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    South African Defence Force Awards


    archie777

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    Here we have the following award:

     

    South African Defence Force Good Service Medal Bronze (10 Years Service)

     

    Instituted in 1975 with three different ribbons

    Permanent Force members - Green with white stripes 

    Citizen Force members - Green with dark blue stripes

    Commando members - Green with orange stripes

     

    The ribbons change in 1992 to green and bronze and Commandos and Citizen Force were excluded

     

    There are numerous variants and only those in my collection are shown

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou PF) (Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou PF) (Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou PF) (Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou CF) (Plat) (Enkel Suspender) (1).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou CF) (Plat) (Enkel Suspender) (2).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou CF) (Plat) (Enkel Suspender) (3).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou Kommando) (Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou Kommando) (Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou Kommando) (Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Nuut PF) (Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Nuut PF) (Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Nuut PF) (Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

    SADF Good Service Medal (Bronze) 10 Jaar Medalje (Nuut PF) (Blink) (Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Nuut PF) (Blink) (Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Nuut PF) (Blink) (Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

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    Here we have the following award:

     

    Factory error of the South African Defence Force Good Service Medal Bronze (10 Years Service) with the Citizen Force ribbon

     

    The medal is numbered on the rim

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou CF) (Medalje is Onderste bo) (Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou CF) (Medalje is Onderste bo) (Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    10 Jaar Medalje (Ou CF) (Medalje is Onderste bo) (Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

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    Here we have the following award

     

    The Ad Astra Decoration, post-nominal letter AAD, was instituted in 1991, to reward South African Air Force aircrew nembers on biard aircraft for excellent airmanship or outstanding ingenuity or skill during emergencies or critically unusual situations in the air.

     

    It was discontinued in 2003, but backdated awards can still be made for acts performed during the period in effect

     


     

    Ad_Astra_Decoration_(SAAF).jpg

    Ad Astra Decoration (AAD) (1).JPG

    Ad Astra Decoration (AAD) (2).JPG

    Ad Astra Decoration (AAD) (3).JPG

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    Here is the following award

     

    Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal

     

    Instituted in 1974

     

    Only 2 variations were found in light and dark finish and 1 have the SAM mark helow the COA

    Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal (Dark Finish) (1).JPG

    Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal (Dark Finish) (2).JPG

    Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal (Dark Finish) (3).JPG

    Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal (Light Finish) (1).JPG

    Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal (Light Finish) (2).JPG

    Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal (Light Finish) (3).JPG

    20240502_120007.jpg

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    Here is the following award

     

    Military Merit Medal (MMM)

     

    The name changed from Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal In 1993 to Military Merit Medal

     

    There are too many variations and I cover those in my collection

     

     

    Military Merit Medal (Dark Finish) (Bar) (1).JPG

    Military Merit Medal (Dark Finish) (Bar) (2).JPG

    Military Merit Medal (Dark Finish) (Bar) (14.JPG

    Military Merit Medal (Light Finish) (1).JPG

    Military Merit Medal (Light Finish) (2).JPG

    Military Merit Medal (Light Finish) (3).JPG

    Militêre Meriete Medalje 1993 (Donker Buite & Helder Binne) (1).JPG

    Militêre Meriete Medalje 1993 (Donker Buite & Helder Binne) (2).JPG

    Militêre Meriete Medalje 1993 (Donker Buite & Helder Binne) (3).JPG

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    Here is the following award

     

    Jack Hindon Medal (JHM)

     

    A military decoration which was instituted in the RSA in 1970 and which wasonly in use until 1975.

     

    It was awarded to other ranks for diligent service in the Commandos, the rural defence component of the SADF

     

    Only 2 variants in light and dark finish

    Jack Hindon Medalje 1970 – 1975 (1).JPG

    Jack Hindon Medalje 1970 – 1975 (2).JPG

    Jack Hindon Medalje 1970 – 1975 (3).JPG

    20240502_115901.jpg

    20240502_115922.jpg

    20240502_115930.jpg

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    Here we have the following award

     

    Danie Theron Medal (DTM)

     

    A military decoration which was instituted in the RSA in 1970 and which was in use until 1993. 

