The Rhodesia Medal

• Time Period: Post-WW2
• Year of Institution: 1980
• Country: Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Kenya

The Rhodesia Medal was initiated by the British Government in consultation with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Kenya, whose forces took part in Operation AGILA, (Operation MIDFORD for the New Zealand forces). The medal was awarded for service of at least 14 days between 1 December 1979 and 20 March 1980, to members of the military and police forces, as well as eligible civilians, who participated in monitoring the ceasefire and supervising the elections in the lead-up to Zimbabwean independence.

The role of the multi-national force was to keep the peace between 22,000 guerrilla fighters and the Rhodesian forces during the ceasefire and run-up to the 1980 elections. There was no minimum qualifying period for those killed, wounded or disabled due to service, or where a recipient was decorated for gallantry.

Each country treats the medal as part of its own honors system. Recipients of the Rhodesia Medal also received the Zimbabwean Independence Medal in either silver or bronze, although British personnel did not have permission to wear it in uniform, while New Zealand granted approval for restricted wear only.

The Rhodesia Medal Design

The medal is circular, made of rhodium-plated cupro-nickel, and measures 36 mm in diameter. It was issued by the Royal Mint.

The obverse features the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the inscription ‘ELIZABETH II DEL GRATIA REGINA FID.DEF‘. The reverse depicts a sable antelope surrounded by the inscription ‘THE RHODESIA MEDAL’ and ‘1980‘. The medal was issued named to British armed forces personnel, but unnamed to police officers.

The medal is suspended from a 32 mm sky-blue ribbon with three central stripes of red, white, and blue. No clasps were awarded.