South African military decorations order of wearing

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Mounted medal set.jpg

The first South African military medal was a campaign medal, the South Africa Medal, instituted in 1854 by Queen Victoria, the sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for award to officers and men of the Royal Navy and British Army who served on the Eastern Frontier of the Cape Colony between 1834 and 1853 during the Xhosa Wars. [1]

Contents

Five more South African campaign medals were instituted during the Colonial era until 1910, when the Union of South Africa was established as a dominion of the British Empire. After Union and until 1952, members of the Union Defence Forces (UDF) could be awarded decorations and medals of the British Empire and, from 1949, the British Commonwealth. A number of purely South African decorations and medals were also instituted during this period, such as belated awards for Boer forces who fought in the Second Boer War, a Union commemorative medal and South African versions of some Empire medals with bilingual inscriptions in English and Dutch or Afrikaans. [2]

The first purely South African military orders, decorations and medals were instituted in 1952 by Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms. From 1961 decorations and medals were instituted by the South African State President and, between 1976 and 1994, also by the Presidents of the TBVC States, Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei. These awards were instituted in seven groups for the seven separate military and para-military forces which were integrated into the South African National Defence Force in 1994. [2] [3]

The South African military

The Union of South Africa was established on 31 May 1910 in terms of the South Africa Act, 1909, enacted by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. In terms of Section 17 of the Act the command-in-chief of the naval and military forces within the Union was vested in the British monarch or in the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa as his representative. [4]

The Union Defence Forces were established in 1912 in terms of the Union Defence Act, no. 13 of 1912, enacted by the Parliament of the Union of South Africa. The UDF were renamed the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. On 27 April 1994 the SADF was integrated with six other independent South African military and para-military forces into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). [5] [6]

The seven constituent forces of the SANDF were:

Orders, decorations and medals

Until 31 May 1961 the Fount of Honour was the British monarch. In 1961 the State President of South Africa became the Fount of Honour. In the TBVC states, established between 1976 and 1981, the Founts of Honour were the respective State Presidents. On 27 April 1994 the President of South Africa became the Fount of Honour for all military orders, decorations and medals. [5]

The Colonial and Dominion era

Until 1961, at first during the Colonial era and then from 1910 when the Union of South Africa was established, all military decorations and medals which were awarded to members of the Colonial Forces, the UDF and SADF were instituted by the British monarch. [3]

The 1952–1975 group

The first purely South African military decorations and medals were instituted by the monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms on 6 April 1952 and, from 31 May 1961, by the State President. In 1952 a series of military decorations and medals was instituted by Queen Elizabeth II, consisting of substitutes for many of the British and Commonwealth awards which had been used until then. There were initially ten awards, to which a further eight as well as an emblem for being mentioned in dispatches were added between 1953 and 1970. All displayed the national coat of arms on the reverse, with the exception of the Union Medal and the Permanent Force Good Service Medal which had it on the obverse. Those awarded before South Africa became a republic in 1961 had Queen Elizabeth II's royal cipher above the coat of arms on the reverse. [5]

The 1975–2003 group

During the limited representation Republican era, in July 1975, the military decorations and medals of the Republic were revised. Seven decorations and medals were carried over from the earlier series of 1952–1975 and, along with the Order of the Star of South Africa with decorations in two military and five non-military classes, thirteen new awards were instituted. They were followed by another eleven new decorations and medals between 1987 and 1991. With the exception of the Pro Virtute Decoration, the trio of Good Service Medals and the National Cadet Bisley Grand Champion Medal, all displayed the national coat of arms on the reverse. [7] [8] [9]

The TBVC group

Between 1976 and 1981 the four independent republics of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei, known collectively as the TBVC states, were established within South Africa. Each of them instituted a set of military decorations and medals for award to members of their respective defence forces. [10] [11] [12] [13]

The MK and APLA group

On 27 April 1994 South Africa became a fully representative republic. In 1996 a set of decorations and medals were instituted for award to members and veterans of MK and APLA. [14]

