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The Louw Wepener Decoration

The Louw Wepener Decoration is a military honor established by the Union of South Africa in 1952 to recognize acts of remarkable bravery.

The Louw Wepener Decoration, denoted by the post-nominal letters LWD, is a military honor established by the Union of South Africa in 1952 to recognize acts of remarkable bravery and heroism displayed by members of the South African Defence Force. However, it was discontinued on July 1, 1975, with the introduction of a new series of decorations and medals.

The Louw Wepener Decoration was granted to individuals of all ranks for displaying remarkable courage or heroism in situations of great peril, primarily outside of combat contexts. It could be accompanied by a Bar for additional acts of bravery. The decoration was established in tribute to Louw Wepener, who lost his life in 1865 while leading his troops in an assault on a Basotho stronghold during the Basuto Wars of 1858 to 1865.

Only seven decorations were conferred, with the first awarded in 1961 and the last in 1974. No bars were ever added to the decoration.

The Louw Wepener Decoration Design

The Louw Wepener Decoration features a 38-millimeter medallion depicting the Thaba Bosigo mountain peak, with two horsemen positioned at its base. Below the riders, the inscription “THABA BOSIGO, 1865” is displayed, while around the circumference, the words “LOUW WEPENER” appear at the top and “DECORATION • DEKORASIE” at the bottom.

On the reverse side, the decoration showcases the pre-1994 South African coat of arms, with the decoration number impressed at the bottom of the rim. Specimens awarded before South Africa’s republic status on May 31, 1961, featured Queen Elizabeth’s royal cipher (E II R) above the coat of arms.

The ribbon measures 1+3⁄8 inches (35 millimeters) in width and is orange, adorned with five white bands spaced 1⁄8 inch (3.2 millimeters) apart.

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration was established in 1952 and designated as a military honor for acts of bravery.

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration, established by the Union of South Africa on April 6, 1952, was designated as a military honor for acts of bravery.

Despite its establishment, it was never conferred. The decoration was intended to recognize members of the South African Defence Force for exceptional acts of valor, conspicuous bravery, daring deeds, self-sacrifice, or extraordinary devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. A Bar could be added for subsequent acts of similar bravery.

This decoration held the highest rank among South African honors, decorations, and medals from 1952 to 2003. Queen Elizabeth II formally approved it on January 26, 1953, as a South African equivalent to the Victoria Cross (VC), which South African servicemen had previously been eligible for.

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration Design

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration featured a gold pentagon representing the silhouette of the historic Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest military structure. Its obverse side depicted Van Riebeeck’s three ships arriving at Table Bay in 1652, encircled by a double ring. The inner ring was adorned with a wreath of proteas, while the outer ring bore the inscriptions “CASTEEL DE GOEDE HOOP DEKORASIE” at the top and “CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE DECORATION” at the bottom.

The reverse side showcased the pre-2000 South African coat of arms with Queen Elizabeth’s royal cipher (E II R) positioned above it. Only one decoration of this design was produced.

The bar, made of gold, featured a miniature replica of the Castle of Good Hope embossed in its center.

Measuring 44 millimeters in width, the ribbon was green. Originally designed to be worn around the neck, a decision was made in 1991 to modify it into a chest decoration, anticipating the need for a new specimen without the royal cipher if it were to be awarded. However, this alteration never became necessary.

The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service

The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service is eligible to all ranks who have demonstrated impeccable character and conduct.

The Medalje vir Troue Diens – Medal for Loyal Service was established by the President of the Republic of South Africa on April 16, 2003, and became effective on April 27, 2003. It is eligible for presentation to all ranks who have demonstrated impeccable character and conduct, and have completed ten years of qualifying service.

The medal is eligible for presentation to all ranks of the South African National Defence Force and any Auxiliary Service of the South African National Defence Force, provided their character and conduct have been impeccable. Additionally, recipients must have completed ten years of qualifying service, regardless of whether it was continuous, starting from April 27, 2003, onwards. Posthumous awards of both the medal and its bars are permissible.

