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 is a special medal from South Africa. It was given to people who volunteered their time during the Second World War. These people helped with the war effort without getting paid. They served between September 6, 1939, and February 15, 1946.
Contents
What is the South African War Services Medal?
This medal was created to honour people who helped during World War II. Many countries in the British Commonwealth had their own medals. These were given in addition to the medals from Britain. Each country's medal had its own look and rules.
When Was the Medal Created?
The South African Medal for War Services was officially started in 1945. A special document, called a Royal Warrant, made it official. This document was signed by the King on December 29, 1945. It was then made public in Cape Town on February 6, 1946.
Who Received the Medal?
This medal was given to people who volunteered their time. They helped with the war effort without pay. Their service had to be between September 6, 1939, and February 15, 1946.
How Many Medals Were Given?
About 17,500 medals were awarded in total. Both men and women received this medal. It did not matter if they were British citizens or not.
What Were the Rules for Getting It?
To get the medal, a person needed to serve for at least two years. One of those years had to be continuous. This service had to be voluntary and unpaid. It could be done inside or outside the Union of South Africa. People served in official volunteer groups. Examples include the Red Cross. Another was the Governor-General's War Fund. They also had to work at least five hours every week.
What Does the Medal Look 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 is attached to a hanger with claws and a pin. The medals were given without names on them.
The 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 this, the medal's name is written in English and Afrikaans. It says "SOUTH AFRICA" and "SUID-AFRIKA" at the top. At the bottom, it says "FOR WAR SERVICES • VIR OORLOGDIENSTE".
The Back of the Medal
The back of the medal shows the Coat of Arms of the Union of South Africa.
The Medal's Ribbon
The ribbon for the medal is 32 millimetres wide. It has three stripes of equal size. These stripes are dark orange, white, and dark blue.
How Medals Are Worn
Medals are worn in a specific order. This order is set by the British Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. 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.
Medal Order in South Africa
On April 6, 1952, South Africa created its own awards. These new South African awards were worn before most older British medals. The only exception was the Victoria Cross. That medal still came first. Among the British medals given to South Africans, the South African Medal for War Services is worn as shown below.
- It is worn after the Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal.
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