The 2003 group

Finally, all but one of these earlier awards were discontinued in respect of services performed on or after 27 April 2003, when a new set of nine decorations and medals was instituted to replace them. [15]

Order of wear

Example of post-1952 South African order of wear. The medals depicted are:
Southern Cross Medal (1952)
Permanent Force Good Service Medal
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
1939-1945 Star
Africa Star
Italy Star
Defence Medal (United Kingdom)
1939-1945 War Medal
Africa Service Medal
Efficiency Medal (South Africa) SA & UK group miniatures.jpg
Example of post-1952 South African order of wear. The medals depicted are:

Until 5 April 1952 all South African, other Commonwealth and foreign orders, decorations and medals awarded to South Africans were worn in the order of wear as prescribed by the British Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. [3] [16]

With effect from 6 April 1952 the aforementioned awards continued to be worn in the order of wear as prescribed on 5 April 1952 but, with one exception, took precedence after all South African orders, decorations and medals awarded to South Africans on or after that date. The exception was the Victoria Cross which, if awarded to a South African before 6 April 1952, still took precedence before all other awards. [2] [3]

Sorting keys

The table below lists all the South African military orders, decorations and medals in the official order of wear. All the table columns are sortable and the two columns for order of wear, "OoW 2003" and "OoW 1993", will sort the awards in either the combined order of wear which became effective on 27 April 2003, or in the individual orders of wear of the seven constituent forces which were integrated into the SANDF on 27 April 1994. [2] [3] [16]

Most decorations for gallantry, distinguished and meritorious service and exceptional devotion to duty entitle the recipients to use the post-nominal letters as shown in the "PN" column of the table. These are succeeded, in order, by campaign medals in order of date of campaign, commemoration medals in order of date of institution, decorations and medals for efficiency, long service and good conduct, medals for skill at arms and proficiency in musketry, pre-1952 British era decorations and medals, and awards for voluntary and unremunerated service. [2] [3] [16] [17]