Qualifying service encompasses prior service in the constituent permanent or part-time forces of the SANDF, as well as other former uniformed institutions like the Police forces and Prisons services of South Africa, the Republics of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei, and the Self-Governing Territories.

About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)

Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service Design

The Medalje vir Troue Diens – Medal for Loyal Service is circular and made of nickel-silver, with a diameter of 38 millimeters and a raised, evenly scalloped edge. Its obverse side features the coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa in relief.

On the reverse side, the medal displays the emblem of the South African National Defence Force at the top. Below, the words “VIR TROUE DIENS” are inscribed in relief around the lower perimeter, with the medal number impressed between the emblem and the inscription. The medal is attached to a plain nickel-silver suspender fixed to the upper rim.

The ribbon is 32 millimeters wide and colored national flag green. It features a 3 millimeter wide national flag red band and a 3 millimeter wide white band on the left edge, as well as a 3 millimeter wide white band and a 3 millimeter wide national flag blue band on the right edge.

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal is granted to all ranks who have taken part in military campaigns or operations with the UDF.

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho – General Service Medal was established by the President of the Republic of South Africa on April 16, 2003, becoming effective on April 27, 2003. It is granted to all ranks who have taken part in military campaigns or operations that, although not meeting the criteria for specific campaign medals, merit recognition through a general service medal. The title of the medal is bilingual, presented in both Tshivenda and English.

The medal is eligible for all ranks of the South African National Defence Force, Auxiliary Service of the South African National Defence Force, and Armed Forces associated with or aiding the South African National Defence Force.

Those who have participated, whether directly or in support, in military campaigns or operations, whether they are belligerent or not, for one day or longer, in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Defence Act, qualify. These operations, while not individually meriting specific campaign medals, are deemed significant enough to warrant the presentation of a general service medal.

About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)

Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal Design

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho – General Service Medal is a 38-millimeter bronze medal, octagonal in shape, featuring a faceted nine-pointed star encircled by a laurel wreath. The star symbolizes the nine Provinces of the Republic of South Africa.

On the reverse side, the medal displays the coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa in raised relief. It is affixed to a plain nickel-silver suspender fixed to the upper rim of the medal, with the medal number stamped below the coat of arms.

The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and consists of a national flag blue band measuring 5 millimeters, followed by a 2 millimeter white band, a national flag red band measuring 6 millimeters, and a 1½ millimeter gold band. These bands are repeated in reverse order and separated by a 3 millimeter black band in the center.

The iPhrothiya yeGolide Golden Protea Medal

The iPhrothiya yeGolide Golden Protea Medal is a South African bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership.

The iPhrothiya yeGolide – Golden Protea, denoted by the post-nominal letters PG, was established by the President of the Republic of South Africa on April 16, 2003, becoming effective on April 27, 2003. It is bestowed upon individuals of all ranks who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, exceptional meritorious service, and unwavering dedication to duty. This prestigious decoration stands as South Africa’s highest military honor for meritorious conduct.

The decoration is granted to members of the South African National Defence Force, its Auxiliary Services, and affiliated Armed Forces who exhibit outstanding leadership, exceptional meritorious service, and unwavering dedication to duty. It holds precedence within a trio of military decorations for merit, accompanied by the iPhrothiya yeSiliva – Silver Protea and the iPhrothiya yeBhronzi – Bronze Protea.

About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)

Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The iPhrothiya yeGolide Golden Protea Medal Design

The iPhrothiya yeGolide – Golden Protea features a six-pointed star showcasing a stylized protea, the national flower of South Africa, positioned within a blue hexagon at its center.

On the reverse side, the decoration displays the coat of arms of South Africa in raised relief. It is attached to a plain silver-gilt suspender fixed to the upper point of the star, with the medal number stamped or engraved below the coat of arms.

The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and is colored national flag blue, with a 2 millimeter wide gold band flanked by 2 millimeter wide black bands positioned at its center.

The Nkwe ya Gauta Golden Leopard Medal

The Nkwe ya Gauta Golden Leopard Medal is a South Africa military honor awarded for acts of bravery. It was established in 2003.

