archie777

Ciskeian Defence Medal Instituted in 1988 Awarded to members of the Ciskeian Defence Force, to recognise active involvement in preventing or combating subversion or terrorism, unrest or other internal disorder in the Republic of Ciskei. Warrant dated 16 February 1988 published under Proclamation No. 7 of 1988 by the President of the Republic of Ciskei. The regulations were published under Government Notice No. 8 of 1988. Republic of Ciskei Government Gazette, Vol. 16 No. 11 of 11 March 1988. 600 were manufactured, but only 26 were awarded.

Sandile Medal (SM) Instituted in 1988 Awarded to members or former members of the Ciskeian Defence Force, to recognice the rendering of valuable service characterised by devotion to duty or the display of leadership of a high order. Warrant dated 16 February 1988 published under Proclamation No. 6 of 1988 by the President of the Republic of Ciskei. The regulations were published under Government Notice No. 8 of 1988. Republic of Ciskei Government Gazette, Vol. 16 No. 11 of 11 March 1988. 300 were manufactured, but only 4 were awarded.

You're welcome Megan. Yes they never bother about them Hope to be of more help

Sandile Decoration (Military Division) (SD) Instituted in 1988 Awarded to senior officers or former senior officers of the Ciskeian Defence Force, to recognice distinguished leadership, meritorious service contributing to the security of the State or outstanding service to members of a dynasty or to heads of State or Government. Warrant dated 16 February 1988 published under Proclamation No. 5 of 1988 by the President of the Republic of Ciskei. The regulations were published under Government Notice No. 8 of 1988. Republic of Ciskei Government Gazette, Vol. 16 No. 11 of 11 March 1988. It could not be ascertained how many were manufactured or awarded. The decoration was designed to be of sterling silver, gilded with 24ct gold, but it was never gilded. The only difference between the decoration and the medal, was the ribbon.

Hi Marco, That was a sample, but never approved Regards Archie

Ciskeian Cross for Bravery (CCB) Instituted in 1988 Awarded to members or former members of the Ciskei Defence Force or members or former members of any other military force, to recognice performance of an act of gallantry or the display of conspicuous bravery during operations against the enemy. Warrant dated 16 February 1988 published under Proclamation No. 4 of 1988 by the President of the Republic of Ciskei. The regulations were published under Government Notice No. 8 of 1988. Republic of Ciskei Government Gazette, Vol. 16 No. 11 of 11 March 1988. 1000 were manufactured and delivered to the Ciskeian Defence Force, but none were awarded.

Ciskeian Cross for Gallantry (CCG) Instituted in 1988 Awarded to members or former members of the Ciskei Defence Force or members or former members of any other military force, to recognice performance of an act of conspicuous gallantry or distinguished conduct under fire or on operations against the enemy, Warrant dated 16 February 1988 published under Proclamation No. 3 of 1988 by the President of the Republic of Ciskei. The regulations were published under Government Notice No. 8 of 1988. Republic of Ciskei Government Gazette, Vol. 16 No. 11 of 11 March 1988. 300 were manufactured and delivered to the Ciskeian Defence Force, but none were awarded.

Ciskeian Cross for Valour (CCV) Instituted in 1988 Awarded to members or former members of the Ciskei Defence Force who, in the presence of the enemy, performed some daring or pre-eminent act of valour, self sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty. Warrant dated 16 February 1988 published under Proclamation No. 2 of 1988 by the President of the Republic of Ciskei. The regulations were published under Government Notice No. 8 of 1988. Republic of Ciskei Government Gazette, Vol. 16 No. 11 of 11 March 1988. 300 were manufactured and delivered to the Ciskeian Defence Force, but none were awarded.

Hi Joaobr, This is the feedback on the group. Why the SA helmet was used, is unclear, but the emblrm was definitely painted on. Regards Archie

Hi Megan, Maybe I forgot to cover Ciskei Defence Force, but I couldn't find the posts I will cover all CDF awards today Regards Archie

Hi Joaobr, I post your helmet on a SA Collectors group and hope to get any answer back. Hope for the best Regards Archie

Would also like to know if this awards are the real deal I have no knowledge and don't want to swop if its fakes

Can anyone assist me I can trade the following items, but don't know if its the real deal I'm waiting for pictures of the blade

Hi Marcon & Megan Here we have the correct ribbon Bophuthatswana Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (1984-94) Awarded for long service And it was awarded cumulatively, in three classes: Bronze after 10 years, Silver after 20 years, and Gold after 30 years. A circular medal displaying the Bophuthatswana coat of arms (obverse) and "Dikgolegelo Tirelo ya Boikanyego - Faithful Service Prisons" (reverse)

Hi Gordon, Found this under Steve's other comment

Hi Gordon, Very interesting group and I contact Steve to send me a copy of the citation or to post it himself Regards Archie

