South African Police Awards

[archie777]

Police Good Service Medal (1923)

 

Instituted in 1923

 

Awarded to policemen of non-commisioned rank who had served for not less than 18 years with an irreproachable character or had performed service of a particularly gallant or distinguised character.

 

In the event of the award being made for service of an especially gallantry character, a bar, bearing the words "MERIT - VERDIENSTE" was attached to the ribbon; whilst further bars could be added to denote subsequent acts of such a character.

 

Government Notice 938 published in Government Gazette No. 1324, dated 8 June 1923.

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Police Good Service Medal (1932)

 

Instituted in 1932

 

Awarded to policemen of non-commisioned rank who had served for not less than 18 years with an irreproachable character or had performed service of a particularly gallant or distinguised character.

 

In the event of the award being made for service of an especially gallantry character, a bar, bearing the words "MERIT - VERDIENSTE" was attached to the ribbon; whilst further bars could be added to denote subsequent acts of such a character.

 

Government Notice 790 published in Government Gazette No. 2046, dated 17 June 1932

Edited May 13 by archie777
Spelling

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Police Good Service Medal (1951)

 

Instituted in 1951

 

Awarded to policemen of non-commisioned rank who had served for not less than 18 years with an irreproachable character or had performed service of a particularly gallant or distinguised character.

 

In the event of the award being made for service of an especially gallantry character, a bar, bearing the words "MERIT - VERDIENSTE" was attached to the ribbon; whilst further bars could be added to denote subsequent acts of such a character.

 

 

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The Queen's Police Medal (QPM)

 

Instituted in 1952

 

Awarded to police officers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth of Nations, for gallantry or distinguished service.

 

Recipients may use the post-nominal letters "QPM", although the right to use these was only granted officially on 20 July 1969. 

 

The ribbons of both medals in the picture was switched and should be changed.

 

The ribbon on the first picture is correct.

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South African Police Cross for Bravery (PCF) (1963)

 

Instituted in 1963

 

Awarded to a member of the Force who, subsequent to 31 May 1961, has, in the discharge of his duties, or in protecting or saving, or endeavouring to protect or save property or life, displayed conspicuous and exceptional bravery in the discharge of his duties or with skill and ingenuity, has performed a fearless act of self-sacrifice whereby he has lost or genuinely imperilled his own life.

 

A high-ranking decoration, that existed between 1963 and 2004. It initially had only one class, but it was expanded to three classes in 1988.

 

Warrant of 20 May 1963 published in the Government Gazette No. 547, dated 5 July 1963.

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South African Police Star for Distinguished Service (SOO) (1963)

 

Instituted in 1963

 

Awarded to members of the South African Police who;

(a) On or after 31 May 1961, in the discharge of his functions, or in protecting or saving, or endeavouring to protect or save, property or life, has displayed particular gallantry, exceptional ingenuity or perseverance; or
(b) On or after aforementioned date has, in the exercise of his duties, rendered iutstanding service to members of aruling house or to Heads of State or Governments; or,
(c) On or after aforementioned date has, distinguished himself by having displayed outstanding sense of responsibility and personal example in any division or branch of the Force.

 

Warrant of 20 May 1963 published in Government Gazette No. 547, dated 5 July 1963.

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South Aftican Police Star for Merit (1963)

 

Instituted in 1963

 

Awarded to members of the Police Force or Reserve Police Force who;
In the discharge of their duties have, on or after 31 May 1961, rendered services if a particularly exemplary or meritorious nature; or
have served for 30 years, not necessarily continuous, during which time they have displayed an irreproachable character and exemplary conduct.

 

Warrant if 20 May 1963 published in Government Gazette No. 547, dated 5 July 1963.

 

The reverse changed in the early 90's to the old COA.

 

A bar may be awarded in order to denoteca subsequent award.

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South African Police Medal for Faithful Service (1963)

 

Instituted in 1963, originally for eighteen years, but changed to be awarded to members of the Police Force or Reserve Police Force who, has served for a period of at least 10 years, not necessarily continuous, and has displayed an irreproachable character and exemplary conduct.

 

Warrant if 20 May 1963 published in Government Gazette No. 547, dated 5 July 1963.

 

The reverse changed in the early 90's

 

A bar was authorized, to be awarded to those who had served a further 15 years, not necessarily continuous, subsequent to the award of the medal.

 

The bar was worn on the first type medals with the recipients name on the rim of the medal and not on the reverse or the last medal with the COA on the reverse.

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South African Police Medal for Combating Terrorism (1974)

 

Instituted in 1974 

 

Awarded to members of the Police Force or those supporting the Force who, on or at any time after 26 August 1966:

(a) have been involved in combat with terrorists, or in the course of the performance of duties in the prevention and combating of terrorism, sustained injuries arising from terrorist activities; or who, in the execution of such duties, displayed exceptional zeal, ongenuity, skill or leadership; or
(b) have performed counter-insurgency duty for at least six months, which period may be cumulative, in an area fixed by the Minister, and behaved in an exemplary fashion; or
(c) have rendered exceptional and outstanding service to the SA Police in the combating of terrorism.

 

A bar was authorized, to denote a subsequent award.

 

Warrant of 1 February 1974 published in Government Gazette No. 4171, dated 22 February 1974.

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South African Police Star for Distinguished Leadership (SED) (1979)

 

First picture is that from Megan's site

[Megan]

Ah, my cup floweth over, more beautiful images.

