Bophuthatswana Defence Force Awards

[archie777]

For any information needed on Bophuthatswans DF Awards, please look at my posts on the site

 

Small part of my collection attached

 

Archie Meyer

[archie777]

Marcon & Megan,

 

On request of Marcon, I will cover the following proposed medal

 

Bophuthatswana State President's Medal for Shooting

 

Mr. Ian Lewis, Staff Officer of the Bophuthatswana Internal Intelligence Service informally discussed the matter with the State Herald on 11 January 1990.

 

Attached are the four designed. It is unclear which design  were accepted, but according to information, this award were struck. No published Warrant has been traced

[archie777]

If anyone needs more information, feel free to contact me anytime

[Marcon1]

Hi Archie,

 

Concerning the Bophuthatswana State President's Medal for Shooting.

I would guess that the second picture with the  is the one chosen.

 

The other 3 have those rings that look like the ones used by the German Car manufacturer Audi.

 

 

I don't think they could have gotten away with that 😁

 

Regards, Marcon1.

[archie777]

Hi Marco,

 

The attached image is the official badge of the Bophuthatswana Combined Forces Sports Union

[Megan]

Archie, might you have an image of the Nkwe Medal anywhere handy?

[Megan]

Found a rather small and grotty image online, will do for now.

[archie777]

Hi Megan,

 

Sorry, but only saw your message today.

 

I will cover all the Bop DF awards under this topic tomorrow.

 

Regards

Archie

[Marcon1]

Hi Megan,

 

 

Will this do ??

 

regards, Marcon1.

[Megan]

Much nicer, thank you, Marco.

 

Later, though. Husband ill in hospital, currently have not slept for 29 hours...

[archie777]

Distinguished Gallantry Cross

 

Awarded to members [of the BDF] who have distinguished themselves by performing hair-raising deeds of distinguished heroism [or] ... who have distinguished themselves by performing distinguished deeds of gallantry in peril of one’s life”. Members of other Armed Forces attached to, or serving or rendering service to the BDF also qualified.           

               

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 1 March 1982, published under Government Notice No. 85. The rules and regulations were published at the same time.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 11, No. 100 dated 13 August 1982.

[archie777]

Defence Force Merit Decoration

 

Awarded “In recognition of distinguished service of high quality which disclosed utmost devotedness during peace or wartime” Officers of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force, or other Armed Forces attached to it, or serving or rendering service of high quality, qualified for this award.          

                

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 1 March 1982, published under Government Notice No. 86. The rules and regulations were published at the same time.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 11, No. 100 dated 13 August 1982.

[archie777]

Distinguished Gallantry Medal

 

Awarded to members [of the BDF] who have distinguished themselves by performing extraordinary deeds of gallantry at a great risk to their lives [or] ... who have distinguished themselves by performing deeds of gallantry at the risk of their lives.

 

Members of other Armed Forces attached to, or serving or rendering service to the BDF also qualified.       

                   

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 1 March 1982, published under Government Notice No. 87. The rules and regulations were published at the same time.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 11, No. 100 dated 13 August 1982.

 

[archie777]

Defence Force Merit Medal   

 

 “Awarded to all ranks for extraordinarily excellent service and particular devotion to duty [of the BDF] or other Armed Forces attached to it, or serving or rendering service of high quality, qualified for this award.        

                   

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 1 March 1982, published under Government Notice No. 88. The rules and regulations were published at the same time.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 11, No. 100 dated 13 August 1982.

[archie777]

Defence Force Commendation Medal

 

Instituted to recognise “service of high quality which cannot be acknowledged fittingly in another manner” by members of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force, or other Armed Forces attached to it, or serving or rendering service to the Bophuthatswana Defence Force. 

                 

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 1 March 1982, published under Government Notice No. 89. The rules and regulations were published at the same time.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 11, No. 100 dated 13 August 1982.

 

It was approved in silver gilt, but was struck in silver gilt and  bronze.

[archie777]

Nkwe Medal

 

Instituted for award to members of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force, members of other Armed Forces attached to, serving with, or who had rendered operational service to the BDF in the defence of the Republic or suppression of terrorism, who had served on an international border of Bophuthatswana for a period of not less than 180 days, with effect from 1 December 1990.       

                   

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 20 May 1990, published under Government Notice No. 81.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 21, No. 105 dated 19 June 1992.

[Marcon1]

Hi Archie,

 

A few questions.

 

1) Distinguished Gallantry Medal - looking at your pictures I can see 3 different types - what are they ? - Sample, proposed design/metal but never issued, issued version = which is which ??

