South African Medal for War Services facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South African Medal for War Services |
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| Country |  Union of South Africa |
| Type | Service medal |
| Eligibility | Whether British subjects or not |
| Awarded for | Voluntary & unremunerated service |
| Campaign(s) | Second World War 1939–1945 |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 1945 |
| Order of wear | |
| Next (higher) |  Women's Royal Voluntary Service Medal |
| Next (lower) | Colonial Special Constabulary Medal |
 Ribbon bar |
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The South African Medal for War Services was a special medal given out in South Africa. It was for people who volunteered their time to help during World War II. These volunteers worked without pay from September 1939 to February 1946.
Contents
Why This Medal Was Created
During World War II, many countries that were part of the British Commonwealth (like South Africa) gave out medals. Besides the medals from Britain, some countries created their own special awards. These new medals had their own unique look and rules for who could get them.
The South African Medal for War Services was officially started in 1945. It was created by a special order signed by the King.
Who Received the Medal
This medal was given to people who volunteered their time to help with the war effort. They did not get paid for their work. Their service had to be between September 1939 and February 1946.
About 17,500 medals were given out in total. Both men and women received the medal. It didn't matter if they were British citizens or not. To get the medal, a person needed to have volunteered for at least two years. One of those years had to be continuous.
Volunteers worked in official groups that were not part of the military. Examples include the Red Cross and the Governor-General's War Fund. They had to work at least five hours every week.
What the Medal Looks Like
The medal is made of silver. It is 36 millimetres wide and 3 millimetres thick. It has a raised edge around it. The medal was given out without the person's name on it.
Front of the Medal
The front of the medal shows the years "1939" over "1945". These dates are surrounded by a wreath of protea flowers. Around all of this, the medal's name is written in both English and Afrikaans. It says "SOUTH AFRICA" and "SUID-AFRIKA" at the top. At the bottom, it says "FOR WAR SERVICES • VIR OORLOGDIENSTE".
Back of the Medal
The back of the medal shows the Coat of Arms of the Union of South Africa.
Ribbon
The ribbon for the medal is 32 millimetres wide. It has three stripes of equal size. The colours are dark orange, white, and dark blue.
How Medals Are Worn
Medals are worn in a specific order, which shows their importance. The South African Medal for War Services is worn after the Women's Royal Voluntary Service Medal. It is worn before the Colonial Special Constabulary Medal.
Order in South Africa
On 6 April 1952, South Africa created its own set of awards and medals. These new South African awards were worn before most older British medals. The only exception was the Victoria Cross, which was always worn first.
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- The South African Medal for War Services is worn after the Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal.
