptional courage, leadership, or skill in dangerous or critical situations
Country South Africa
Presented bythe State President of South Africa (1987–1994)
and the President of South Africa (1994–2003)
EligibilitySouth African Air Force members
Post-nominalsCA
StatusDiscontinued
Established1987
First awarded1991
Last awarded2003
CAlint.gif
Ribbon bar
Precedence
Next (higher) Army Cross
Next (lower) Navy Cross

The Air Force Cross, post-nominal letters CA (Crux Aeronautica), is a South African military decoration which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa in 1987. It was awarded to members of the South African Air Force for bravery. The decoration was discontinued in 2003, but backdated awards can still be made for acts of bravery during this period. [1] [2]

Contents

The South African military

The Union Defence Forces (UDF) were established in 1912 and renamed the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. On 27 April 1994, it was integrated with six other independent forces into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). [2] [3] [4]

The Air Force Cross

When a new South African set of decorations and medals was instituted on 6 April 1952, to replace most of the British awards which had been used to date, South African equivalents of, amongst others, the British Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and Air Force Cross (AFC), were omitted. This omission was only belatedly addressed near the end of the 1966-1989 Border War, when the institution of the Air Force Cross (CA) was proposed. [3] [5]

As proposed, the decoration was intended for award only to air crew, who displayed exceptional courage and leadership during dangerous or critical situations while airborne, where an award for bravery was not suitable, based on the premise that bravery involves knowingly entering mortal danger from a position of relative safety, as opposed to skillfully reacting to an unforeseen situation of mortal danger. The proposed criteria were described in the draft warrant as excellent airmanship or outstanding ingenuity or skill during emergencies or unusual situations in the air. [5]

When the other three Arms of the Service subsequently proposed that an Army Cross (CM), a Navy Cross (CN) and a Medical Service Cross (CC) should be instituted simultaneously, the proposed award criteria of all four crosses were amended to outstanding ingenuity or skill in the utilisation and control of personnel, weaponry or other equipment in dangerous situations and, in the case of the Air Force Cross, not necessarily restricted to flying. [5]

Institution

The Air Force Cross, post-nominal letters CA (Crux Aeronautica), was instituted by the State President in 1987. [6]

Award criteria

The cross was initially awarded for exceptional ingenuity, resourcefulness and skill, and extraordinary leadership, dedication, sense of duty and personal example and courage in mortal danger, in non-combatant situations. After 1993, the Cross was awarded for exceptional courage, leadership, skill, ingenuity or tenacity in dangerous or critical situations. A Bar, instituted in 1993, could be awarded in recognition of further similar displays of courage, leadership, skill, ingenuity or tenacity in danger. [2]

The Air Force Cross was first awarded in 1991, to 27 Puma helicopter pilots and flight engineers who were involved in the rescue operation to airlift passengers and crew from the listing and sinking ship MTS Oceanos, on the Transkei Wild Coast on 4 August 1991. [2] [7] [8]

Order of wear

The position of the Air Force Cross in the official order of precedence was revised three times, to accommodate the institution or addition of new decorations and medals, first upon the integration into the South African National Defence Force on 27 April 1994, again when decorations and medals were belatedly instituted in April 1996 for the two former non-statutory forces, the Azanian People's Liberation Army and Umkhonto we Sizwe, and again when a new series of military decorations and medals was instituted in South Africa on 27 April 2003, but it remained unchanged on all three occasions. [9] [10]

CMlint.gif CAlint.gif CNlint.gif

Official SANDF order of precedence
Official national order of precedence

Description

Obverse

The Air Force Cross is a pointed cross, struck in silver, to fit in a circle 45 millimetres in diameter, with the South African Air Force emblem in the centre on a light blue roundel, 18 millimetres in diameter.

Reverse

The reverse has the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms, with the decoration number impressed underneath.

Air Force Cross and Bar Ribbon - Air Force Cross & Bar.png
Air Force Cross and Bar
Bar

The bar was struck in silver and has a Protea emblem embossed in the centre. The same bar was used to indicate multiple awards of the Pro Virtute Medal, Army Cross, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, Medical Service Cross, Southern Cross Medal (1975) and Pro Merito Medal (1975). [11]

Ribbon

The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide and white, with a 12 millimetres wide centre band consisting of a 5 millimetres wide light blue band, a 2 millimetres wide yellow band and a 5 millimetres wide light blue band.

Discontinuation

Conferment of the decoration was discontinued in respect of services performed on or after 27 April 2003. [4]

Recipients

Since inclusion in the table itself is impractical, the actions cited for follow below the table. The list of recipients is not complete.