     

    It was awarded for diligent service in the Commandos, the rural defence component of the SADF. Orihinally reserved for Officers, it was available to all ranks from 1975

     

    There was only a few variations

     

    Danie Theron Medalje 1975  (Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    Danie Theron Medalje 1975  (Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    Danie Theron Medalje 1975  (Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

    Danie Theron Medalje 1975 (SAM) (Enkel Suspender) (1).JPG

    Danie Theron Medalje 1975 (SAM) (Enkel Suspender) (2).JPG

    Danie Theron Medalje 1975 (SAM) (Enkel Suspender) (3).JPG

    20240502_115750.jpg

    20240502_115816.jpg

    20240502_115834.jpg

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    Here we have the following award

     

    Cadet Corps Medal

     

    Instituted in by the RSA in 1966. It could be awarded to officers in the School Cadet Corps for 20 years efficient service.

     

    A clasp could be awarded after 30 years service.

     

     

     

     

    Kadet Korps Medalje 1966 (1).JPG

    Kadet Korps Medalje 1966 (2).JPG

    Kadet Korps Medalje 1966 (4).JPG

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    Here we have the following award

     

    The National Cadet Bisley Grand Champion Medal

     

    A military medal which was instituted by the RSA in 1987. Originally named the Cadet Corps Grand Champion Shot Medal, it was awarded to the Grand Champion of the annual National Cadet Bisley of the School Cadet Corps.

     

    Groot Kampioenskut Medalje vir Kadet Korps (1).JPG

    Groot Kampioenskut Medalje vir Kadet Korps (2).JPG

    Groot Kampioenskut Medalje vir Kadet Korps (3).JPG

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    I reached the Military Merit Medal on my site last night. May I ask if there was any change in insignia when the name was changed from the Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal in 1993?

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    Here we have the following award

     

    The Commandant General's Medal

     

    A military marksmanship medal which was created by the Commandant General of the SADF in 1962 and formally instituted by the State President in 1965.

     

     

    20240326_150735.jpg

    20240326_151110.jpg

    20240326_150829.jpg

    Hi Megan, yes the name changed in 1993 and that's when they started using the post-nominal letters MMM

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    Here we have the following award

     

    SADF Champion Shot Medal

     

    A military medal which was instituted by the RSA in 1975.

     

    It was awarded to the champion shots of the annual SADF Shooting Championships in the categories of full-bore, small-bore, service shooting and pistol.

     

    Different variations

    SAW Kampioenskut Medalje 1973 (1).JPG

    SAW Kampioenskut Medalje 1973 (2).JPG

    SAW Kampioenskut Medalje 1973 (3).JPG

    SAW Kampioenskut Medalje 1973 (4).JPG

    20240502_115246.jpg

    20240502_115304.jpg

    20240502_115326.jpg

    20240502_115338.jpg

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    Here we have the following award

     

    De Wet Decoration (DWD)

     

    A military long service decoration which was instituted by the RSA in 1965.

     

    It could be awarded to members of the Commandos, the rural civil defence component of the SADF, for twenty years of efficient service and good conduct.

     

    The decoration was initially reserved for officers, but it was made available to all ranks in 1986. A clasp could be awarded after thirty years service.

     

    Numerous variations were awarded.

     

    De Wet Dekorasie (SAM) (Smal Enkel Suspender) (Matt) (1).JPG

    De Wet Dekorasie (SAM) (Smal Enkel Suspender) (Matt) (2).JPG

    De Wet Dekorasie (SAM) (Smal Enkel Suspender) (Matt) (3).JPG

    De Wet Dekorasie (SAM) (Smal Enkel Suspender (1).JPG

    De Wet Dekorasie (SAM) (Smal Enkel Suspender (2).JPG

    De Wet Dekorasie (SAM) (Smal Enkel Suspender (3).JPG

    De Wet Dekorasie (Breë Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    De Wet Dekorasie (Breë Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    De Wet Dekorasie (Breë Dubbel Suspender) (4).JPG

    20240502_115628.jpg

    20240502_115637.jpg

    20240502_115644.jpg

    20240502_115654.jpg

    20240502_115703.jpg

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    Here we have the following award

     

    De Wet Medal (DWM)

     

    A military long service decoration which was instituted by the RSA in 1965.

