Honoris Crux (1975)

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Honoris Crux (1975)
Honoris Crux (1975).jpg
TypeMilitary decoration for bravery
Awarded forBravery in dangerous circumstances
Country Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Presented bythe State President and, from 1994, the President
EligibilityAll Ranks
Post-nominalsHC
Campaign(s)1966-1989 Border War
StatusDiscontinued in 2003
Established1975
First awarded1976
Last awarded2003
Total201
Ribbon - Honoris Crux (1975).gif
Ribbon bar
SADF pre-1994 & SANDF post-2002 orders of wear
Next (higher)
SADF precedence:
SANDF precedence:
Next (lower)
SADF succession:
SANDF succession:

The Honoris Crux (Cross of Honour) 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. [1]

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] [5] [6]

Institution

The Honoris Crux (Cross of Honour) of 1975, post-nominal letters HC, was instituted by the State President on 1 July 1975. [2] [7]

Award criteria

The decoration was awarded for bravery in dangerous circumstances. It was the junior of four classes of Honoris Crux decorations, the Honoris Crux Diamond, Honoris Crux Gold, Honoris Crux Silver and Honoris Crux, which together replaced the discontinued Honoris Crux of 1952. [3]

Altogether 201 Honoris Crux decorations were awarded between 1976 and 2004. Most of the awards were won in action, but some were awarded for bravery in non-combat situations. After the institution of the Army Cross, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross and Medical Service Cross in 1987, the award criteria were amended in 1993 to restrict awarding of the Honoris Crux to deeds of bravery in action, while in mortal danger facing the enemy. [3]

The South African military units which were awarded the most Honoris Crux decorations are the Special Forces of the South African Reconnaissance Commandos, whose operators were awarded a total of forty-six Honoris Crux Decorations during the 1966-1989 Border War, in three of the four classes.

Order of wear

The position of the Honoris Crux of 1975 in the official order of precedence was revised twice after 1975, to accommodate the inclusion or institution of new decorations and medals, upon the integration into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 and again upon the institution of a new set of awards in 2003.

South African Defence Force until 26 April 1994

DVRlint.gif Ribbon - Honoris Crux (1975).gif PVDlint.gif

South African National Defence Force from 27 April 1994

DVRlint.gif Ribbon - Honoris Crux (1975).gif Ribbon Gallantry Cross, Silver.png

The position of the Honoris Crux of 1975 in the order of precedence remained unchanged, as it was on 27 April 1994, when a new series of military orders, decorations and medals was instituted on 27 April 2003. [9]

Description

Obverse

The Honoris Crux of 1975 is a silver Maltese cross, which fits in a 45 millimetres diameter circle, with two swords in saltire surmounted by a circular protea wreath, the arms of the cross in white enamel, with a roundel in the centre, tierced horizontally in the orange, white and blue bands of the national flag, framed in a double silver circle containing 24 stones. [10]

Reverse

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

Ribbon

The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, with a 2½ millimetres wide white band, a 3 millimetres wide orange band and a 1 millimetre wide white band, repeated in reverse order and separated by a 19 millimetres wide orange band. [10]

Discontinuation

Conferment of the decoration was discontinued in respect of services performed on or after 27 April 2003, when the Honoris Crux of 1975 was replaced by the new Nkwe ya Selefera (NS). [3]