2) Defence Force Commendation Medal - you say 'It was approved in silver gilt, but was struck in silver gilt and  bronze' = does that mean there is a silver-gilt version AND a bronze version ??

 

Regards, Marcon1.

[archie777]

General Service Medal

 

Instituted for award to members of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force, members of other Armed Forces attached to, serving with, or who had rendered service to the BDF in the suppression of terrorism or internal unrest in Bophuthatswana, with effect from 1 January 1991. In general, for continuous service the qualifying period was 365 days, and for broken service, 485 days, but shorter periods could be authorised.        

                  

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 20 May 1990, published under Government Notice No. 82.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 21, No. 105 dated 19 June 1992.

 

A darker and lighter versions were strucked.

 

Hi Marco,

 

The Distinguished Gallantry Medal were struck with a blank reverse and with the COA on the reverse.

 

Also a darker and lighter versions with the COA. All three types were issued, but the one with the COA on reverse, were designed and approved.

 

As for the Defence Force Commendation  Medals, yes both the bronze and silver gilt were struck and awarded.

 

Regards

Archie

 

None are samples

[Marcon1]

Hi Archie,

 

Thanks for the information.

One more question - who got the silver-gilt one and who got the bronze ?? - i.e. Officers (high ranking or otherwise) - NCO's and lower ranks ?

 

Marcon1.

 

or was it for - service of high quality which cannot be acknowledged fittingly in another manner (silver-gilt) and serving or rendering service to BDF (bronze).

Edited May 25 by Marcon1

[archie777]

Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Gold)      

                              

Awarded to a member of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force who –          a)      is a citizen of Bophuthatswana;              b)    completes ..... the required period of qualifying service  [in this case 30 years];      c)  is of irreproachable character and conduct; and                                          

d)    is serving in the Bophuthatswana Defence on date of qualifying.  

 

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 1 March 1982, published under Government Notice No. 90. The rules and regulations were published at the same time.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 11, No. 100 dated 13 August 1982.

 

Hi Marco,

 

Unfortunately, that was never mentioned in any Warrant or orders, however, I have both in my collection and both to non-commissioned members

 

Will make 100% sure tomorrow

 

Regards

Archie

The bronze was not even mentioned anywhere, only the silver gilt

[archie777]

Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Silver)       

                           

Awarded to a member of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force who -          a)    is a citizen of Bophuthatswana;          b)   completes .... the required period of qualifying service [in this case 20 years);      c)     is of irreproachable character and conduct; and                                                    d)    is serving in the Bophuthatswana Defence Force on date of qualifying.  

 

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 1 March 1982, published under Government Notice No. 90.

 

The rules and regulations were published at the same time.                                                                                                   

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 11, No. 100 dated 13 August 1982.

 

[archie777]

Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Bronze)       

                           

Awarded to a member of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force who -                                                      a)    is a citizen of Bophuthatswana;                           b)   completes .... the required period of qualifying service [in this case 10 years);                                    c)     is of irreproachable character and conduct; and                                                                                d)    is serving in the Bophuthatswana Defence Force on date of qualifying.  

 

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 1 March 1982, published under Government Notice No. 90.

 

The rules and regulations were published at the same time.                                                                                                   

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 11, No. 100 dated 13 August 1982.

 

A lighter and darker version were both strucked and awarded.

Edited May 25 by archie777

[archie777]

Marumo Medal (Class I)

 

Awarded to civilians and Officers of other Departments and Defence Force, Bophuthatswana Defence personnel exclusive (sig) ... who have distinguished themselves through rendering of outstanding service that have (sig) contributed to the continued development and welfare of the Defence Force.

 

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 24 October 1988, published under Government Notice No. 22.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 18, No. 40 dated 10 March 1989.

Two different reverse on the Marumo Medal (Class I)

[archie777]

Marumo Medal (Class II)       

    

Awarded to civilians and Officers of other Departments and Defence Force, Bophuthatswana Defence personnel exclusive (sig) ... who have distinguished themselves through rendering of outstanding service that have (sig) contributed to the continued development and welfare of the Defence Force.

 

Warrant by the President of the Bophuthatswana dated 24 October 1988, published under Government Notice No. 22.

 

Bophuthatswana Government Gazette, Vol. 18, No. 40 dated 10 March 1989.

[archie777]

Bophuthatswana Independence Medal 

 

Only awarded in recognition of deserving, outstanding and dedicated service rendered to the Republic of Bophuthatswana for the purpose of independence or the establishment of the Bophuthatswana Defence Force. 

 

No Warrant has yet been traced for this award.