Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa)

Award

Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa)

Type| Military long and meritorious service medal
Awarded for| 21 years meritorious service
Country|  Union of South Africa
Presented by| the Monarch of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India
Eligibility| Warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers
Status| Discontinued in 1940
Established| 1914
Total| 46

Ribbon bar

Order of wear
Next (higher)|  Queen Elizabeth II's Long and Faithful Service Medal
Equivalent|  Meritorious Service Medal (United Kingdom)
Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
Meritorious Service Medal (Natal)
Meritorious Service Medal (New Zealand)
Next (lower)|  Accumulated Campaign Service Medal

In May 1895, Queen Victoria authorised Colonial governments to adopt various British military medals and to award them to their local permanent military forces. The Cape of Good Hope and Colony of Natal instituted their own territorial versions of the Meritorious Service Medal in terms of this authority. These two medals remained in use in the respective territories until after the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910.[1]

In 1914, the Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa) was instituted for the Union of South Africa, for award to selected senior non-commissioned officers of the Permanent Force of the newly established Union Defence Forces who had completed twenty-one years of meritorious service.[2]

## Origin

[edit]

The United Kingdom's Meritorious Service Medal was instituted by Queen Victoria on 19 December 1845 to recognise meritorious service by non-commissioned officers of the British Army. Recipients were also granted an annuity, the amount of which was based on rank.[3]

After Queen Victoria authorised Dominion and Colonial governments on 31 May 1895 to adopt the Meritorious Service Medal, as well as the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and to award them to their local military forces, the Cape of Good Hope and Natal instituted their own versions of the Meritorious Service Medal.[1][4]

Other territories which took advantage of the authorisation include Canada, India, New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and, from 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia.[5][6]

## Union Defence Forces

[edit]

The Union of South Africa was established on 31 May 1910 in terms of the South Africa Act, 1909, enacted by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Union Defence Forces were established in 1912 in terms of the Union Defence Act, no. 13 of 1912, enacted by the Parliament of the Union of South Africa.[7][8]

## Adoption

[edit]

The Meritorious Service Medal was adopted by the Union as the Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa) in 1914, but unlike the earlier Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope) and Meritorious Service Medal (Natal), the name of the country was not inscribed on this medal's reverse. Instead, the South African medal is identical to the United Kingdom's Meritorious Service Medal, but with a ribbon exclusive to South Africa.[1][2]

## Award criteria

[edit]

Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa) were usually already holders of a long service and good conduct medal such as the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope), Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Natal) or Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal. Until 1920, the award of the medal was coupled to a Meritorious Service Annuity. It could be awarded to selected warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers of the Permanent Force who had completed twenty-one years of meritorious service.[2][3]

The medal and annuity were awarded sparingly and only to selected candidates, usually upon retirement as a reward for long and valuable service, upon recommendation by their commanding officers and selected from a list by the Commander-in-Chief of the Union Defence Forces, the Governor-General of the Union of South Africa.[2][3]

## Gallantry

[edit]

Meritorious Service Medal (United Kingdom), first King George V version

During the First World War, as approved by Royal Warrant on 4 October 1916, non-commissioned officers below the rank of Sergeant and men also became eligible for the award of the Meritorious Service Medal, without the annuity, for acts of gallantry in the performance of military duty, not necessarily on active service, or in saving or attempting to save the life of an officer or soldier. For acts of gallantry, however, only the Meritorious Service Medal (United Kingdom) was awarded, irrespective of the recipient's nationality, and recipients were entitled to use the post-nominal letters "MSM". A Bar to the medal was instituted by Royal Warrant on 23 November 1916, which could be awarded to holders of the Meritorious Service Medal for subsequent acts of gallantry.[3][9]

## Order of wear

[edit]

In the order of wear prescribed by the British Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, the Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa) ranks on par with the Meritorious Service Medal (United Kingdom). It takes precedence after Queen Elizabeth II's Long and Faithful Service Medal and before the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal.[10]

### South Africa

[edit]

Main article: South African military decorations order of wear § Order of wear

With effect from 6 April 1952, when a new South African set of decorations and medals was instituted to replace the British awards used to date, the older British decorations and medals applicable to South Africa continued to be worn in the same order of precedence but, with the exception of the Victoria Cross, took precedence after all South African orders, decorations and medals awarded to South Africans on or after that date. Of the official British medals which were applicable to South Africans, the Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa) takes precedence as shown.[10][11][12]

* Preceded by the Meritorious Service Medal (Natal).
* Succeeded by the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope).