Recipients

NameRankYear
awarded
HC
no.
Date
of action
UnitCorpsService
Arm
Holtzhausen, L.J. Maj 19760015 Oct 1975 Inf School SAIC SA Army
Holm, Johan Wolfgang   Capt 197600223 Nov 1975 DTCS SAIC SA Army
Potgieter, Johannes Hendrik Capt 19760034 Jan 1976 4 FR SAAC SA Army
Van Wyk, J.C. Lt 197600418 Oct 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Aucamp, Pieter Joshua 2 Lt 197600511 Nov 1975 11 Comdo SAIC SA Army
Blaauw, Johan 2 Lt 197600617 Dec 1975 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Fountain, Ted Stewart 2 Lt 197600710 Dec 1975 2 FER SAEC SA Army
Nicolau, Alexander 2 Lt 197600824 Nov 1975 1 SSB SAAC SA Army
Prins, Michael John 2 Lt 197600921 Dec 1975 14 FR SAAC SA Army
Steyn, Daniel 2 Lt 197601020 Dec 1975 2 FR SAAC SA Army
Van Vuuren, L.M.J. 2 Lt 197601112 Dec 1975 1 SSB SAAC SA Army
Venter, P.M. 2 Lt 197601212 Jan 1976 1 SSB SAAC SA Army
Burger, Joseph Johannes WO2 1976 [11] 0131 Jun 1976 2 SAI SAIC SA Army
Conradie, Johannes Lambertus VRM WO2 1976 [12] 0147 Dec 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Lubbe, P.S. WO2 197601511 Nov 1975 2 FR SAAC SA Army
Paulo, D. (Danny Roxo) S Sgt 19760161 Nov 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Steenkamp, J.H. S Sgt 197601723 Nov 1975 4 SAI SAIC SA Army
Diedericks, André ♥ Cpl 1976 [13] [14] 0182 Dec 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Rosenstrauch, E.J. Cpl 197601925 Jan 1976 WP Comd SATSC SA Army
Kussendrager, J.L. ♦ Pte 197602025 Jan 1976 WP Comd SATSC SA Army
Janse van Rensburg, Stephanus Petrus ♦ Tpr 197602124 Nov 1975 1 SSB SAAC SA Army
Atkinson, David Frank Lt 1976 [11] 0221 Aug 1976 16 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Milbank, C.C. Lt 197602312 Feb 1976 16 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Troup, Trevor Owen Lt 1976 [11] 0241 Sep 1976 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Winterbottom, Kevin Roy   2 Lt 1976 [11] 0259 Jul 1976 4 Sqn SAAF SAAF
O'Neil, Pieter du Toit F Sgt 197602621 Dec 1975 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Becker, L. (Boertjie) Sgt 19760271 Sep 1976 87 HFS SAAF SAAF
Kriel, Gabriel Gerhardus Sgt 1976 [11] 0281 Jun 1976 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Not awarded, museum exhibit [15] 029
Hougaard, Johannes Jacobus ♦ 2 Lt 1978 [11] 0309 Dec 1976 3 SAI SAIC SA Army
Mostert, Daniel Nicolaas Johannes ♦ 2 Lt 1978 [11] 0319 Dec 1976 3 SAI SAIC SA Army
Viljoen, M. Sgt 197803228 Oct 1977 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Douglas, R.A. Lt 197803316 May 1977 CTH SAIC SA Army
Kruger, D.A. Lt 197803416 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
Van Schalkwyk, Josias Johannes ♦ 2 Lt 1978 [11] 0359 Dec 1976 3 SAI SAIC SA Army
Gildenhuys, W.H.B.  Sgt 197803625 May 1977} CTH SAIC SA Army
Van Aswegen, H.W. Sgt 197803722 Apr 1976 RCB SAIC SA Army
Wasserman, J.A.vR. Cpl 197803816 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
De Kock, A.D. Rfn 197803916 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
Oberholzer, S.E.H. Rfn 197804016 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
Van der Merwe, J.J. Rfn 19780414 May 1978 2 PB SAIC SA Army
Van der Zee, L.F. Rfn 197804222 Apr 1976 RCB SAIC SA Army
Van Vuuren, J.W. Rfn 197804316 May 1976 RLW SAIC SA Army
Kanes, R.G. Cpl 19780444 May 1978 2 SAI SAIC SA Army
Saunders, M. ♦ Tpr 197804513 Sep 1976 PAG SAIC SA Army
Wiggill, Peter Noel  Cpl 1978 [11] 04615 Dec 1976 Algoa SATSC SA Army
