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The New Zealand Cross (1999)

The New Zealand Cross (1999) was instituted in 1999 and is New Zealand’s highest award for bravery, not in the face of the enemy.

The New Zealand Cross (NZC) stands as New Zealand’s highest honor for acts of extraordinary bravery, particularly in situations not involving combat. It was officially established through a Royal Warrant on September 20, 1999, as part of New Zealand’s efforts to create a distinct bravery award system, replacing British honors.

This prestigious medal, which can also be awarded posthumously, is bestowed in recognition of acts of immense bravery in situations of utmost peril. While primarily a civilian award, it is also conferred upon members of the armed forces who display remarkable courage in non-operational settings, as New Zealand’s gallantry awards are reserved for those involved in war or warlike operational service, including peacekeeping missions.

The addition of bars to the NZC acknowledges recipients’ repeated acts of bravery that warrant this distinguished award. Those honored with the New Zealand Cross are entitled to use the postnominal letters “NZC.” This medal took the place of the George Cross in recognizing acts of bravery within or deserving recognition from New Zealand. 

The Victoria Cross for New Zealand Design

The design of the New Zealand Cross draws inspiration from the original New Zealand Cross (1869), with the ribbon color altered to distinguish it from the Victoria Cross.

This distinctive decoration takes the form of a silver cross pattée, standing at 52 millimeters in height and 38 millimeters in width. Each of its arms is adorned with a gold six-pointed star, creating a striking visual contrast.

At the heart of the cross lies the inscription ‘New Zealand,’ encircled by a gracefully rendered gold fern wreath. Atop the cross, one finds the regal Saint Edward’s Crown in gold, affixed by a ring and a seriffed ‘V,’ which attaches it to a bar embellished with gold fern leaves, serving as a passage for the ribbon.

On the reverse side of the medal, the words “FOR BRAVERY – MO TE MAIA” are elegantly inscribed, symbolizing the valor and courage for which this distinguished award is granted.

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The New Zealand Cross (1869)

The New Zealand Cross was introduced in 1869 during the New Zealand Wars, fought between the Māori and forces raised by European settlers.

The New Zealand Cross was established in 1869, during the New Zealand Wars, a conflict between the indigenous Māori people and European settlers (Pākehā) aided by British troops. Throughout this turbulent period, marked by bravery and unwavering commitment to duty, numerous acts of gallantry and devotion were displayed by local militia, armed constabulary, and volunteers.

On March 10, 1869, without verifying the facts and under the mistaken belief that colonial troops were ineligible for the Victoria Cross unless under British command, Sir George Bowen, the Governor of New Zealand, introduced the New Zealand Cross as the highest honor in the country. This decision drew criticism in England, where it was seen as encroaching on Queen Victoria’s prerogatives. Nevertheless, Queen Victoria eventually endorsed this move.

The New Zealand Cross was awarded sparingly, with only 23 recipients. The first six awards were published in the New Zealand Gazette in 1869, followed by one award in 1870. Remarkably, the remaining 16 awards were not gazetted until between 1875 and 1910, some six to 44 years after the commendable actions they recognized.

The New Zealand Cross Design

The New Zealand Cross takes the shape of a silver cross pattée, with distinctive features adorning both its obverse and reverse sides. On the obverse, the central portion proudly bears the gilded gold inscription ‘NEW ZEALAND,’ encircled by an elegant laurel wreath. Each arm of the cross boasts a six-point gold star, and atop the cross rests a regal gold Imperial State Crown.

The reverse of the medal shows two concentric circles, with the recipient’s name skillfully engraved between them and the date of the heroic action etched within the inner circle.

A crimson ribbon passes through a silver suspender clasp embellished with delicate gold laurel leaves.

The first 20 medals crafted in 1871 included a distinctive feature on the reverse of the suspender clasp – the cartouche of the goldsmiths, Messrs Phillips Brothers and Son of Cockspur Street, London. However, this detail was omitted from a subsequent batch of five medals produced in 1886.

The Victoria Cross for New Zealand

The Victoria Cross for New Zealand is a military decoration awarded members of the New Zealand Armed Forces for valor or gallantry.

The Victoria Cross for New Zealand (VC) is a prestigious military decoration presented for acts of valor or gallantry in the presence of the enemy, recognizing the courage of individuals within the New Zealand Armed Forces. This commendation is not bound by rank, encompassing all services and even civilians under military command.

