South Africa Medal (1853) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South Africa Medal (1853)
Country	United Kingdom
Type	Military Campaign medal
Eligibility	British forces
Awarded for	Campaign service
Campaign(s)	1834–36 First Kaffir War 1846–47 Second Kaffir War 1850–53 Third Kaffir War 1852 Battle of Berea
Clasps	None
Statistics
Established	1854
Order of wear
Next (higher)	Waterloo Medal
Next (lower)	Ghuznee Medal
Related	South Africa Medal (1880)
Ribbon bar

The South Africa Medal (1853) was a special award given to soldiers and sailors. It was created in 1854 by Queen Victoria. This medal was for officers and men from the Royal Navy, British Army, and local forces like the Cape Mounted Riflemen. They received it for their service in the Cape Colony (now part of South Africa). The medal recognised their part in the Xhosa Wars, which happened between 1834 and 1853. These wars were known as the 'Kaffir Wars' at the time, but today we use the term Xhosa Wars.

What is a Campaign Medal?

A campaign medal is a military award given to people who have served in a specific military operation or war. It shows that they were part of an important event. The South Africa Medal (1853) was one such medal.

Why Was the Medal Created?

In 1854, Queen Victoria decided to create the South Africa Medal. It was meant for members of the British forces and local soldiers. They had served in three important wars on the eastern border of the Cape of Good Hope.

Who Received the Medal?

The South Africa Medal (1853) was given to those who took part in one or more of these events:

• The Sixth Frontier War (1834–36).
• The Seventh Frontier War (1846–47).
• The Eighth Frontier War (1850–53).
• The Battle of Berea in 1852.

At the time, these were often called the First, Second, and Third Kaffir Wars. The medal did not have any special bars or "clasps" to show which specific war a person fought in. To find that out, you would need to check old military records.

Important Campaigns and Events

The wars in the Cape Colony were a series of conflicts. They involved the British, local forces, and the Xhosa people.

The 1834–36 War

This war started after a Xhosa cattle raid. On 11 December 1834, a Cape government group killed a high-ranking Xhosa chief. This made the Xhosa very angry. An army of 10,000 Xhosa men then crossed into the Cape of Good Hope. They attacked and burned homes and fought anyone who resisted. In response, Boer commandos, Khoikhoi commandos, and British troops fought back.

Later Wars and the Gaika Tribe

The wars in 1846–47 and 1851–53 were mainly against the Gaika people. Their chief was Mgolombane Sandile. The Gaika tribe was unhappy about the British taking their land. They had also started getting firearms, which made the conflicts more intense.

The HMS Birkenhead Disaster

On 26 February 1852, a troopship called HMS Birkenhead hit a rock. This happened near what is now Gansbaai in the Western Cape. The ship was carrying soldiers to Algoa Bay. It sank very quickly, in about 20 minutes. There were not enough lifeboats for everyone. The soldiers bravely stood still, allowing the women and children to get to safety first. Out of 639 people on board, only 193 survived. Many of the survivors were soldiers who later fought in South Africa and received this medal.

The Battle of Berea

In December 1852, a British force went on an expedition. They were trying to get back stolen cattle from the Basotho people, led by King Moshoeshoe I. This led to the Battle of Berea. Soldiers who survived this battle also received the South Africa Medal. Even though the medal had "1853" on it, it was given out in 1855.

What the Medal Looked Like

The medal was made of silver and was about 36 millimetres wide. It had a special hanger that allowed it to swing. William Wyon and his son Leonard Charles Wyon designed it.

Front of the Medal (Obverse)

The front of the medal showed the head of Queen Victoria. She was wearing a crown and looking to the left. Around the edge, it said "VICTORIA REGINA" (which means "Victoria Queen"). The designer's name, W. Wyon, was also on this side.

Back of the Medal (Reverse)

The back of the medal showed a lion crouching down. In front of the lion was a protea bush with one flower. Around the top edge, it said "SOUTH AFRICA". The year "1853" was at the bottom. The engraver's name, L.C. Wyon, was also there.

How it Was Named

The name and military group of the person who received the medal were carved onto its edge. This was done in a clear, block letter style.

The Ribbon

The ribbon for the medal was 32 millimetres wide. It had a pattern of golden yellow and dark blue stripes. This design made the medal easy to recognise.

Changes to the Medal

In August 1880, a new medal was created, called the South Africa Medal (1880). The design of the new medal was very similar. However, the year "1853" on the back was replaced. Instead, it showed a military symbol, which included a Zulu ox-hide shield and four crossed spears (assegais). The front of the new medal looked exactly the same as the 1853 medal.

How Medals Are Worn

Military medals are worn in a specific order. This order is set by official rules. Campaign medals like the South Africa Medal are usually worn in the order of when the campaign happened.

Order in South Africa

On 6 April 1952, South Africa created its own military awards. These new South African medals were worn before most older British medals. However, the Victoria Cross still came first. The South Africa Medal (1853) is the oldest official British campaign medal related to South Africa.

• It is worn after the British Empire Medal (Military) (BEM).
• It is worn before the South Africa Medal (1880).

Images for kids

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  British Empire Medal (Military)

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  South Africa Medal (1853)

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  South Africa Medal (1880)