Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal |
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| Country |  Union of South Africa |
| Type | Commemorative medal |
| Eligibility | Military and civil leaders |
| Awarded for | Commemoration of the opening of the first Union Parliament |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 1910 |
| South African order of wear | |
| Next (higher) |  Air Efficiency Award |
| Next (lower) |  South African Medal for War Services |
.png){kind=small} Ribbon Bar |
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The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal was a special award given to remember an important event. It was given to both military people and regular citizens. This medal celebrated the opening of the first Parliament of the Union of South Africa in 1910. The Duke of Connaught and Strathearn officially opened this Parliament. Many people see this medal as one of the first "independence medals" given out in the Commonwealth during the 1900s.
Contents
Creating the Medal: A Royal Start
The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal was created by King George V. He announced it on 3 October 1910. This news was shared in the official Government Gazette on 29 November 1910. The medal was made to celebrate the opening of the first Parliament of the Union of South Africa. The Duke of Connaught led this important ceremony.
This medal was given to military and civilian leaders. These people played a big part in forming the Union of South Africa. The Union was created by joining four older colonies. These were the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony.
Who Received the Medal?
The medal was given to members of the army and navy. Certain civilian leaders also received it. They all had to play a key role in the Union's creation. The main Secretary of State for the Colonies had to recommend them. A list of all recipients was kept. This list was closed six months after the medal was announced. After that, no more medals could be given. The only exception was if the King himself approved it for very special reasons.
Where to Wear the Medal: South Africa's Order
Medals are worn in a specific order. This is called the "order of wear." In South Africa, a new set of awards was created on 6 April 1952. These new awards replaced the British ones used before. However, older British medals still had a place. They were worn in the same order as before. But, they were worn after all new South African medals. The only exception was the Victoria Cross, which always came first.
Among the British medals given to South Africans, the Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal had its own place. It was worn after the Air Efficiency Award. It was worn before the South African Medal for War Services.
What the Medal Looks Like
The medal was made of silver. It was 36 millimetres wide and had a raised edge. No names were engraved on the medals.
Front of the Medal
The front of the medal shows a picture of King George V. He is facing to the left. Around his picture are the words: "GEORGIVS V BRITT:OMN:REX ET IND:IMP:". This means "George V, King of all Britons and Emperor of India." The medal hangs from a special claw. This claw swivels and is attached to the top edge of the medal. A large ring is fitted to the claw for wearing.
Back of the Medal
The back of the medal shows the god Mercury. He was known as the god of trade and good fortune. Mercury is shown making links of a chain on an anvil. Each of the four links has the name of one of the Union's provinces. These are "CAPE OF GOOD HOPE", "NATAL", "TRANSVAAL", and "ORANGE RIVER". The year "1910" is written below. An olive branch is wrapped around the year. Around the edge of the medal are the words: "TO COMMEMORATE THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA".
The Ribbon
The ribbon for the medal is 38 millimetres wide. It has two orange stripes, each 10 millimetres wide. These orange stripes are separated by a dark blue stripe, which is 18 millimetres wide.
Who Got the Medals?
A total of 580 medals were given out. The list of recipients shows who received them.
- 21 medals went to members of the Royal Navy.
- 52 medals were given to the British Army.
- 41 medals went to South African forces.
- 465 medals were given to civilians. Of these, 31 were women.
- One medal was given to a member of a foreign service.