     

    It could be awarded to members of the Commandos, the rural civil defence component of the SADF, for ten years of efficient service and good conduct.

     

    Numerous variations were awarded. Nit all show, but only those in my collection.

     

    Here is a picture of medal number 1

    De Wet Medalje (Smal Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Smal Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Smal Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Enkel Suspender (Minder Detail) (1).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Enkel Suspender (Minder Detail) (2).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Enkel Suspender (Minder Detail) (3).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Enkel Suspender) (Meer Detail) (1).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Enkel Suspender) (Meer Detail) (2).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Enkel Suspender) (Meer Detail) (3).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    De Wet Medalje (Breë Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

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    3 hours ago, Megan said:

    I reached the Military Merit Medal on my site last night. May I ask if there was any change in insignia when the name was changed from the Chief of the SADF Commendation Medal in 1993?

     Hi Megan,

     

    I’ll answer your question.

    The only real visible difference is in the link suspension.

    The Chief of the South African Defence Force Commendation Medal has a loose ring suspender.

    2.jpg.04dc77e1a3c6e50b9e0f003ef837ad76.jpg

    Known variants = Dark finish, without SAM mintmark.

                                    Light finish, with SAM mintmark. (see photo).

     

    The Military Merit Medal (MMM) had first also a loose ring suspender but was quickly replaced with a fixed suspender.

    3.jpg.1ddcb2a74aa5f69efd56ab59a97d6224.jpg

    Different variants of this medal are known.

     

    Regards, Marcon1.

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    Here we have the first samples for the De Wet Medal (DWM)

     

    The first sample, doesn't have any names on the medal

     

     

    De Wet Medalje Proto Type (Suspender Verskil) (Medalje Naam nie Op) (1).JPG

    De Wet Medalje Proto Type (Suspender Verskil) (Medalje Naam nie Op) (2).JPG

    De Wet Medalje Proto Type (Suspender Verskil) (Medalje Naam nie Op) (3).JPG

    De Wet Medalje Proto Type (Suspender Verskil) (Medalje Naam is Op) (1).JPG

    De Wet Medalje Proto Type (Suspender Verskil) (Medalje Naam is Op) (2).JPG

    De Wet Medalje Proto Type (Suspender Verskil) (Medalje Naam is Op) (3).JPG

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    I gave the sample without a name, to a friend of mine, also a collector and a member of GMIC Paul Roos.

     

    He wrote two excellent books, one on the Pro Patria Medal and recently one on the Honoris Crux awards. He stays currently in Australia.

     

    Should anyone be interested in buying his books, please let me know 

    20230218_114935.jpg

    IMG-20230529-WA0120.jpg

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    Here we have the following award

     

    Pro Patria Medal

     

    A South African military campaign medal which was instituted by the RSA in 1974.

     

    It was awarded to members of the SADF for service in an operational area, as designated by the the Minister of Defence or for engagement in armed combat with the enemy

     

    The Cunene clasp was awarded for service in Angola, between 1975 - 1976

     

    Two bars were approved, but never awarded

     

    Bronze bar - 2nd medal awarded

    Silver bar - 3rd medal awarded

     

    The Cunene clasp was worn on the medal with the swivel suspender, but many recipients lost their medals through the years and on reissue, received the fix suspender medal

     

    Here are too many variations and only those in my collection, are shown.

     

    The rarest of all variations, is the SA Mint mark (SAM) medal

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (Blink Enamel) (Cunene Bar) (1).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (Blink Enamel) (Cunene Bar) (2).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (Blink Enamel) (Cunene Bar) (4).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (SAM) (1).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (SAM) (2).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (SAM) (3).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (Dof Enamel) (Silwer Bar) (1).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (Dof Enamel) (Silwer Bar) (2).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Los Suspender) (Dof Enamel) (Silwer Bar) (4).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Plat) (Goue Bar) (1).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Plat) (Goue Bar) (2).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Plat) (Goue Bar) (4).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Matt) (1).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Matt) (2).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Matt) (3).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Epoksie) (Cunene Bar & MID) (1).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Epoksie) (Cunene Bar & MID) (2).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Epoksie) (Cunene Bar & MID) (4).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Dof Enamel) (Cunene Bar) (1).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Dof Enamel) (Cunene Bar) (2).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje (Vas Suspender) (Dof Enamel) (Cunene Bar) (4).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje  (Embleem is Silwer) (1).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje  (Embleem is Silwer) (2).JPG