CA no.NameRankUnitDate of action
Elphick, Eric Brennan [lower-alpha 1] Cmdt 15 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Hunter, Anthony Charles [lower-alpha 1] Cmdt 4 Aug 1991
Fenwick, Phillip [lower-alpha 1] Maj 4 Aug 1991
Johnson, Anthony Wright [lower-alpha 1] Maj 4 Aug 1991
Louw, Martin Johannes Hugo [lower-alpha 1] Maj 4 Aug 1991
Steyn, Hermanus Frederik [lower-alpha 1] Maj 4 Aug 1991
Stroebel, André [lower-alpha 1] Maj 4 Aug 1991
Botha, Anton [lower-alpha 1] Capt 19 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Coulon, René Martin [lower-alpha 1] Capt 4 Aug 1991
Goatly, Charles Glen [lower-alpha 1] Capt 4 Aug 1991
Hanes, Peter Evans [lower-alpha 1] Capt 4 Aug 1991
Hugo, Jacques [lower-alpha 1] Capt 19 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Jooste, Tarri [lower-alpha 1] Capt 19 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Meintjies, Hendrik Johannes [lower-alpha 1] Capt 4 Aug 1991
Pienaar, Len [lower-alpha 1] Capt 19 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Thomas, Slade Christoper [lower-alpha 1] Capt 4 Aug 1991
Weyers, Francois Johann [lower-alpha 1] Capt 4 Aug 1991
Fairley, Mark Craig [lower-alpha 1] Lt 4 Aug 1991
Riley, William James [lower-alpha 1] WO2 15 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Askew-Hull, Norman Herbert [lower-alpha 1] F Sgt 15 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Bezuidenhout, Daniël Francois [lower-alpha 1] F Sgt 4 Aug 1991
Campher, Frans [lower-alpha 1] F Sgt 19 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Jacobs, Daniël Roedolf [lower-alpha 1] F Sgt 4 Aug 1991
Pedlar, Christoffel Jacobus [lower-alpha 1] F Sgt 4 Aug 1991
Schutte, Frans [lower-alpha 1] F Sgt 19 Sqn4 Aug 1991
Scott, Philip Davey Joseph [lower-alpha 1] F Sgt 4 Aug 1991
Steyn, Willem Hendrik [lower-alpha 1] F Sgt 4 Aug 1991
83Van Der Merwe, Eugene WOII 1995
BarVan Der Merwe, Eugene WOII 2000

Actions cited for

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 MTS Oceanos, 4 August 1991 Awarded to Puma pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers who executed the rescue operation to airlift passengers and crew from the listing and sinking ship MTS Oceanos and from the sea, with no lives lost. [7] [8] Six Puma helicopters had been on standby, equipped with hoisting apparatus, and were tasked for the operation, two each from AFB Durban, AFB Swartkop in Pretoria and AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town. Three more Puma crews decided to take part of their own accord, even though their helicopters were not configured for hoisting. Without the participation of all nine crews, the rescue operation may well have been less than 100% successful.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nkwe ya Gauta</span> South African military bravery medal

The Nkwe ya Gauta - Golden Leopard, post-nominal letters NG, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted in 2003, to replace the Honoris Crux Gold (HCG). It is South Africa's highest military decoration for bravery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nkwe ya Selefera</span> South African military decoration

The Nkwe ya Selefera - Silver Leopard, post-nominal letters NS, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa on 16 April 2003 and came into effect on 27 April 2003. It is South Africa's second highest military decoration for bravery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nkwe ya Boronse</span> South African military bravery medal

The Nkwe ya Boronse - Bronze Leopard, post-nominal letters NB, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted in 2003. It is South Africa's third highest military decoration for bravery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honoris Crux (1952)</span> Former South African military decoration

The Honoris Crux of 1952, post-nominal letters HC, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted by the Union of South Africa in 1952. It was in use from 1952 to 1975 and was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for gallantry in action against the enemy in the field. It was discontinued on 1 July 1975, when it was replaced by a new set of four Honoris Crux decorations, in four classes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Louw Wepener Decoration</span> Former South African military decoration

The Louw Wepener Decoration, post-nominal letters LWD, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted by the Union of South Africa in 1952. It was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for acts of the most conspicuous courage or greatest heroism. The decoration was discontinued on 1 July 1975, when a new set of decorations and medals was instituted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Louw Wepener Medal</span> Award

The Louw Wepener Medal, post-nominal letters LWM, is a South African military decoration for bravery which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa on 20 October 1967. It was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for courageous or heroic deeds in saving lives. The Louw Wepener Medal was discontinued on 1 July 1975, when a new set of decorations and medals was instituted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honoris Crux Gold</span> South African military decoration for bravery

