South African Prisons Department (1965) Award

[archie777]

The Prisons Department Faithful Service Medal 

 

Indtituted in 1965, the medal was awarded to a member who had completed 18 years of service (not necessarily continuous), during which time he was to have displayed examplary conduct and have been of unimpeachable character.

 

It could also be awarded to a member who had displayed exceptional devotion to duty in a distinguished or gallant manner, in which case a bar bearing the inscription VERDIENSTELIK - MERITORIOUS was included.

[Rookie]

Hi Archie

Weren't there a pre '65 issue with Dutch, like the police 1st type 18y service medal?

[Marcon1]

 (MYB: 290 & 291 & SA-52)
Faithful Service Medal of the Prisons Department (1922-1968)
Originally (1922-59) called the "Prisons Good Service Medal". Awarded to chief warders, head warders, and warders, for (i) particularly gallant or distinguished service, or (ii) 18 years irreproachable service. A clasp was added if the medal was awarded for bravery. The majority of the medals were granted for long service.

Insignia: A circular silver medal displaying the national coat of arms (obverse) and a reverse inscription which varied over the years: "For Faithful Service - Voor Trouwe Dienst" (1922-59), or " Vir Troue Diens - For Faithful Service " (1959-65), or " Voor Troue Diens - For Faithful Service" (1965-68).

Insignia: A circular silver medal displaying the national coat of arms and the name of the department (obverse) and a reverse inscription which varied over the years: "For Faithful Service - Voor Trouwe Dienst" (1922-32), or "For Faithful Service - Vir Troue Diens" (1932-59), or "Vir Troue Diens - For Faithful Service" (1959-68).

(Type: 1)

(Type: 2)

 

(Type: 3) 

 

Specific date instituted is unknown, but between 1951 - 1952 according to a former General.

Not much information available, but awarded to prison officers in recognition of 18 years of exemplary service.
A "MERIT" clasp was awarded with the Medal to denote awards made in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service or acts of gallantry.

 

Regards, Marcon1.

 

[archie777]

Hi Chris,

 

The first picture is the Dutch issue, thanks to Marco

 

Regards

Archie

Edited September 3 by archie777

[Rookie]

Thanks Marco

I got one with a BSAC medal, very unusual combination.