 

Put up an example of the South African Police Medal for Combating Terrorism yesterday.

 

 

This one I found in a Morton and Eden catalogue (the kind souls have given me the run of them for the website), unfortunately the ribbon is a bit grubby.

[Marcon1]

Hi Megan,

 

Are these of any use ?

 

Regards, Marcon1.

[archie777]

Hi Megan & Marco,

 

There was even a SAP medal for Combating Terrorism manifactured by the SAM with the SAM mark.

 

I had one in my collection before, but cut down on my variations.

 

I was fortunate to get a silver marked Combating Terrorism medal myself

 

Regards

Archie

[Megan]

Nice specimen with bars, Marco, thank you.

 

And yes, I did know you were a recipient yourself, Archie.

[archie777]

Hi Megan,

 

Yes I was a member of the SADF, SA Railways Police, SA Police and SA Police Service and was fortunate to do duty in the former South West Africa and Angola during the Angolan Bushwar and received the medal for combating terrorism for all three Forces

 

I also received the Southern Africa Medal for operations in Angola

 

Regards

Archie

[Marcon1]

 

Specimen hallmarked S925 P S.A.M.

[archie777]

Thanks Marco. 

 

I had one like that before, named, but helped another collector who collects variations

 

Regards

Archie

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South African Police Star for Distinguished Service (SOO) (1979)

 

When the SAP awards system was revised in 1979, the SOO was re-defined as a decoration for general officers who had rendered meritorious service promoting the efficiency of the SAP and contributing actively to national security.

 

A new decoration, the SA Police Star for Outstanding Service, was instituted to replace the SOO's original role.

 

The SOO is a gold six-pointed multi-rayed star. On the obverse is a green six-pointed star depicting the "torch of life", the "wings of peace", and the "scales of justice". The reverse displays the national coat of arms and the words "Distinguished Service" and "Voortreflike Diens".

 

In its original form, the decoration was worn on the chest. In its post-1979 form, it was worn around the neck, and on ceremonial occasions it was worn on a silver-gilt collar instead of the ribbon.

 

The SOO was discontinued on 1 September 1986. After that date, police generals were awarded the Order of the Star of South Africa (Non-Military) instead.

 

Warrant of 1 May 1979 published in Government Gazette No. 6451, dated 18 May 1979.

 

Not my pictures, but hard to find.

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South African Police Star for Outstanding Service (SOE) (1979)

 

Instituted on 1 May 1979, the SOE took over the dual role previously played by the SA Police Star for Distinguished Service, and was awarded for particular gallantry, or for outstanding service, resourcefulness, leadership, or sense of responsibility and personal example.

 

It was discontinued as a gallantry decoration when the SA Police Cross for Bravery was expanded to three classes in 1989, but continued to be granted for outstanding service until it was superseded by the SA Police Service Gold Medal for Outstanding Service on 4 May 2004.

 

The SOE is a silver-gilt cross, the arms made up of multiple rays, with pointed rays between the arms. In the centre is a stylised aloe plant.

 

The reverse displays the national coat of arms and the words Stella Officii Egregii. Its ribbon is yellow, with green edges and a white-blue-white panel near each edge.

 

A bar was authorized, to denote a subsequent award.

 

Warrant of 1 May 1979, published in Government Gazette No. 6451, dated 18 May 1979.

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South African Police Star for Faithful Service (1979)

 

Instituted in 1979

 

Awarded to a member of South African Police Force or Reserve Police Force who has served for a period of not less than 20 years, not necessarily continuous and who displayed an irreproachable character and exemplary conduct.

 

A bar in 18ct gold was awarded for a further 20 years exemplary service.

The reverse changed to the old COA in the early 90's.

 

Warrant 1 May 1979 published in the Government Gazette No. 6451, dated 18 May 1979.

 

The bar and medal set, are not part of my collection, but belong to Chris. The others are all part of my collection.

[Marcon1]

Hiya,

 

Here are 2 more variations.

SILVER under Coat of Arms.

SILVER under L of Faithful.

 

Regards, Marcon1.

[archie777]

Hi Marco,

 

I will look for my other variation

 

It nearly completely black

 

Thanks for your contribution

 

Regards

Archie

[archie777]

Hi Marco, 

 

Found it and want to share 

 

Its actually more black than on the picture

 

Regards

Archie

[archie777]

South African Police Silver Cross for Gallantry (SCG) (1985)

 

Instituted 1n 1985

 

Awarded only to members of the Police Force who have on or subsequent to 30 June 1983, displayed conspicuous and exceptional gallantry or who have performed a fearless or outstanding act through which they have lost or genuinely imperilled their lives in:

(a) the performance of their duties relating to the fight against terrorism; or

(b) protecting, or saving, or endeavouring to protect or save life or property that was threatened by a terrorist attack.

 

A bar was authorized, to denote a subsequent award.

 

Warrant of 29 January 1985, published in Government Gazette No. 9597, dated 22 February 1985.

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South African Police Cross for Bravery (Gold) (PCFG) 

 

Instituted in 1989

 

Awarded to a member of the Force who, has, in the discharge of his duties, or in protecting or saving, or endeavouring to protect or save property or life, displayed conspicuous and exceptional bravery in the discharge of his duties or with skill and ingenuity, has performed a fearless act of self-sacrifice whereby he has lost or genuinely imperilled his own life.

 

Awarded in three classes 

Edited May 15 by archie777
Date wrong