OoW 2003
Order, Decoration or MedalPNTypeOoW
1993
FromTo
UK Victoria Cross ribbon bar.svg Victoria Cross VCBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 18561952
Ribbon - Honoris Crux Gold.gif Honoris Crux Gold HCGBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19751992
Ribbon Gold Star for Bravery.png Gold Star for Bravery GSBBravery Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon Star for Bravery in Gold.png Star for Bravery in Gold SBGBravery Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Nkwe ya Gauta.gif Nkwe ya Gauta NGBravery Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Star of South Africa, Gold.gif Star of South Africa, Gold SSAMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752002
Ribbon - Star of South Africa, Silver.gif Star of South Africa, Silver SSASMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752002
Ribbon - Order of the Leopard, Military Division.png Order of the Leopard, Military Division, CommanderMerit Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19921994
Ribbon - Star of South Africa (1952).gif Star of South Africa SSAMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19521975
Ribbon - Louw Wepener Decoration.gif Louw Wepener Decoration LWDBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19521975
Ribbon Distinguished Gallantry Cross.png Distinguished Gallantry Cross Bravery Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19821994
Ribbon Gallantry Cross, Gold.png Gallantry Cross, Gold GCGBravery Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19851994
Ribbon - Honoris Crux (1952).gif Honoris Crux (1952) HCBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19521975
Ribbon - Honoris Crux Silver.gif Honoris Crux Silver HCSBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon - Van Riebeeck Decoration.gif Van Riebeeck Decoration DVRBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19521975
Ribbon - Honoris Crux (1975).gif Honoris Crux (1975) HCBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon Gallantry Cross, Silver.png Gallantry Cross, Silver GCSBravery Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19851994
Rbn TDF Cross for Bravery.GIF Cross for Bravery Bravery Flag of Transkei.svg 19941994
Ribbon Bravery Star in Silver.png Bravery Star in Silver BSSBravery Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon Star for Bravery in Silver.png Star for Bravery in Silver SBSBravery Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Nkwe ya Selefera.gif Nkwe ya Selefera NSBravery Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Pro Virtute Decoration.gif Pro Virtute Decoration PVDBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19872003
Ribbon - Southern Cross Decoration.gif Southern Cross Decoration SDMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon - Pro Merito Decoration.gif Pro Merito Decoration PMDMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon Conspicuous Leadership Star.png Conspicuous Leadership Star CLSBravery Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon Star for Conspicuous Leadership.png Star for Conspicuous Leadership SCLBravery Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon Defence Force Merit Decoration.png Defence Force Merit Decoration Merit Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19821994
Ribbon - Distinguished Service Medal, Gold.png Distinguished Service Medal, Gold Merit Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19851994
Ribbon - Sandile Decoration.png Sandile Decoration SDMerit Flag of Ciskei.svg 19881994
Ribbon - Decoration for Merit in Gold.png Decoration for Merit in Gold DMGMerit Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Gold Decoration for Merit.png Gold Decoration for Merit GDMMerit Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon - iPhrothiya yeGolide.gif iPhrothiya yeGolide PGMerit Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Van Riebeeck Medal.gif Van Riebeeck Medal VRMBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19521975
Ribbon - Louw Wepener Medal.gif Louw Wepener Medal LWMBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19671975
Ribbon - Distinguished Gallantry Medal.png Distinguished Gallantry Medal Bravery Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19821994
Ribbon - Nkwe ya Boronse.gif Nkwe ya Boronse NBBravery Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Ad Astra Decoration.jpg Ad Astra Decoration AADBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19912003
Ribbon - Army Cross.gif Army Cross CMBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19872003
Ribbon - Air Force Cross (South Africa).gif Air Force Cross CABravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19872003
Ribbon - Navy Cross (South Africa).gif Navy Cross CNBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19872003
Ribbon - Medical Service Cross.gif Medical Service Cross CCBravery Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19872003
Ribbon - Southern Cross Medal (1952).gif Southern Cross Medal (1952) SMMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19521975
Ribbon - Pro Merito Medal (1968).gif Pro Merito Medal (1967) PMMMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19671975
Ribbon - Distinguished Service Medal, Silver.png Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Merit Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19851994
Ribbon - Southern Cross Medal (1986).gif Southern Cross Medal (1975) SMMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon - Pro Merito Medal (1986).gif Pro Merito Medal (1975) PMMMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon - Defence Force Merit Medal.png Defence Force Merit Medal Merit Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19821994
Ribbon - Sandile Medal.png Sandile Medal SMMerit Flag of Ciskei.svg 19881994