Church, John Maj 19780474 May 1978 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Marais, A.L. (Dries) Capt 1978 [15] 0484 May 1978 24 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Klopper, L.J. Sgt 19780492 Jan 1975 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Fourie, D.H. Lt 19790506 Sep 1978 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Engelbrecht. D.P. Cpl 19790514 May 1978 3 PB SAIC SA Army
Delport, J.C. Rfn 197905213 Sep 1978 RDP SAIC SA Army
Packham, D.E. Rfn 19790534 May 1978 3 PB SAIC SA Army
Grinaker, O. (Ola) Lt 19790547 Sep 1978 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Mouton, A.A. (Riem) Lt 19790559 Sep 1978 24 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Jooste, Johannes Cornelius  Pte 197905628 Oct 1978 SAMS SAMS
Smith, Frederik Johannes  Pte 197905728 Oct 1978 SAMS SAMS
Van Papendorp, Burgert van Dyk  Pte 197905828 Oct 1978 SAMS SAMS
Koen, P.G.L. ♦ Maj 197905925 Jan 1979 SAOSC SA Army
Du Toit, J.J.  Lt 19800601 Jun 1980 1 SAI SAIC SA Army
Parkin, J.G. 2 Lt 198006118 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Greyling, C.P. Sgt 198006228 Oct 1977 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Christie, Gavin M. [lower-alpha 1] Cpl 1980 [12] [16] :850631 Sep 1979 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Potgieter, J.J. [lower-alpha 1] Cpl 1980 [16] :850641 Sep 1979 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Conga, J.  Rfn 198006512 Sep 1979 31 Bn SAIC SA Army
Rice, K.B. Cpl 198006613 Apr 1976 5 SAI SAIC SA Army
Rutherford, G.T. L Cpl 198006710 Jun 1980 5 SAI SAIC SA Army
De Kock, P.P. Rfn 198006829 Jun 1980 1 PB SAIC SA Army
De Lange, A.S. Rfn 198006918 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Gibson, B.J. Rfn 198007018 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Mare, B. Rfn 198007118 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
McNamara, C.N. Rfn 198007218 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Southey, L.B. Rfn 198007318 Oct 1979 1 PB SAIC SA Army
Kruger, P.E. (Polla) Maj 198007418 Oct 1979 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Stannard, P.J. (Crow) Maj 19800751 Sep 1979 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Hoebel, S. (Sieg) F Sgt 198007618 Oct 1979 19 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Viljoen, E.G. Maj 19810771 Feb 1978 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Keulder, H. Capt 19810782 Dec 1979 3 SAI SAIC SA Army
Johnston, Andrew Lawrence [lower-alpha 2] S Sgt 198107928 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Terblanche, J.C.G. Sgt 198108025 Jun 1980 5 RR SAIC SA Army
Smith, Michael Anthony [lower-alpha 2] Cpl 198108128 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Du Plessis, I.C. Capt 19810827 Jun 1980 85 CFS SAAF SAAF
Bouwer, J.S. ♦ Lt 19810834 May 1981 SAMS SAMS
Whiteman, J.A. Cpl 198208423 Aug 1981 201 Bn SAIC SA Army
Burgers, G.D. L Cpl 198208526 Aug 1981 1 SAI SAIC SA Army
Van der Westhuizen, R. 2 Lt 198208614 Apr 1981 Etosha SAIC SA Army
Joao, E. Cpl 198208729 Nov 1979 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Owen, David Douglas (Stoof) Capt 19820885 Jul 1981 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Hattingh, A.A. (André) Capt 19820895 Jul 1981 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Laubscher, D.J. (Danie) Capt 198209024 Aug 1981 42 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Anderson, L.A. Maj 19820915 Nov 1981 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Fourie, F.E. Lt 19820921 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Greeff, J.deV. (Jack) [lower-alpha 3] S Sgt 1982 [17] 0931 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Fourie, J.G.J. Cpl 19820941 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
