South Africa-King Protea King's Commendation emblem

[Shots Dave]

Here is the Africa Service Medal with a bronze King Protea flower emblem representing a King's Commendation which is equal to a mention in despatches but awarded for services away from the battlefield.

[peter monahan]

Nice.  I've never heard of this, but then there are thousands of things I've never heard of.   Any ideas or examples of actions for which this might be awarded?

Peter

[Shots Dave]

Hi Peter, I don't have any details currently about this specific award, but when lockdown is over I will endeavour to find out what I can about the recipient and hopefully what they received the Commendation for. 

Edited July 5, 2020 by Shots Dave
correction

[Marcon1]

King's Commendation (1941)
An original South African award, for valuable services during World War II.

Insignia: A silver or bronze protea flower emblem, worn on the ribbon of the Africa Service Medal.

Pin type = Height: 23mm, Silver - 925. SAM.

Button type - silver.

[Shots Dave]

The commendation to the SAWAAF read:

"This N.C.O. has rendered very valuable and faithful service during a very difficult period and has at all times carried out her duties with tact, energy and cheerfulness."

[Chris Boonzaier]

On 05/07/2020 at 14:29, peter monahan said:

Nice.  I've never heard of this, but then there are thousands of things I've never heard of.   Any ideas or examples of actions for which this might be awarded?

Peter

I HAVE heard of, but in spite of growing up in South Africa i never actually saw one! Nice piece indeed!!

[Gordon Craig]

Shots David,

There is no need to wait for the pandemic to end to research your South African medal.  I have researched a number of mine recently using dewald@antiques.co.za .  He is very reasonable in his prices and is quick in his response with the results.  Good luck in your research.  I'd like to add a medal with the commendation to my collection.

Regards,

Gordon

 

[Shots Dave]

Hi Gordon

Thanks, I did actually use Dewald, when he was finally able to gain access to the information. I did only recently post the actual commendation details on Tuesday, you must have missed it, or maybe I didn't make it clear enough(apologies). I should have maybe mentioned my award was to a F/Sgt in the SAWAAF.

Stay safe

Dave

 

[Shots Dave]

Here is an example showing the award document. The Protea appears to have been the buttonhole type where the rear has been removed and it has been drilled once to attach it to the top of the frame.

[Gordon Craig]

Shots Dave,

 

Interesting document and miniature award.  There was a South African medal with a Protea on it in the last DNW Auction.  I debated on buying it but I wasn't able to trace the chap so didn't. I've consoled myself by saying "Who needs another broken group anyway."

 

Regards,

 

Gordon

[nlwracing]

Hi All,

 

I am a Collector from New Zealand and have only recently been made aware of this award too.

 

I would like to get either a Medal with the Protea Emblem on the ribbon, or the Protea emblem on its' own, for my Collection, so if anyone has one for sale, I'm keen to buy.

 

Cheers & thanks

 

Nigel