The Nkwe ya Gauta, also known by its post-nominal letters NG or Golden Leopard, is a South African military honor awarded for acts of bravery. Established in 2003, it superseded the Honoris Crux Gold (HCG) and stands as South Africa’s foremost military decoration for acts of courage.

The title of this decoration is bilingual, being presented in both Sesotho and English. It stands as the highest tier within a trilogy of military decorations for bravery, accompanied by the Nkwe ya Selefera – Silver Leopard and the Nkwe ya Boronse – Bronze Leopard.

The Nkwe ya Gauta – Golden Leopard is granted to members of the South African National Defence Force, its Auxiliary Services, and any affiliated Armed Forces who display exceptional bravery during military operations, whether through singular acts or sustained valor.

About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)

Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The Nkwe ya Gauta Golden Leopard Medal Design

The Nkwe ya Gauta – Golden Leopard features a five-armed cross pattée made of 9 carat gold, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter. The cross’s arms are faceted per chevron and embowed throughout, with the extremities also embowed and separated by three short rays. At the center of the obverse side lies a 19-millimeter light blue enamel roundel adorned with a golden leopard’s head.

On the reverse side, the decoration showcases the relief of the coat of arms of South Africa. It is affixed to a plain gold suspender fixed to the upper arm of the decoration, with the medal number either impressed or engraved below the coat of arms.

The ribbon accompanying the decoration is 32 millimeters wide, with 6 millimeters wide gold edges. Its sky blue color symbolizes the feathers of the blue crane, historically presented by Xhosa kings to courageous warriors.

The Lint voor Wonden Award

The Lint voor Wonden Medal was instituted on 21 December 1920 as a retrospective award for Boer veteran officers and men.

The Lint voor Verwonding, or Wound Riband, is a military campaign decoration in South Africa. Established on December 21, 1920, it was a retrospective honor for Boer veteran officers and soldiers of the 1899–1902 Second Boer War who had sustained injuries in combat.

The Lint voor Wonden, also known as Lint voor Verwonding, was officially designated as Lint voor Verwonding Opgedaan Gedurende de Anglo-Boere Oorlog, 1899–1902 (Riband for Wounds Sustained During the Anglo-Boer War, 1899–1902). It was instituted through Government Notice no. 2307 on December 21, 1920, and published in the Union of South Africa Government Gazette on December 24, 1920.

This honor was retroactively conferred upon Boer veteran officers and soldiers who were wounded in action while serving in the combat forces of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State during the Second Boer War, spanning from October 11, 1899, to May 31, 1902.

The Lint voor Wonden Award Design

The Lint voor Wonden or Lint voor Verwonding was accompanied by a certificate upon issuance. The initial version of this certificate was simple and unadorned, filled out by hand with details such as the recipient’s rank, name, and the Republican Force they served with. Additionally, the recipient’s file number was included in the top left corner of the document.

In a later version, the certificate featured a full-color reproduction of the riband. While the Republican Force was pre-printed on this version, it did not include space for the recipient’s file number.

The riband itself measured 1+1⁄2 inches (38 millimeters).

The Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog

The Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog is a retrospective South African military campaign medal instituted on 21 December 1920.

The Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog, a South African military campaign medal, was established on December 21, 1920. It was intended as a retrospective honor for Boer veteran officers and men who fought in the 1899–1902 Second Boer War.

Originally designated as the De Zuidafrikaanse Republiek- en Oranje Vrijstaat Oorlogsmedalje (the South African Republic and Orange Free State War Medal), and commonly known as the Anglo-Boere-Oorlog Medalje, it was instituted via Government Notice no. 2307 on December 21, 1920.

Published in the Union of South Africa Government Gazette on December 24, 1920, the medal was created to provide recognition to Boer veteran officers and men who served in the combat forces of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State during the Second Boer War from October 11, 1899, to May 31, 1902. These individuals remained in service of the Republican forces until May 31, 1902, without surrendering, taking parole, or swearing allegiance before that date.

The Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog Design

The medal is crafted in silver and measures 1+7⁄16 inches (37 millimeters) in diameter and 1⁄8 inch (3 millimeters) in thickness at the raised rim. It is attached to a fixed bar suspender using claws and a pin inserted through the upper edge. The recipient’s rank, initials, and surname are impressed in block capitals on the rim.

Both sides of the medal feature an ornamental frame encircled by the inscription “ANGLO-BOERE OORLOG” above and the years “1899 • 1902” below. One side displays the coat of arms of the South African Republic at the center of the frame, while the other side features the coat of arms of the Orange Free State. This design allows recipients to wear the medal to display the coat of arms of the state under which they served.

The ribbon, measuring 1+1⁄4 inches (32 millimeters) wide, combines the colors of the two former Republics.

The Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst

The Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst is a South African military decoration established in 1920 for Boer officers of the Second Boer War.

The Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst, abbreviated as DTD, is a military decoration in South Africa. Established in 1920, it serves as a retrospective honor for Boer officers who served during the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902.

Neither the South African Republic (Transvaal) nor the Orange Free State had their own official honors systems. Hence, the decoration was created to provide Boer veteran officers, serving within the Union Defence Forces, with recognition parallel to their compatriots who fought on the British side during the conflict.

Throughout the Second Boer War, Republican commanders were directed to record the names of individuals within their ranks who displayed exceptional valor on the battlefield. These names were to be submitted to the War Council for verification and publication in the Staats Courant (Government Gazette) with the intention of awarding a medal post-war. However, as the Republican forces were defeated, the proposed medal never came to fruition.

It was later, in 1920, that King George V instituted the Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst, alongside the Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog and the Lint voor Verwonding.

The Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst Design

The decoration, crafted in silver, takes the form of a disk measuring 1+7⁄16 inches (37 millimeters) in diameter and 1⁄8 inch (3 millimeters) in thickness at the raised rim. It is attached to a fixed bar suspender using claws and a pin inserted through the upper edge of the medal. The recipient’s rank and name are impressed on the rim.

Both sides of the medal feature an encircled coat of arms on a cross pattée, surrounded by the inscription “VOOR TROUWE DIENST” above and the years “1899 • 1902” below. The coat of arms of the South African Republic is depicted on one side of the cross, while that of the Orange Free State is shown on the other. This design allows recipients to wear the medal to display the coat of arms of the state under which they served.

The ribbon measures 1+1⁄4 inches (32 millimeters) wide and combines the colors of the two former Republics. While officially designated as red, green, white, blue, and orange, the orange hue appears as yellow on the actual ribbons.

What is a Medal Suspension and What Are The Different Types?

There a few different types of medal suspensions or attachment mechanisms. Let’s explore the various ways to secure hold medals.

Behind every medal, there’s a crucial component that often goes unnoticed but plays a significant role in its presentation: the medal suspension.

There are a few different types of medal suspensions or attachment mechanisms. These small yet essential attachments are what enable medals to be proudly displayed on uniforms, ribbons, or bars.

In this article, we will delve into the world of medal suspensions, uncovering their purpose, history, and the intricate craftsmanship behind these often-overlooked components.

What is a Medal Suspension?

A medal suspension refers to the device or attachment mechanism used to affix a medal to a ribbon or a bar for wearing. It typically consists of a small metal loop or ring located at the top of the medal through which the ribbon passes. This loop allows the medal to hang freely from the ribbon or bar while ensuring it remains securely attached. Medal suspensions come in various designs and styles, ranging from simple rings to intricate clasps or bars, depending on the specific medal and its intended display method.

The Most Common Types of Medal Suspensions

Whether adorning the attire of a decorated veteran or a distinguished civilian, medal suspensions serve as silent witnesses to acts of bravery, sacrifice, and outstanding achievement. Medal suspensions come in various types and designs, each serving specific purposes and styles of display. Here are the most common types.

Ring Suspension

This is the most basic type of suspension, consisting of a simple metal ring attached to the top of the medal. The ribbon or bar passes through this ring, allowing the medal to hang freely.