De Nobrega, A. Cpl 198209510 Sep 1981 SWAMS SAIC SA Army
Kloppers, J.S. Cpl 19820961 Jan 1981 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Helm, A.J.H. CO 198209728 Aug 1981 2 SSB SAAC SA Army
Grové, J.J. 2 Lt 198209825 Aug 1981 2 SSB SAAC SA Army
Bovy, S.J.Y. (Serge) Lt 198209929 Dec 1981 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Berry, R.M. ♦ AB 19821004 May 1981 SAS PK SAN SAN
Warren, S.B. ♦ Sea 19821014 May 1981 SAS PK SAN SAN
Breytenbach, Cornelius Noël HCS Col c. 1982 [18] SAAF SAAF SAAF
Anderson, H.F. Capt 19832 Aug 1982 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Ellis, Neall (Nellis) Maj 198313 Mar 1982 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Hill, M.A. Capt 19839 Aug 1982 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Nel, P.J.S.  2 Lt 198313 Mar 1982 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Steyn, S.S. 2 Lt 198330 Jul 1982 SAAC SAAC SA Army
Coetzee, S. Sgt 198313 Mar 1982 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Dracula, V. Sgt 198310913 Mar 1982 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Domingos, B. Rfn 198311013 Mar 1982 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
De Villiers, C.M. ♦ Maj 19834 Feb 1983 SAMS SAMS
Radmore, D.W.J. ♦ Col 198317 Aug 1982 SWATFHQ SASC SA Army
Alberts, C.F.W. (Carl) Capt 19844 Jan 1984 AFB Oa SAAF SAAF
Macaskill, A. 2 Lt 19844 Jan 1984 SAIC SA Army
Le Roux, H.C. 2 Lt 198422 Mar 1983 61 Mech SAIC SA Army
Wright, T. S Sgt 198411 Feb 1983 TSR SAIC SA Army
Callow, Tim J. Capt 1986 [12] 1 Jan 1985 SFHQ SAIC SA Army
Matias, N.T. Sgt 19861 Jun 1985 SFHQ SAIC SA Army
Dobe, P. Sgt 19861 Jan 1985 SFHQ SAIC SA Army
Clarke, C.T.D. Cpl 198624 May 1984 DLI SAIC SA Army
Halgryn, Ronnie Rfn 1986 [11] 31 Dec 1983 RGK SAIC SA Army
Lochner, Johannes Willem Rfn 1986 [11] 31 Dec 1983 RGK SAIC SA Army
Schoombe, A. Rfn 198624 Jun 1984 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Fritsch, R. Pte 198612 Jun 1983 5 Med SAMS SAMS
Jacobs, J.L. Pte 198612 Jun 1983 5 Med SAMS SAMS
Maree, D.H. ♦ WO2 19867 Feb 1985 SAOSC SA Army
Philipson, Leon Lt 198614 Sep 1985 14 FR SAAC SA Army
Queiroz, A.M.R. [lower-alpha 4] S Sgt 19861 May 1985 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Vorster, C. ♦ F Sgt 198620 May 1985 AFB Swkp SAAF SAAF
Coetzee, Theuns J. Maj 198613414 Sep 1985 Artillery Sc SAAC SA Army
Barnes, L.E. ♦ Sgt 198613520 May 1985 AFHQ SAAF SAAF
Scobbie, J. ♦ Amn 198620 May 1985 AFB Swkp SAAF SAAF
Whyte, A. ♦ LS 198618 Aug 1982 SAS PK SAN SAN
Fisher, Matthew Joseph Pte 1986 [11] 13831 Dec 1983 5 Med SAMS SAMS
Winn, Kenneth John Pte 1986 [11] 31 Dec 1983 5 Med SAMS SAMS
Van Zyl, G.P. ♦ Bdr 198725 Sep 1985 SAAC SA Army
Roux, A.L.L/Cpl28 Jan 1987SAMSSAMS
Van Zyl, H.G. Lt 1987 SAMS SAMS
Vermaak, J. S Sgt 198820 Sep 1987 1 RR SAIC SA Army
Steynberg, F.J. L Cpl 198813 Mar 1987 SAMS SAMS
Wilke, Coenraad Frederick Maj 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Beukman, Anton S Sgt 1988 [12] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Heydendrych, Gerhardus Johannes S Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Burt, Richard Brent Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
