Orders, decorations, and medals of Rhodesia facts for kids

The Rhodesian honours system was a special way that Rhodesia recognized people for their bravery, hard work, and important service. This system started in November 1970, shortly after Rhodesia declared itself a republic in March 1970. Before this, people in Rhodesia received awards from the British honours system.

What Were Rhodesian Honours?

Rhodesian honours were like medals and awards given to people who did great things for their country. These awards were for both civilians (everyday people) and military or police personnel. They were given for different reasons, such as showing extreme bravery, serving the country for a long time, or doing something very important.

Awards for Bravery and Service

The honours system had many different awards. Some were for incredible courage, like the Grand Cross of Valour. This was the highest award for bravery. Others, like the Legion of Merit, were given for excellent service to the country, whether in the government, military, or other areas. There were also specific awards for police officers, soldiers, and prison staff who showed gallantry or distinguished service.

Examples of Awards

• Grand Cross of Valour: This was the top award for extreme bravery, usually given to military members.
• Legion of Merit: This award recognized people who showed outstanding service to Rhodesia. It had different levels, like Grand Commander, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Member.
• Independence Decoration: This award was given to civilians who played a key role when Rhodesia became independent.
• Bronze Cross of Rhodesia: This was an important military award for bravery.

When Were Awards Given?

About 12,000 awards were given out between 1970 and 1981. The last awards for bravery were given in June 1980. This was just three months after Zimbabwe became an independent country. However, some long-service awards continued to be given to police and military staff until June 1982.

Notable Recipients

One of the most highly decorated soldiers in the Rhodesian Army was Major Grahame Wilson. He was second-in-command of the Rhodesian SAS. Major Wilson received several top awards, including the Grand Cross of Valour, the Silver Cross of Rhodesia, and the Bronze Cross of Rhodesia.

See also

• Orders, decorations, and medals of Zimbabwe