    Pro Patria Medalje  (Embleem is Silwer) (3).JPG

    Medal set of a former SA Special Forces Operator and RSM

    IMG-20210216-WA0000.jpg

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    Here we have the following award

     

    A South African military campaign medal which was instituted by the RSA in 1987.

     

    It was awarded to members of the SADF for service in military operations in Southern Africa, outside the borders of South Africa and South West Africa, between 1 April 1976 and 21 March 1990.

     

    Part of a captured T-55 tank was melted and used to struck the first 20 000 of these medals. 

     

    Not all variations were struck from this metal. This information came from a worker who worked for the manufacturing company.

     

    There was about 4 different variations.

     

     

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Groter Gras) (Enkel Suspender) (1).JPG

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Groter Gras) (Enkel Suspender) (2).JPG

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Groter Gras) (Enkel Suspender) (3).JPG

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Kleiner Gras) (Enkel Suspender) (1).JPG

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Kleiner Gras) (Enkel Suspender) (2).JPG

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Kleiner Gras) (Enkel Suspender) (3).JPG

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Kleiner Gesig) (Dubbel Suspender) (1).JPG

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Kleiner Gesig) (Dubbel Suspender) (2).JPG

    Suider Afrika Medalje (Kleiner Gesig) (Dubbel Suspender) (3).JPG

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    Here we have the following award

     

    General Service Medal

     

    A South African military campaign medal which was instituted by the RSA in 1987.

     

    It could be awarded to members of the SADF from 1 January 1983, for operational service inside South Africa in the prevention or suppression of terrorism or internal disorder, or the prevention of life, health or property, or the maintenance of essential services and law and order, or crime prevention.

     

    The were numerous variations awarded

     

     

     

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Grof) (Ou MID) (1).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Grof) (Ou MID) (2).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Grof) (Ou MID) (4).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje  (Lourierkrans nie Voltooi) (1).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje  (Lourierkrans nie Voltooi) (2).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje  (Lourierkrans nie Voltooi) (3).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (1).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (2).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (3).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Blink) (Nuwe MID) (1).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Blink) (Nuwe MID) (2).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Blink) (Nuwe MID) (4).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (Maluti Bar) (1).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (Maluti Bar) (2).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (Maluti Bar) (4).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (Anker, vlerk en Swaarde Verskil) (1).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (Anker, vlerk en Swaarde Verskil) (2).JPG

    Algemene Diensmedalje (Plat - Blink) (Anker, vlerk en Swaarde Verskil) (3).JPG

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    Here we have the following award

     

    Unitas Medal

     

    Instituted by tge President of the RSA 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 SANDF.

     

    It was also awarded to personnel of the British Military Advisory and Training Team which served in South Africa at the time.

     

    Not many variations were seen

    Unitas Medalje (Donker) (1).JPG

    Unitas Medalje (Donker) (2).JPG

    Unitas Medalje (Donker) (3).JPG

    Unitas Medalje (Ligter) (1).JPG

    Unitas Medalje (Ligter) (2).JPG

    Unitas Medalje (Ligter) (3).JPG

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    Here we have the following South Acrican Military award:

     

    Korea Medal (South Africa)

     

    A military campaign medal which was instituted by the Union of South Africa in 1953.

     

    It was awarded to volunteers of the Union Defence Force for service in Korea during the 1950 - 1953 Korean War.

     

    In the mid 1990's this medal war restruck with some minor differences.

     

    Shown are both variants.

     

     

    20240503_154001.jpg

    20240503_144251.jpg

    20240503_144242.jpg

    20240503_145409.jpg

    20240503_145207.jpg

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