Ribbon BDF Marumo Medal Class I.png Marumo Medal, Class I Merit Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19881994
Ribbon - Merit Medal in Silver.png Merit Medal in Silver MMSMerit Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Silver Medal for Merit.png Silver Medal for Merit SMMMerit Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon - iPhrothiya yeSiliva.gif iPhrothiya yeSiliva PSMerit Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Danie Theron Medal.gif Danie Theron Medal DTMMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19701993
Ribbon - Jack Hindon Medal.gif Jack Hindon Medal JHMMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19701975
Ribbon - Military Merit Medal (South Africa).png Military Merit Medal MMMMerit Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19742003
Ribbon - Defence Force Commendation Medal.png Defence Force Commendation Medal Merit Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19821994
Ribbon - Venda Defence Force Medal.png Venda Defence Force Medal Merit Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19841994
Ribbon BDF Marumo Medal Class II.png Marumo Medal, Class II Merit Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19881994
Rbn TDF Medal.GIF Transkei Defence Force Medal Merit Flag of Transkei.svg 19941994
Ribbon - Bronze Medal for Merit.png Bronze Medal for Merit BMMMerit Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Merit Medal in Bronze.png Merit Medal in Bronze MMBMerit Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon - iPhrothiya yeBhronzi.gif iPhrothiya yeBhronzi PBMerit Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Chief C.D.F. Commendation Medal.png Chief C.D.F. Commendation Medal Merit Flag of Ciskei.svg 19921994
Ribbon - Korea Medal (South Africa).gif Korea Medal Campaign Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 1953
Ribbon - Pro Patria Medal (South Africa).gif Pro Patria Medal Campaign Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19741994
Ribbon - General Service Medal (Venda).png General Service Medal (Venda) Campaign Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19851994
Ribbon - Southern Africa Medal.gif Southern Africa Medal Campaign Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19871994
Ribbon - General Service Medal (South Africa).gif General Service Medal (South Africa) Campaign Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19872003
Ribbon - Ciskei Defence Medal.png Ciskei Defence Medal Campaign Flag of Ciskei.svg 19881994
Ribbon - Nkwe Medal.png Nkwe Medal Campaign Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19901994
Ribbon - General Service Medal (Bophuthatswana).png General Service Medal (Bophuthatswana) Campaign Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19911994
Ribbon - Operational Medal for Southern Africa.png Operational Medal for Southern Africa Campaign Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19982003
Ribbon - South Africa Service Medal.png South Africa Service Medal Campaign Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19982003
Ribbon - Tshumelo Ikatelaho.gif Tshumelo Ikatelaho Campaign Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
UK Queen EII Coronation Medal ribbon.svg Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal Commem. Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19531953
Ribbon - Independence Medal (Transkei).png Independence Medal (Transkei) Commem. Flag of Transkei.svg 19761976
Ribbon - Independence Medal (Bophuthatswana).png Independence Medal (Bophuthatswana) Commem. Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19771977
Ribbon - Independence Medal (Venda).png Independence Medal (Venda) Commem. Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19791979
Ribbon - Independence Medal (Ciskei).png Independence Medal (Ciskei) Commem. Flag of Ciskei.svg 19811981
Rbn TDF Military Rule Medal.GIF Military Rule Medal Commem. Flag of Transkei.svg 19941994
Ribbon - Unitas Medal.gif Unitas Medal Commem. Flag of South Africa.svg 19941994
Ribbon - Closure Commemoration Medal.png Closure Commemoration Medal Commem. Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Medalje vir Troue Diens.gif Medalje vir Troue Diens and Bar, 50 years Service Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Medal for Distinguished Conduct & Loyal Service 3.gif Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19872003
Ribbon - Medalje vir Troue Diens.gif Medalje vir Troue Diens and Bar, 40 years Service Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Good Service Medal, Gold.gif Good Service Medal, Gold Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon - Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Gold.png Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Gold Service Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19821994
Ribbon - Long Service Medal, Gold.png Long Service Medal, Gold Service Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19851994
Ribbon - Gold Service Medal.png Gold Service Medal Service Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Service Medal in Gold.png Service Medal in Gold Service Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Medalje vir Troue Diens.gif Medalje vir Troue Diens and Bar, 30 years Service Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - John Chard Decoration.png John Chard Decoration JCDService Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19522003
Ribbon - De Wet Decoration.gif De Wet Decoration DWDService Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19652003
Ribbon - Cadet Corps Medal.gif Cadet Corps Medal Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19661986
Ribbon - Good Service Medal, Silver.gif Good Service Medal, Silver Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon - Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Silver.png Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Silver Service Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19821994