Established in 1999, the Victoria Cross for New Zealand is part of New Zealand’s updated honors system, replacing several British awards with homegrown distinctions.

It draws its inspiration from the original British Victoria Cross, initially introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 to acknowledge acts of valor during the Crimean War. Notably, the Victoria Cross for New Zealand has been awarded just once, on July 2, 2007, recognizing Lance Corporal Willie Apiata for his actions in 2004. The medal itself is crafted from gunmetal sourced from cannons seized by the British during 19th-century campaigns, possibly in Russia or China. Australia and Canada similarly feature their own versions of the Victoria Cross, serving as the highest accolades for gallantry within their respective military personnel.

The Victoria Cross for New Zealand Design

The Victoria Cross for New Zealand faithfully adheres to the original design of the Victoria Cross. This distinguished decoration takes the form of a cross pattée with straight edges, measuring approximately 36 millimetres (1.4 inches) in both width and height. At its center, the cross bears a crown, atop which rests a majestic lion, accompanied by the inscription “For Valour.”

The cross gracefully hangs from a ring, connected to a seriffed “V”-shaped bar adorned with laurel leaves, through which the crimson ribbon is threaded. On the reverse side of the suspension bar, one finds an engraved record of the recipient’s name, rank, number, and unit. The reverse of the medal features a circular panel at its center, displaying the date of the act for which it was bestowed.

The ribbon is crimson, measuring 38 millimetres (1.5 inches) in width.

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The Marian Knight Cross (Order Of The German Knights)

The Marian Knight Cross (Marianerkreuz) is the symbol for the military Order created in 1128 to care for sick and wounded Christian pilgrims.

The roots of this Order can be traced back to the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of St. Mary of the Teutons in Jerusalem. It was initially established in 1128 as a military Order with the purpose of providing assistance to ailing and injured Christian pilgrims and establishing hospitals in the Holy Land. On November 19, 1190, Duke Friedrich from Swabia formally founded the Order.

During its Imperial Austrian iteration, this Order was bestowed upon nobles and clergy members who demonstrated dedication to the fields of nursing and the compassionate practice of mercy.

The Order gained recognition as a Roman Catholic Order, with subsequent Popes endorsing it. However, it faced abolition by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1809. It was subsequently reinstated in 1815 under the patronage of Imperial Austria and underwent reforms under Emperor Ferdinand I in both 1840 and 1871.

The Marian Knight Cross Design

The Marian Knight Cross is struck in silver and measures 35 by 42 mm. 

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Decoration for Meritorious Services (South Africa)

The Decoration for Meritorious Services was conferred until 1987 by the Government of the Republic of South Africa for political services.

The Decoration for Meritorious Services was an award granted until 1987 by the Government of the Republic of South Africa, typically in recognition of one’s political contributions to the nation. Appointments to this honor were made by the State President of South Africa.

Recipients of this distinction were entitled to use ‘DMS’ (or in Afrikaans, ‘DVD’) after their name. In 1986, it was succeeded by the Order for Meritorious Service.

Since June 1, 1994, this honor has been categorized as a Commonwealth distinction.

Decoration for Meritorious Services Design

The design featured a five-armed gold Maltese cross, with a golden protea flower at the center of a five-pointed diamond-studded star, all set against a multi-rayed silver and gold plaque on the obverse side. This decoration was worn suspended from a neck ribbon.

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The Order of Good Hope

The Order of Good Hope is a dormant order of merit of the Republic of South Africa. It was founded in 1973 by the government.

The Order of Good Hope, also known as the Order of the Cape of Good Hope, is an inactive order of merit originating from the Republic of South Africa. Founded in 1973 by the South African government of that time, its purpose was to recognize individuals who had made significant contributions to fostering international relations and raising awareness about South Africa’s interests. However, the order was abolished in 2002.

The Order of Good Hope was bestowed upon foreign citizens, and between 1980 and 1988, it was briefly extended to South Africans as well, primarily for their efforts in promoting international relations during a time when South Africa was increasingly isolated due to its apartheid policies.

The Order of Hope Classes

Originally, the order was divided into five classes:

  1. Grand Collar – Exclusively for heads of state.
  2. Grand Cross – Reserved for heads of government, ministers of state, judges, presidents of legislatures, secretaries of state, ambassadors, commanders-in-chief, and others.
  3. Grand Officer – Intended for legislators, envoys, senior military officers, and similar roles.
  4. Commander – Designated for chargés d’affaires, consuls-general, colonels, and comparable positions.
  5. Officer – Awarded to consuls, lower-ranking military officers, and others.