De Wet, Jacobus Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Herbst, Philippus Jacobus Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Liebenberg, Henk Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Manuel, Adriano Nelson Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Oettle, Johannes Lochner Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Van der Merwe, Johannes Hendrik Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Van Niekerk, Pieter Gideon Cpl 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Wessels, Leslie Petrus Sgt 1988 [11] 25 Aug 1987 4 RR SAIC SA Army
Pyper, D.F. Capt 198823 Mar 1988 RPS SAAC SA Army
Bock, David A.C. 2 Lt 1988157 [11] 31 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Lehman, J. (Johan) Cmdt 19885 Oct 1987 SAMI SAAF
Van Dyk, P.R. (Flip) Sgt 19881 Oct 1987 24 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Nortman, J.H. Cmdt 198813 Sep 1987 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Bremer, H.M. 2 Lt 198817016 Sep 1987 61 Mech SAAC SA Army
Kooij, J. 2 Lt 198813 Sep 1987 61 Mech SAIC SA Army
Rupping, R. Sgt 198813 Sep 1987 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Green, G.W. Rfn 19883 Oct 1987 61 Mech SAIC SA Army
Gregory, A.T. ♦ Rfn 199128 Jan 1987 Insele SAIC SA Army
Bronkhorst, J.J. Cpl 198831 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Cronje, D.L. Cpl 198811431 Oct 1987 Sec 10 Command SA Army
Frederick, F. Cpl 31 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Prinsloo, N.J.A. Lt 198831 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Stander, T. Cpl 198831 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Theunissen, J. Cpl 198831 Oct 1987 101 Bn SAIC SA Army
Thom, A.M.  Rfn 19919 Nov 1987 4 SAI SAIC SA Army
De Vos, T.J.D. Lt 198811 Nov 1987 32 Bn SAIC SA Army
Labuschagne, J.H. Sgt [11] 11 Nov 1987 4 SAI SATSC SA Army
Van Zyl, P.J. Capt 198811 Nov 1987 2 SAI SAIC SA Army
Parsons, S. F. Corporal 198822 Mar 1988 6 MU SAOSC SA Army
Louw, G.M. Cmdt 198823 Mar 1988 ACTS SAAC SA Army
Dreyer, Willem Adriaan Lt 19882 May 1988 102 Bn SAIC SA Army
Nel, Stephanus Gerhardus Johannes Capt 19882 May 1988 102 Bn SAIC SA Army
McCarthy, Alan John Maj 19902 Apr 1989 16 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Eksteen, A. Capt 19903 Apr 1989 31 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Vergottini, Mario Capt 19902 Apr 1989 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
De Roubaix, Emmanuel Marthinus Sgt 19902 Apr 1989 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Fourie, G. Sgt 19903 Apr 1989 87 HFS SAAF SAAF
Steyn, E.E. F Sgt 19902 Apr 1989 17 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Thomas, J.A.  [19] Lt 199129 Feb 1988 701 Bn SAIC SA Army
Hulley, C.C. 2 Lt 19919 Sep 1990 Hoëveld SAIC SA Army
Lewis, M.J. ♦ WO1 199112 Sep 1990 82 Mech SAIC SA Army
Du Plessis, R. ♦ S Sgt 199112 Sep 1990 82 Mech SAIC SA Army
Maloy, J.A. ♦ Rfn 199130 Jan 1990 1 SACC SAIC SA Army
Rosenberg, E.D.  Rfn 199130 Jan 1990 1 SACC SAIC SA Army
Geldenhuys, A. ♦ Lt Cdr 1991 [20] 4 Aug 1991 Diving Sch SAN SAN
Mostert, F.H. ♦ CPO 1991 [20] 4 Aug 1991 Diving Sch SAN SAN
Brown, D.M. ♦ LS 1991 [20] 4 Aug 1991 Diving Sch SAN SAN
Dicks, L.J. ♦ LS 1991 [20] 4 Aug 1991 Diving Sch SAN SAN
Merts, P.J. Cmdt 199219 Jul 1980 31 Sqn SAAF SAAF
Reesch, N. [ citation needed ] 2 Lt 19921980 SAIC SA Army
Francis, C.T. [ citation needed ] S Sgt 19921989 SA Army
Joubert, J. [ citation needed ] F Sgt 19921984 SAAF SAAF
Fidler, Bruce Andrew.  [lower-alpha 5] Cpl 199215 Sep 1985 7 Med SAMS SAMS
Alexander, Simon ♦ [ citation needed ] Cpl 199416426 May 1993 Natal Medical Command SAMS SAMS
De Villiers, J. [ citation needed ] Cpl 1995 SAMS SAMS
Meulenbeck, F.A.   [ citation needed ] Rfn 1995 SAIC SA Army
Fonette, Manuel Rfn [12] SAIC SA Army
Sterzel, Stuart ♥ Sgt [12] 1987 SAIC SA Army