Ribbon - Long Service Medal, Silver.png Long Service Medal, Silver Service Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19851994
Ribbon - Service Medal in Silver.png Service Medal in Silver Service Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Silver Service Medal.png Silver Service Medal Service Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Medalje vir Troue Diens.gif Medalje vir Troue Diens and Bar, 20 years RD ♠Service Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Union Medal.gif Union Medal Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19521961
Ribbon - Permanent Force Good Service Medal.png Permanent Force Good Service Medal Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19611975
Ribbon - John Chard Medal.gif John Chard Medal Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19522003
Ribbon - Good Service Medal, Bronze.gif Good Service Medal, Bronze Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon - Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Bronze.png Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Bronze Service Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19821994
Ribbon - Long Service Medal, Bronze.png Long Service Medal, Bronze Service Flag of Venda (1973-1994).svg 19851994
Ribbon - De Wet Medal.gif De Wet Medal Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19872003
Rbn TDF Faithful Service Medal.GIF Faithful Service Medal Service Flag of Transkei.svg 19871994
Ribbon - Medal for Long Service, Bronze.png Medal for Long Service, Bronze Service Flag of Ciskei.svg 19881994
Ribbon - Bronze Service Medal.png Bronze Service Medal Service Yellow star on green.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Service Medal in Bronze.png Service Medal in Bronze Service Flag of the African National Congress.svg 19962003
Ribbon - Medalje vir Troue Diens.gif Medalje vir Troue Diens Service Flag of South Africa.svg 2003
Ribbon - Queen's Medal for Champion Shots.png Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces Bisley Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19241961
Ribbon - Commandant General's Medal.gif Commandant General's Medal Bisley Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19651975
Ribbon - SADF Champion Shot Medal.png SADF Champion Shot Medal Bisley Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19752003
Ribbon - National Cadet Bisley Grand Champion Medal.gif National Cadet Bisley Grand Champion Medal Bisley Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 1987
Ribbon - President's Medal for Shooting.png President's Medal for Shooting Bisley Flag of Ciskei.svg 19881994
Ribbon - Question mark.png State President's Medal for Shooting Bisley Flag of Bophuthatswana (1972-1994).svg 19901994
Ribbon - Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst (SAR).png Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst DTDMerit Red Ensign of South Africa 1912-1928.svg 19201946
Ribbon - Distinguished Service Order.png Distinguished Service Order DSOBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 18861952
Ribbon - Distinguished Service Cross.png Distinguished Service Cross DSCBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19011952
Ribbon - Military Cross.png Military Cross MCBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19141952
Ribbon - Distinguished Flying Cross.png Distinguished Flying Cross DFCBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19181952
Ribbon - Air Force Cross.png Air Force Cross AFCBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19181952
Ribbon - Distinguished Conduct Medal.png Distinguished Conduct Medal DCMBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 18541952
Ribbon - Distinguished Conduct Medal.png Distinguished Conduct Medal (Natal) DCMBravery Flag of the Natal Colony 1875-1910.svg 18971913
Ribbon - Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.png Conspicuous Gallantry Medal CGMBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 18741952
Ribbon - Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying).png Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) CGMBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19431952
Ribbon - Distinguished Service Medal.png Distinguished Service Medal DSMBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19141952
Ribbon - Military Medal.png Military Medal MMBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19161952
Ribbon - Distinguished Flying Medal.png Distinguished Flying Medal DFMBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19181952
Ribbon - Air Force Medal.png Air Force Medal AFMBravery Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19181952
Ribbon - British Empire Medal (Military).png British Empire Medal (Military) BEMMerit Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19221952
South Africa Medal (1854).png South Africa Medal (1853) Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1854
South Africa Medal (1880).png South Africa Medal (1880) Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1880
Ribbon - Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal.png Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1900
Queen's South Africa Medal.png Queen's South Africa Medal Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1900
Ribbon - SAR & OFS War Medal (SAR).png Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog Campaign Red Ensign of South Africa 1912-1928.svg 19201982
Lint voor Verwonding SAR.gif Lint voor Verwonding Campaign Red Ensign of South Africa 1912-1928.svg 19201949
King's South Africa Medal.png King's South Africa Medal Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1902
Ribbon - Natal Native Rebellion Medal.gif Natal Native Rebellion Medal Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1907