Crafted from durable materials such as brass, silver, or gold, the ring serves as a reliable anchor point for the ribbon or bar, ensuring the medal remains securely in place.

Functionally, the beauty of the ring suspension lies in its effortless versatility. As the ribbon or bar effortlessly threads through the circular aperture of the ring, the medal gracefully dangles, poised to catch the eye of admirers. This seamless integration allows for ease of wear and display, whether adorning the chest of a uniformed servicemember or accentuating the lapel of a civilian attire.

Swivel Suspension

Swivel suspensions feature a ring that can rotate or swivel, allowing the medal to move more freely when worn. This type of suspension prevents the ribbon or bar from twisting or tangling while the wearer moves.

Swivel suspensions represent an ingenious evolution in the realm of medal attachments, offering a dynamic solution to the age-old challenge of ribbon or bar entanglement. At the heart of this innovative design lies a specialized ring, meticulously engineered to rotate or swivel effortlessly. Unlike traditional fixed suspensions, the swivel suspension introduces a new dimension of movement, allowing the medal to pivot freely in response to the wearer’s motion.

The key advantage of the swivel suspension lies in its ability to maintain optimal ribbon or bar alignment, even amidst the hustle and bustle of daily activity.

Claw Suspension

Claw suspensions feature small metal claws or prongs that grasp the ribbon or bar, securely holding the medal in place. This type of suspension provides a more stable attachment and is commonly used for heavier medals.

Claw suspensions are a robust and dependable solution that offers unparalleled security and stability for even the weightiest of honors. At its core, this innovative suspension mechanism boasts a series of meticulously crafted metal claws or prongs, strategically positioned to ensnare the ribbon or bar with unwavering precision. This secure grasp ensures that the medal remains firmly anchored in place, resistant to shifting or dislodgment, even under the most demanding circumstances.

This enhanced level of stability makes claw suspensions particularly well-suited for prestigious honors and commemorative medals, whose ornate designs and substantial weight demand a robust attachment mechanism.

Bar Suspension

Bar suspensions consist of a straight metal bar attached to the top of the medal. The ribbon or bar passes through slots or holes in the bar, holding the medal in position.

Unlike traditional ring or claw suspensions, which encircle the ribbon or bar, bar suspensions offer a unique alternative, employing slots or holes strategically positioned along the length of the bar.

Functionally, the elegance of bar suspensions lies in their simplicity and efficiency. The ribbon or bar seamlessly threads through the designated slots or holes in the bar, securing the medal in a stable and upright position. This innovative design ensures optimal alignment and presentation of the medal, preventing it from shifting or tilting during wear.

The versatility of bar suspensions makes them well-suited for a wide range of medal styles and sizes. 

Brooch Suspension

Brooch suspensions are decorative attachments that resemble small brooches or pins. They feature a clasp or pin on the back that allows the medal to be securely fastened to clothing or fabric.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, brooch suspensions feature intricate patterns, delicate engravings, and sometimes embellishments such as gemstones or enamel accents, further enhancing their visual allure.

At the heart of the brooch suspension lies a functional clasp or pin mechanism, discreetly concealed on the back. This ingenious feature allows the wearer to securely fasten the medal to clothing or fabric, ensuring it remains firmly in place even during movement or activity. Whether affixed to a lapel, collar, or sash, brooch suspensions provide a versatile and elegant means of displaying honors with grace and dignity.

Ribbon Suspension

Ribbon suspensions are integrated directly into the ribbon itself, with a small metal loop or attachment point for securing the medal. This type of suspension is commonly used for miniature medals or ribbon bars. 

Unlike traditional suspensions that rely on separate metal components, ribbon suspensions are ingeniously incorporated directly into the fabric of the ribbon itself. At strategic intervals along the length of the ribbon, small metal loops or attachment points are meticulously integrated, providing a secure anchor for affixing the medal.

Ribbon suspensions are particularly well-suited for miniature medals or ribbon bars, where space and proportionality are of paramount importance. Their compact and unobtrusive nature allows for efficient utilization of limited space, ensuring that multiple decorations can be displayed in a cohesive and organized manner.