Note 1:  denotes a posthumous award.
Note 2: ♦ denotes a non-combat or non-operational act of bravery.
Note 3: ♥ André Diedericks was also awarded the HCS in 1985.
Note 4: ♥ Sterzel, Stuart was the last recipient of the Honoris Crux Series in 2004.

Actions cited for

  1. 1 2 Cpl's Christie, Gavin M. & Potgieter, J.J. for their actions during Operation Boxer
  2. 1 2 Johnston, Andrew Lawrence and Smith, Michael Anthony: During a special forces operation, conducted at night in an urban area, a hand grenade exploded, seriously wounding a four man team. Staff Sergeant Johnstone, Corporal Smith and another team member from a different team came to the assistance of the four wounded operators of the first team. The explosion had caused a fire which then ignited further grenades, carried in the webbing of the injured. Johnstone, Smith and their colleague remained with the wounded and returned enemy fire, allowing the wounded to be extracted and ensuring the eventual success of the mission. [11] :77
  3. This is an error. There was a mixup with General Order 120/82 where his name was listed with the HC recipients where he had clearly been awarded the HCS
  4. Queiroz, A.M.R.: Awarded for his actions during Operation Argon [16]
  5. Fidler, Bruce Andrew. In the early 1980s, the South African Reconnaissance Commandos (now the South African Special Forces Brigade) identified the need for a special medical unit to support Special Forces on operations and the Detachment Medical Special Operations was formed. Under command of the Surgeon General, a group of 9 doctors with Commandant Wouter Basson at the head, founded what would later become 7 Medical Battalion Group at Special Forces Brigade Headquarters (Speskop) south of Pretoria in 1984. Corporal Bruce Andrew Fidler, an operational medical support operator of 7 Med Bn Gp with Special Forces training, was killed in action in Angola on 15 September 1985. The details are sketchy, but it is understood that Corporal Fidler supported a clandestine unit of the SADF, most probably 1 Parachute Battalion, tasked to train UNITA.
    Corporal Fidler was attached to 44 Parachute Regiment during operations in Southern Angola, in support of UNITA. His unit was ambushed and in the ensuing firefight, he was captured by enemy forces and was reported missing. Fidler was brutally tortured and interrogated by the enemy before being executed, but he never revealed the presence of his nearby unit, thereby enabling the 7 Medical Battalion Group Surgical Team of between 5 and 10 doctors to successfully evade capture and reach South African lines. His remains were repatriated to South Africa in June 1992 and he was cremated on 15 September 1992. Corporal Fidler was posthumously awarded the Honoris Crux for his bravery and selfless devotion, above and beyond the call of duty in the face of brutal torture. He was 22. [21] [22] [23] [ dead link ]