The order underwent reorganization in 1988, resulting in the following structure:

  1. Grand Cross – Recognizing excellent meritorious service, primarily for heads of state, and on special occasions, heads of government.
  2. Grand Officer – Reserved for outstanding meritorious service, encompassing heads of government, ministers of state, judges, presidents of legislatures, secretaries of state, ambassadors, commanders-in-chief, and others.
  3. Commander – Acknowledging exceptionally meritorious service by legislators, envoys, senior military officers, and similar roles.
  4. Officer – Commending meritorious service performed by chargés d’affaires, consuls-general, colonels, and comparable positions.
  5. Member – Honoring exceptional service rendered by consuls, lower-ranking military officers, and others.

The Order of Hope Design

President Nelson Mandela had expressed his intent to reform the Order, as the newly established South African government viewed it as a relic of apartheid. One key concern was that the order’s insignia was deemed too European in design, featuring rays, colors, an anchor, and a Latin motto. Additionally, the cost of the insignia for each initiate amounted to approximately 11,000 rand. Consequently, the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo was established in its stead.

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The Order of the Star of South Africa

The Order of the Star of South Africa is a South African National Order instituted by the Republic of South Africa and discontinued in 2002.

The Order of the Star of South Africa, a South African National Order, featured seven distinct decorations across both military and non-military categories. Established on July 1, 1975, by the Republic of South Africa, these decorations were awarded by the State President and, beginning in 1994, the President of South Africa. They were bestowed upon general and flag officers of the South African Defence Force in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national defense and security. This order replaced the 1952 Star of South Africa decoration and later included a civilian division in 1978.

The order drew its name from the Star of South Africa, the first significant diamond discovered in South Africa in 1869, along the banks of the Orange River. This discovery ignited the New Rush and led to the establishment of Kimberley.

Initially, the order exclusively recognized military merit, with two distinct classes:

  • The Star of South Africa, Gold (post-nominal letters SSA): Awarded for meritorious military service that enhanced the efficiency and readiness of the South African Defence Force, contributing significantly to national security.
  • The Star of South Africa, Silver (post-nominal letters SSAS): Recognizing exceptionally meritorious service of major military importance.

However, the order was discontinued on December 2, 2002, concluding its legacy of honoring those who played crucial roles in South Africa’s defense and security.

The Order of the Star of South Africa Design

The order’s obverse side features a gold or silver Maltese cross adorned with blue enamel. Two four-pointed stars are layered atop one another and upon the cross, with a central diamond. The pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms is depicted on the reverse side. In the SSA and SSAS classes of both divisions, protea flowers are positioned between the cross’s arms.

Each class possesses its distinct ribbon, with the first three classes worn around the neck and the others on the chest. Within the military division, the SSA ribbon is a plain dark blue, while the SSAS ribbon combines dark blue with a white central band. Until 1988, the Star of South Africa, Gold also featured a gold neck chain for ceremonial events.

In the non-military division, the ribbons exhibit dark blue with various combinations of orange and white bands:

  • Orange edges for the SSA.
  • White edges for the SSAS.
  • White edges and an orange center band for the CSSA.
  • White edges and an orange center band flanked by two white bands for the OSSA.
  • White edges with three white center bands for the MSSA.

Recipients of the SSA and SSAS classes also wear eight-pointed breast stars, showcasing the decoration’s obverse.

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The Woltemade Decoration for Bravery

The Woltemade Decoration for Bravery is a South African civil decoration for acts of bravery and was discontinued in 1961.

The Woltemade Decoration for Bravery is a South African civil decoration awarded for acts of bravery. It replaced the King’s Medal for Bravery, Silver and Queen’s Medal for Bravery. The award of which was discontinued in South Africa in 1961.

The Silver Woltemade Decoration for Bravery was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1970 through a Warrant dated May 20, 1970, as published in Government Gazette no. 2718 on May 29, 1970. Subsequently, the Warrant was modified twice, on November 11, 1971, and May 30, 1973, to broaden the criteria for eligibility for this decoration.