The Honoris Crux Gold, post-nominal letters HCG, is a South African military decoration for bravery which was instituted in 1975. It was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for outstanding acts of bravery while in extreme danger. It was the second most senior in a set of four classes of Honoris Crux decorations which replaced the discontinued Honoris Crux of 1952.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honoris Crux Silver</span> Award

The Honoris Crux Silver, post-nominal letters HCS, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa on 1 July 1975. It was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for exceptional acts of bravery while in great danger. The Honoris Crux Silver was the third most senior in a set of four classes of Honoris Crux decorations, which together replaced the discontinued Honoris Crux of 1952.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military Merit Medal (South Africa)</span> Miliary award for service of high order

The Military Merit Medal, post-nominal letters MMM, is a military decoration which was instituted in the Republic of South Africa on 9 October 1974 as the Chief of the Defence Force's Commendation Medal. It could be awarded to all ranks of the South African Defence Force for service of a high order.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Navy Cross (South Africa)</span> Award

The Navy Cross, post-nominal letters CN is a military decoration which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa in 1987. It was awarded to members of the South African Navy for bravery. It was discontinued in 2003, but backdated awards can still be made for acts of bravery during this period.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pro Virtute Decoration</span> Former South African military decoration

The Pro Virtute Decoration, post-nominal letters PVD, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa in 1987. It was awarded to officers of the South African Defence Force for distinguished conduct and exceptional leadership during combat operations in the field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Army Cross</span> Award

The Army Cross, post-nominal letters CM, is a military decoration which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa in 1987. It was awarded to members of the South African Army for bravery. The Army Cross was discontinued in 2003, but backdated awards can still be made for acts of bravery during this period.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medical Service Cross</span> Award

The Medical Service Cross, post-nominal letters CC, is a military decoration which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa in 1987. It was awarded to members of the South African Medical Service for bravery. The Medical Service Cross was discontinued in 2003, but backdated awards can still be made for acts of bravery during this period.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ad Astra Decoration</span> Award

The Ad Astra Decoration, post-nominal letters AAD, was instituted by the Republic of South Africa in 1991, to reward South African Air Force aircrew members on board aircraft for excellent airmanship or outstanding ingenuity or skill during emergencies or critically unusual situations in the air. It was discontinued in 2003, but backdated awards can still be made for acts performed during the period in effect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Honoris Crux (1975)</span> Former South African military decoration

The Honoris Crux of 1975, post-nominal letters HC, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted by the Republic of South Africa on 1 July 1975. The decoration was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for bravery in dangerous circumstances. It was the junior in a set of four Honoris Crux decorations in four classes, which together replaced the discontinued Honoris Crux of 1952.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pro Virtute Medal</span> Award

The Pro Virtute Medal, post-nominal letters PVM, was a military decoration for bravery that was instituted by the Republic of South Africa in 1987, but never awarded. The decoration was intended for award to other ranks of the South African Defence Force for distinguished conduct and outstanding combat leadership in the field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cross for Bravery</span> Award

The Cross for Bravery was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Transkei, for award to all ranks as a decoration for bravery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Distinguished Gallantry Cross</span> Award

The Distinguished Gallantry Cross was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Bophuthatswana in 1982, for award to all ranks for hair-raising deeds of distinguished heroism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gallantry Cross, Gold</span> Award

The Gallantry Cross, Gold was instituted by the President of the Republic of Venda in 1985, for award to all ranks for extreme courage or supreme bravery or valour beyond the normal call of duty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gallantry Cross, Silver</span> Award

The Gallantry Cross, Silver, post-nominal letters GCS, was instituted by the President of the Republic of Venda in 1985, for award to all ranks for courage or bravery or valour beyond the normal call of duty.

References

  1. South African Medal Website - Post-nominal Letters (Accessed 28 April 2015)
  2. 1 2 3 4 South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1975-2003 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  3. 1 2 South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1952-1975 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  4. 1 2 "Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 457, no. 25213, Pretoria, 25 July 2003" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Air Force Cross (CA) (as approved) - Summary
  6. 1 2 Die Burger, 31 Aug 1991 - Dié helde word met medaljes vereer Archived 19 April 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  7. 1 2 "Lugmagkruis vir Oceanos-helde" (Air Force Cross for Oceanos Heroes) Paratus (In Afrikaans). November 1991, p.25
  8. 1 2 3 Republic of South Africa Government Gazette no. 15093, Pretoria, 3 September 1993
  9. 1 2 3 Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 477, no. 27376, Pretoria, 11 March 2005, OCLC   72827981
  10. Mussell, John W.; Editorial Team of Medal News (2004). Mackay, James (ed.). The Medal Yearbook 2004. Devon, UK: Token Publishing Ltd. p. 380. ISBN   978-1-870192-62-0.