Here we have an excellent group of medals, that belongs to a friend of mine Steve Seargent, also a member on GMIC A nice addition to my collection a DSO group to a SA Police Officer of some note. George Bestford was one of six sons born to Thomas Bestford, in Bensham Gateshead, County Durham, on the 1st October 1897. He was educated at the local Higher Grade Secondary School, and at the age of 17 falsified his age to enlist in the 20th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (1st Tyneside Scottish) on 26 October 1914. After training he embarked for France on the 9th January 1916 as part of the as part of the 102nd Infantry Brigade. As part of the infamous Battle of the Somme he was seriously wounded on the first day of the Battle of the Somme for which action he received a G.O.C.’s Divisional Commendation in recognition of his gallantry on 1st July 1916. After recuperation in the UK hin August, he transferred as Acting Company Quartermaster Sergeant to the 29th (Reserve) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers and was subsequently posted to the 3rd Battalion, which was attached to the 84th Training Reserve Battalion at Hornsea. Major A. E. Ken recommended Bestford for a commission in March 1917: "This N.C.O. came very much under my observations, while at Home he attended several Courses of Instruction and on each one did very well indeed, on one occasion he came under the notice of the Brigadier who complimented him through his C.O. on his success... On Service he was even better, as a leader of men he is a success, I never knew him to shirk any danger or fatigues, and his coolness under Shell and Rifle fire is splendid. I regret to say his C.O. [Lieutenant Colonel C. Sillery] was killed as I knew that he had marked Sgt. Bestford out for distinction and no officers being left (All either killed or wounded) there was no one to put the recommendation forward. I think with a little training at a Cadet School he will make a very good Officer." After the requisite time with an Officer Cadet Battalion, Bestford was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Northumberland Fusiliers in October 1917. He returned to the fray in December 1917 with the 25th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers (2nd Tyneside Irish). In the interim two of his siblings had been killed in the war, his brother William on the 21st July 1916 and his brother Robert on the 1st of December 1917. After the Great War he served as a Signalling Officer to the 2/4th Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry for service in Syria and Egypt. He was promoted to Lieutenant in May 1919 and resigned his commission in March 1920 to join the SAP as an instructor at the Police Depot in Pretoria. He advanced rapidly through the ranks from Constable to Captain, then District Officer and Station Officer by June 1940. He was appointed as a Captain, in the 1st South African Police Battalion, Union Defence Force. Later that month, as part of the Staff Headquarters, 6th SA Infantry (Police) Brigade which as part of the 2nd South African Division, and arrived in Egypt in June 1941. He took part in the the Battles of Sollum and Halfaya, and was promoted Major in February 1942 serving as Brigade Major, 6th South African Infantry Brigade Headquarters, during the retreat from the Gazala Line throughout May and June 1942. When the Garrison at Tobruk became isolated he together the majority of the 2nd South African Division was captured there en masse the 21st June 1942 following General Orders to surrender. Unable to escape, Bestford was taken prisoner by the Italians and interned at Campo 75 (Bari). He was subsequently transferred to Germany, and interned in Stalag VII-A, Stalag V-C, and finally at Oflag XII-B at Hadamar. Repatriated in April 1945, he was recommended retrospectively for the D.S.O. His citation is appended below was initiated by Brigadier Cooper and was confirmed by Brig H Klopper the then General Officer in command of the 2nd SA Infantry Division After his repatriation, he returned to South Africa, and resumed employment in the South African Police where he was appointed the Commanding Officer, Police Training Depot, Pretoria. During the Royal Visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to South Africa in 1947, he commanded the mounted escort and the Guard of Honour on special occasions throughout the tour. He was presented with his D.S.O. by the King at Voortrekkerhoogte, Pretoria, in May 1947. He married Doris Constance Hancorn and had one Daughter Millicent Ann Bestford. Maj. Bestford served as District Commandant of Durban prior to his retirement, and died in Durban in October 1968. A fuller article on this recipient will appear in the online NONGQAI magazine for those interested and I will post a link once published. Photos 1. his medal group 2. The Bestford brothers in 1915 only George (Sgt) and Thomas would survive the war 3. Bestford Captain SAP 4. Bestford as a Major on Retirement.

Hi Marco, Thanks for that. Unfortunately busy with the book on the other hand snd good that you can help Stay safe Regards Archie

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (10 Years) (1980 - 1996) Instituted in 1980. Awarded for faithful service and exemplary conduct. A bronze circular medal displaying the SA Coat of Arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the PS badge (reverse).

Attack Diver trophy

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (20 Years) (1980 - 1996) Instituted in 1980. Awarded for faithful service and exemplary conduct. A silver circular medal displaying the SA Coat of Arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the PS badge (reverse).

Specially made for the SA Special Forces 50 Years Anniversary

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (30 Years) (1980 - 1996) Instituted in 1980. Awarded for faithful service and exemplary conduct. A circular medal displaying the SA Coat of Arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the PS badge (reverse). Silver Gild.

A drawing specially made by a friend of mine, for me, to present it to my other friend, who was the RSM at 1 Recce Regiment

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (40 Years) (1980-1996) Instituted in 1980. For faithful service and exemplary conduct. A circular medal displaying the SA Coat of Arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the PS badge (reverse).