## Description

[edit]

The medal was struck in silver and is a disk, 36 millimetres in diameter and with a raised rim on both sides. The suspender is an ornamented scroll pattern swiveling type, affixed to the medal by means of a single-toe claw and a pin through the upper edge of the medal.[2][4]

Obverse

The obverse has the effigy of King George V, bareheaded and in Field Marshal's uniform, and is inscribed "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:" around the perimeter.[2][4][13]

Reverse

The reverse has the words "FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE" in three lines, encircled by a laurel wreath and surmounted by the Imperial Crown.[2][3][4]

Ribbon

The ribbon is 32 millimetres wide, with a 5 millimetres wide dark blue band, a 6½ millimetres wide crimson band and a 2½ millimetres wide white band, repeated in reverse order and separated by a 4 millimetres wide dark blue band.[2]

## Discontinuation

[edit]

The Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa) was awarded to only 46 individuals. Award of the medal was discontinued in 1940.[2]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c South African Medal Website – Colonial Military Forces (Accessed 6 May 2015)
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i South African Medal Website – Union Defence Forces (1913–1939) (Accessed 9 May 2015)
3. ^ a b c d e "No. 33700". The London Gazette. 20 March 1931. p. 1893.
4. ^ a b c d Stephen Stratford Medals site - British Military & Criminal History - 1900 to 1999 - Army MSM (Accessed 20 June 2015)
5. ^ New Zealand Defence Force – New Zealand Long Service and Good Conduct Medals - The New Zealand Meritorious Service Medal (Access date 21 June 2015)
6. ^ Australian Government - It's an Honour - Imperial Awards - Meritorious Service Medal (1902-1975) (Access date 21 June 2015)
7. ^ South Africa Act, 1909, enacted by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, 20 September 1909
8. ^ The South African Railways - Historical Survey. Editor George Hart, Publisher Bill Hart, Sponsored by Dorbyl Ltd., Published c. 1978, p. 25.
9. ^ Australian Government - It's an Honour - Imperial Awards - Meritorious Service Medal (1916-1928) (for non-operational bravery or meritorious service directly connected with the war effort) (Access date 25 June 2015)
10. ^ a b "No. 56878". The London Gazette (Supplement). 17 March 2003. p. 3352.
11. ^ Government Notice no. 1982 of 1 October 1954 - Order of Precedence of Orders, Decorations and Medals, published in the Government Gazette of 1 October 1954.
12. ^ Republic of South Africa Government Gazette Vol. 477, no. 27376, Pretoria, 11 March 2005, OCLC 72827981
13. ^ Veterans Affairs Canada - British Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) (Access date 25 June 2015)