Ribbon - 1914 Star.png 1914–15 Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1918
Ribbon - British War Medal.png British War Medal Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1919
Ribbon - Mercantile Marine War Medal.png Mercantile Marine War Medal [18] Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1919
Ribbon - Victory Medal.png Victory Medal (South Africa) Campaign Red Ensign of South Africa 1912-1928.svg 1919
Ribbon - 1939-45 Star.png 1939–1945 Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1943
Ribbon - Atlantic Star.png Atlantic Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1945
Ribbon - Arctic Star.png Arctic Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 2012
Ribbon - Air Crew Europe Star.png Air Crew Europe Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1945
Ribbon - Africa Star.png Africa Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1943
Pacific Star BAR.svg Pacific Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1945
Ribbon - Burma Star.png Burma Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1945
Ribbon - Italy Star.png Italy Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1945
France and Germany Star BAR.svg France and Germany Star Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1945
Defence Medal BAR.svg Defence Medal (United Kingdom) Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1945
Ribbon - War Medal.png War Medal 1939–1945 Campaign Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1945
Ribbon - Africa Service Medal.png Africa Service Medal Campaign Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 1943
King George V Coronation Medal ribbon.svg King George V Coronation Medal Commem. Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19111911
King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ribbon.svg King George V Silver Jubilee Medal Commem. Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19351935
Ribbon - King George VI Coronation Medal.png King George VI Coronation Medal Commem. Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19371937
Ribbon - Meritorious Service Medal (UK).png Meritorious Service Medal (United Kingdom) MSM Gallantry Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19161928
Ribbon - Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Cape).png Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope) Service Flag of the Cape Colony 1876-1910.svg 18961913
Ribbon - Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Natal).png Meritorious Service Medal (Natal) Service Flag of the Natal Colony 1875-1910.svg 18971913
Ribbon - Meritorious Service Medal (Union).png Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa) Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19141939
Ribbon - Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Cape).png Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape) Service Flag of the Cape Colony 1876-1910.svg 18961910
Ribbon - Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Natal).png Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Natal) Service Flag of the Natal Colony 1875-1910.svg 18971910
Ribbon - Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal.png Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal Service Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19101930
Ribbon - Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (SA).png Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (South Africa) Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19301952
Ribbon - Volunteer Officers' Decoration.png Volunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the Colonies VDService Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 18941899
Ribbon - Volunteer Long Service Medal.png Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies Service Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 18961899
Ribbon - Volunteer Long Service Medal.png Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration VDService Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 18991930
Ribbon - Volunteer Long Service Medal.png Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal Service Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 18991930
Ribbon - Efficiency Decoration (South Africa).png Efficiency Decoration (South Africa) EDService Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19301952
Ribbon - Efficiency Medal (South Africa).png Efficiency Medal (South Africa) Service Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 19301952
Ribbon - Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Decoration.png Decoration for Officers of the R.N.V.R. VRDService Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19151952
Ribbon - RNVR Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.png R.N.V.R. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Service Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19151952
Ribbon - Air Efficiency Award.png Air Efficiency Award AE ♣Service Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 19421952
Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal (ribbon).png Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal Commem. Red Ensign of South Africa 1912-1928.svg 19101911
Ribbon - South African Medal for War Services.png South African Medal for War Services Volunteer Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 1945
Ribbon - Sir Harry Smith's Medal for Gallantry.png Sir Harry Smith's Medal for Gallantry Unofficial Flag of the Cape Colony 1876-1910.svg 1851
Ribbon - Johannesburg Vrijwilliger Corps Medal.png Johannesburg Vrijwilliger Corps Medal Unofficial Flag of Transvaal.svg 1899
Ribbon - Kimberley Star.png Kimberley Star Unofficial Flag of the Cape Colony 1876-1910.svg 1900
Ribbon Cape Copper Company Medal for the Defence of O'okiep.png Cape Copper Company Medal for the Defence of O'okiep Unofficial Flag of the Cape Colony 1876-1910.svg 1902
Notes