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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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star for Bravery in Gold</span> Award

The Star for Bravery in Gold, post-nominal letters SBG, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996. It was awarded to veteran cadres of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress, who have distinguished themselves during the "struggle" by performing acts of exceptional bravery in great danger.

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

The Gold Star for Bravery, post-nominal letters GSB, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996. It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, who had distinguished themselves during the "struggle" by performing acts of exceptional bravery in great danger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bravery Star in Silver</span> Award

The Bravery Star in Silver, post-nominal letters BSS, was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa in April 1996. It was awarded to veteran cadres of the Azanian People's Liberation Army, the military wing of the Pan Africanist Congress, who had distinguished themselves during "the struggle" by performing acts of bravery.

References

  1. South African Medal Website - Post-nominal Letters (Accessed 28 April 2015)
  2. 1 2 South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1952-1975 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  3. 1 2 3 4 South African Medal Website - SA Defence Force : 1975-2003 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  4. Suid-Afrikaanse militêre dekorasies: 1952-1975
  5. Suid-Afrikaanse militêre dekorasies: 1975-2003
  6. Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 457, no. 25213, Pretoria, 25 July 2003
  7. 1 2 Republic of South Africa Government Gazette no. 15093, Pretoria, 3 September 1993
  8. 1 2 3 Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 477, no. 27376, Pretoria, 11 March 2005, OCLC   72827981
  9. 1 2 Monick, S (1988). South African Military Awards 1912–1987. South African National Museum of Military History. p. 49.
  10. 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 Uys, Ian (1992). Cross of Honour. Germiston: Uys. pp. 43, 47, 49, 106, 124, 134–135, 137. ISBN   0-9583173-2-1.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "SA Special Forces League". Honoris Crux Decoration. Retrieved 12 April 2012.
  12. Diedericks, André (2007). Journey Without Boundaries (2nd ed.). Durban, South Africa: Just Done Productions Publishing (published 23 June 2007). ISBN   978-1-920169-58-9. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  13. "André Diedericks". Justdone.co.za. Archived from the original on 26 December 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  14. 1 2 Steenkamp, Willem (2006). Borderstrike: South Africa in Angola: 1975 - 1980 (Third ed.). Durban: Just Done Productions Publishing. p. 445 of 499. ISBN   978-1-4475-3486-0.
  15. 1 2 3 Söderlund, Arné; Steyn, Douw (2018). Iron Fist From The Sea: South Africa's Seaborne Raiders 1978-1988. Jeppestown: Delta Books. ISBN   978-1868427789.
  16. Greef, Jack (2008). A Greater Share of Honour (2nd ed.). Durban, South Africa: Just Done Productions Publishing (published 17 July 2008). ISBN   978-1-920315-06-1. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  17. My Boss at 19 Sqn & AFB PE. RIP. Posted by Thomas Langenhoven on 10 November 2015
  18. "View Person Information: Thomas, JA, Lt". SA Roll of Honour. Retrieved 8 October 2014.[ dead link ]
  19. 1 2 3 4 "Dié helde word met medaljes vereer (These Heroes honoured with medals)". Die Burger. 31 August 1991. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014.
  20. "South African War Graves Project". Bambatha Rebellion / Rand Revolt / Korea / Border War / Non World War / Police Casualties (E-F).
  21. The SWA / Angolan Border War 1966-1989 group on Facebook, comment by Gary Landman on a post by Graham du Toit
  22. "View Person Information: Fidler, BA, Cpl". SA Roll of Honour. Retrieved 8 October 2014.