South African
Medal Website
South African
Honours and Awards
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Updated: May 2006
© Arthur Radburn


Union Defence Forces (1913-39)

The Union Defence Forces (UDF) were formed in July 1912. They were renamed the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958, and in April 1994 the SADF was incorporated into the new SA National Defence Force (SANDF). During the period 1913-39, the UDF consisted of an army of Permanent Force and part-time Citizen Force units, and a division of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. Air and naval branches were added to the PF in 1920 and 1922 respectively.

The UDF/SADF used four successive series of decorations and medals during its 82-year existence: the first from 1913 to 1939; the second from 1939 to 1952; the third from 1952 to 1975; and the fourth from 1975 to 1994, when it was taken over by the SANDF.

The first series, established in June 1913, continued the colonial system, which enabled the South African government to award certain British medals directly. It consisted of eight decorations and medals. During World War I, South Africans received orders and decorations from the British government.

  


Medal for Distinguished Conduct in the Field (1914-40)
An adopted British decoration, intended as an award for distinctly gallant and distinguished service in the field by "other ranks". Never awarded, but more than 300 UDF members received the original British decoration during the two world wars.

Insignia: Same design as the equivalent British award: a circular silver medal displaying the reigning king's head (obverse) and the words "For Distinguished Conduct in the Field" (reverse).


Victory Medal (1919)
South African variant of the British version of the medal established by the victorious Allies at the Versailles peace conference. Awarded, in addition to the British World War I service stars and medals, to service personnel who had served in any theatre of war between 4 August 1914 and 25 November 1918.

The UDF served in German South West Africa (1914-15), and the volunteer SA Overseas Expeditionary Force served in Egypt (1916), France and Belgium (1916-18), German East Africa (1916-18), and Palestine (1917-18). RNVR contingents served with the Royal Navy in the Aegean and other theatres of war.

Insignia: A circular gold-coloured bronze medal depicting the figure of Victory (obverse) and the words "The Great War for Civilisation - De Grote Oorlog voor de Beschaving - 1919-1919" (reverse).


Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (1914-39)
An adopted British medal, awarded for 18 years exemplary service in the ranks of the Permanent Force.

Insignia: A circular silver medal displaying the reigning king's head (obverse) and the words "Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas - For Long Service and Good Conduct" (reverse). Until 1920, recipients were paid cash gratuities.


Medal for Meritorious Service (1914-40)
An adopted British medal, awarded for long (minimum 21 years), valuable, and meritorious service in the ranks of the PF. Awarded to selected warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers on retirement or discharge - only 46 medals were awarded. Until 1920, recipients were paid cash gratuities.

Insignia: Same design as the equivalent British Army award - a circular silver medal displaying the reigning king's head (obverse) and the words "For Meritorious Service" (reverse) - but with a ribbon exclusive to South Africa.


Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration (VD) (1913-39)
An adopted British medal, awarded for 20 years efficient service as an officer in the Citizen Force.

Insignia: A gilt royal cipher in a crowned oval frame inscribed "Colonial Auxiliary Forces" (obverse).


Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal (1913-39)
An adopted British medal, awarded to all ranks of the CF after 20 years efficient service. An officer who later received the VD had to stop wearing this medal.

Insignia: A circular silver medal displaying the reigning king's head (obverse) and the words "For Long Service in the Colonial Auxiliary Forces" (reverse).


RNVR Volunteer Officers' Decoration (VD) (1915-49)
An adopted British medal, awarded for 20 years efficient service as an officer in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve.

Insignia: A gilt crowned royal cipher in an oval silver frame of cable. Until 1919, the ribbon was plain green.


RNVR Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (1915-49)
An adopted British medal, awarded to all ranks of the RNVR after 12 years efficient service. An officer who later received the VD had to stop wearing this medal.

Insignia: A circular silver medal displaying the reigning king's head (obverse), and a battleship at sea (reverse). Until 1919, the ribbon was plain green.

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