Errors and exclusions

The official order of wear of 2005 contains the caveat that, in the absence of full information on some awards, there may be among the awards listed for the TBVC states some which were never awarded. The official list contains minor errors, one of these being the post-nominal letters "VRD" instead of "DVR" for the Van Riebeeck Decoration. The post-nominal letters "VRD" are used for the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Decoration. [2]

The following decorations and medals are excluded from the table: [2]

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Van Riebeeck Medal</span> Former South African military decoration

The Van Riebeeck Medal, post-nominal letters VRM, is a military decoration for bravery which was instituted by the Union of South Africa in 1952. It was awarded to other ranks for distinguished service in the field.

<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">Pro Patria Medal (South Africa)</span> Award

The Pro Patria Medal is a South African military campaign medal which was instituted by the Republic in 1974. It was awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for service in an operational area, as designated by the Minister of Defence or for engagement in armed combat with the enemy.

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

The Unitas Medal was instituted by the President of the Republic of South Africa on 4 November 1994. It was awarded to all ranks who were on the active strength of all seven constituent military forces from 27 April 1994 to 10 May 1994, to commemorate their amalgamation into the South African National Defence Force. It was also awarded to personnel of the British Military Advisory and Training Team which served in South Africa at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transkei Defence Force Medal</span> Award

The Transkei Defence Force Medal was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Transkei for award to all ranks as a military medal for merit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Independence Medal (Bophuthatswana)</span> Award

The Independence Medal was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Bophuthatswana to commemorate that country's independence on 6 December 1977. It was awarded to all ranks on the active strength of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force upon independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Bronze</span> Award

The Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Bronze was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Bophuthatswana in 1982, for award to all ranks as a long service medal for ten years service and good conduct.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Silver</span> Award

The Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Silver was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Bophuthatswana in 1982, for award to all ranks as a long service medal for twenty years service and good conduct.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Gold</span> Award

The Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Gold was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Bophuthatswana in 1982, for award to all ranks as a long service medal for thirty years service and good conduct.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marumo Medal, Class II</span> Award

The Marumo Medal, Class II was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Bophuthatswana in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defence Force Merit Decoration</span> Award

The Defence Force Merit Decoration was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Bophuthatswana in 1982, for award to officers for distinguished service of high quality and utmost devotion to duty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Independence Medal (Venda)</span> Award

The Independence Medal was instituted by the President of the Republic of Venda in 1979, for award to all ranks in commemoration of the independence of Venda.

The State President's Medal for Shooting was instituted by the State President of the Republic of Bophuthatswana in 1990, for award to champion shots.

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

The Sandile Decoration, post-nominal letters SD, was instituted by the President of the Republic of Ciskei in 1988, for award to all ranks for meritorious service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Independence Medal (Ciskei)</span> Award

The Independence Medal was instituted by the President of the Republic of Ciskei in 1981, for award to all serving members of the Ciskei Defence Force on 4 December 1981 to commemorate the independence of Ciskei.

Rank comparison charts of armies/land forces of apartheid states and territories in Southern Africa.

References

  1. "The Medals of the Zulu War, 11th January to 1 September, 1879". Military History Journal. 4 (4). The South African Military History Society. January 1979. Retrieved 9 November 2019. (Zulu War Centenary Issue)
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 477, no. 27376, Pretoria, 11 March 2005, OCLC   72827981
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Government Notice no. 1982 of 1 October 1954 - Order of Precedence of Orders, Decorations and Medals, published in the Government Gazette of 1 October 1954.
  4. South Africa Act, 1909, enacted by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, 20 September 1909
  5. 1 2 3 South African Medals Website - SA Defence Force : 1952-1975 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  6. The South African Railways - Historical Survey. Editor George Hart, Publisher Bill Hart, Sponsored by Dorbyl Ltd., Published c. 1978, p. 25.
  7. Suid-Afrikaanse militêre dekorasies: 1952-1975
  8. Suid-Afrikaanse militêre dekorasies: 1975-2003
  9. South African Medals Website - SA Defence Force : 1975-2003 (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  10. South African Medals Website - Transkei Defence Force (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  11. South African Medals Website - Bophuthatswana Defence Force (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  12. South African Medals Website - Venda Defence Force (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  13. South African Medals Website - Ciskei Defence Force (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  14. South African Medals Website - Liberation armies (Accessed 30 April 2015)
  15. Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 457, no. 25213, Pretoria, 25 July 2003
  16. 1 2 3 "No. 56878". The London Gazette (Supplement). 17 March 2003. p. 3353.
  17. South African Medals Website - Post-nominal Letters (Accessed 28 April 2015)
  18. "No. 33554". The London Gazette . 22 November 1929. p. 7530.