The decoration pays tribute to the heroic act of Wolraad Woltemade, an elderly employee of the Dutch East India Company. On June 1, 1773, he sacrificed his life to save shipwrecked sailors in Table Bay. During a powerful Northwestern gale, the ship De Jonge Thomas lost its anchor and was pushed ashore at the Salt River Mouth. Woltemade courageously rode his horse into the turbulent sea seven times, rescuing surviving sailors with each trip. Tragically, during his eighth rescue attempt, Woltemade and his exhausted horse were overwhelmed by panicked sailors and succumbed to the sea.

The Woltemade Decoration for Bravery Design

The decoration is crafted from silver, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter, featuring a raised rim and a sizable ring suspender.

On the obverse side, it showcases Wolraad Woltemade on his horse amidst the waves, with the words “FOR BRAVERY • VIR DAPPERHEID” encircling the upper perimeter. This design mirrors the one used on the earlier King’s and Queen’s Medals for Bravery, Silver.

The reverse side displays the South African Coat of Arms’ crest, where a lion holds four staves, symbolizing the four provinces of the Republic of South Africa. Surrounding the crest is a wreath of proteas, encircled by the inscriptions “REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA” above and “REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA” below.

The ribbon, 44 millimeters wide, is predominantly blue with 4 millimeters wide light orange edges. 

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The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal

The The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal is a military and civil medal that commemorates the opening of the first Union Parliament.

The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal, both a military and civilian commemorative decoration, was bestowed in honor of the inauguration of the inaugural Union Parliament in 1910 by the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. It can be regarded as one of the initial independence medals introduced across the Commonwealth during the 20th century.

The medal was conferred upon individuals from the military, naval forces, and select civilian leaders who played significant roles in the events. This recognition was based on the recommendation of the Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. A roster was maintained, and it was to be finalized six months following the warrant’s issuance. After this period, any further awards could only be granted with Royal Approval and under highly exceptional circumstances.

The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal Design

The medal was struck in silver and measures 36 millimetres in diameter. It also has a raised rim.

The obverse of the medal features a left-facing portrait of King George V, encircled by the inscription: “GEORGIVS V BRITT:OMN:REX ET IND:IMP:”. The medal is connected to a swiveling claw suspension, secured to the medal using a pin through its upper edge. The suspension includes a sizable ring.

On the reverse side, you can observe the representation of Mercury, symbolizing commerce and prosperity, crafting links of a chain on an anvil. Four of these links are inscribed with the names of the Union of South Africa’s provinces: “CAPE OF GOOD HOPE,” “NATAL,” “TRANSVAAL,” and “ORANGE RIVER.” Beneath this depiction, the year “1910” is intertwined with an olive branch. Surrounding the entire image is the inscription “TO COMMEMORATE THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA.”

The ribbon measures 38 millimeters in width and consists of two orange bands, each 10 millimeters wide, separated by a central dark blue band that is 18 millimeters wide.

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The Union of South Africa King’s Medal for Bravery

The Union of South Africa King’s Medal for Bravery was the country’s highest civilian decoration between 1910 and 1961.

The Union of South Africa King’s Medal for Bravery 1910 was a military decoration awarded for acts of bravery and valor within the Union of South Africa, which was established in 1910 when the various British colonies and territories in South Africa united to form a single self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth.

The medal was awarded during the reign of King George V. 

The King’s Medal for Bravery 1910 was awarded for acts of bravery and heroism performed within the boundaries of the Union of South Africa. It was primarily intended to recognize acts of courage and selflessness by civilians, police officers, and members of the military.

The King’s Medal for Bravery 1910 is no longer awarded, but it is a part of South Africa’s historical honors system and represents acts of bravery and heroism during the early years of the Union of South Africa

The Union of South Africa King’s Medal for Bravery Design

The medal is crafted in silver-gilt and takes the form of a 38-millimeter diameter disk with a raised edge and a prominent ring suspender.

On the obverse, it features the crowned likeness of King George VI, facing left, encircled by the inscription “GEORGIVS VI REX ET IMPERATOR” along the upper edge. 

The reverse was selected through public competition. The victorious entry was designed by Miss Renee Joubert and portrays the 18th-century Cape hero Wolraad Woltemade mounted on his horse, saving shipwreck survivors from a turbulent sea. Consequently, the medal came to be widely known as the “Woltemade Medal.“

The ribbon is 44 millimeters wide and dark blue with 4½ millimeters wide orange edges.

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