* v
* t
* e

South African military decorations and medals

Sorted in order of wear per era or 1994 constituent force

Pre-Union
until 6 April 1952|

* Victoria Cross
* Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst
* Distinguished Service Order
* Distinguished Service Cross
* Military Cross
* Distinguished Flying Cross
* Air Force Cross
* Distinguished Conduct Medal
* Distinguished Conduct Medal (Natal)
* Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
* Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)
* Distinguished Service Medal
* Military Medal
* Distinguished Flying Medal
* Air Force Medal
* British Empire Medal (Military)
* South Africa Medal (1853)
* South Africa Medal (1880)
* Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal
* Queen's South Africa Medal
* Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog
* Lint voor Verwonding
* King's South Africa Medal
* Natal Native Rebellion Medal
* 1914–15 Star
* British War Medal
* Victory Medal (South Africa)
* Mercantile Marine War Medal
* 1939–1945 Star
* Atlantic Star
* Arctic Star
* Air Crew Europe Star
* Africa Star
* Pacific Star
* Burma Star
* Italy Star
* France and Germany Star
* Defence Medal
* War Medal
* Africa Service Medal
* King George V Coronation Medal
* King George V Silver Jubilee Medal
* King George VI Coronation Medal
* Meritorious Service Medal (United Kingdom)
* Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
* Meritorious Service Medal (Natal)
* Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa)
* Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
* Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Natal)
* Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal
* Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (South Africa)
* Volunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the Colonies
* Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies
* Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration
* Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal
* Efficiency Decoration (South Africa)
* Efficiency Medal (South Africa)
* Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
* Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Air Efficiency Award
* King's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces
* Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal
* South African Medal for War Services
* Sir Harry Smith's Medal for Gallantry (Unofficial)
* Johannesburg Vrijwilliger Corps Medal (Unofficial)
* Kimberley Star (Unofficial)
* Cape Copper Company Medal for the Defence of O'okiep (Unofficial)

1952–1994|

* Honoris Crux Gold
* Star of South Africa, Gold
* Star of South Africa, Silver
* Star of South Africa (1952)
* Louw Wepener Decoration
* Honoris Crux (1952)
* Honoris Crux Silver
* Van Riebeeck Decoration
* Honoris Crux (1975)
* Pro Virtute Decoration
* Southern Cross Decoration
* Pro Merito Decoration
* Van Riebeeck Medal
* Louw Wepener Medal
* Ad Astra Decoration
* Army Cross
* Air Force Cross
* Navy Cross
* Medical Service Cross
* Southern Cross Medal (1952)
* Pro Merito Medal (1967)
* Southern Cross Medal (1975)
* Pro Merito Medal (1975)
* Danie Theron Medal
* Jack Hindon Medal
* Military Merit Medal
* Korea Medal
* Pro Patria Medal
* Southern Africa Medal
* General Service Medal (South Africa)
* Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
* Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service
* Good Service Medal, Gold
* John Chard Decoration
* De Wet Decoration
* Cadet Corps Medal
* Good Service Medal, Silver
* Union Medal
* Permanent Force Good Service Medal
* John Chard Medal
* Good Service Medal, Bronze
* De Wet Medal
* Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces
* Commandant General's Medal
* SADF Champion Shot Medal
* National Cadet Bisley Grand Champion Medal

Transkei|

* Cross for Bravery
* Transkei Defence Force Medal
* Independence Medal (Transkei)
* Military Rule Medal
* Faithful Service Medal

Bophuthatswana|

* Order of the Leopard, Commander
* Distinguished Gallantry Cross
* Defence Force Merit Decoration
* Distinguished Gallantry Medal
* Defence Force Merit Medal
* Marumo Medal, Class I
* Defence Force Commendation Medal
* Marumo Medal, Class II
* Nkwe Medal
* General Service Medal
* Independence Medal
* Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Gold
* Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Silver
* Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Bronze
* State President's Medal for Shooting

Venda|

* Gallantry Cross, Gold
* Gallantry Cross, Silver
* Distinguished Service Medal, Gold
* Distinguished Service Medal, Silver
* Venda Defence Force Medal
* General Service Medal (Venda)
* Independence Medal (Venda)
* Long Service Medal, Gold
* Long Service Medal, Silver
* Long Service Medal, Bronze

Ciskei|

* Sandile Decoration
* Sandile Medal
* Chief C.D.F. Commendation Medal
* Ciskei Defence Medal
* Independence Medal (Ciskei)
* Medal for Long Service, Bronze
* President's Medal for Shooting

Umkhonto
we Sizwe|

* Star for Bravery in Gold
* Star for Bravery in Silver
* Conspicuous Leadership Star
* Decoration for Merit in Gold
* Merit Medal in Silver
* Merit Medal in Bronze
* Operational Medal for Southern Africa
* South Africa Service Medal
* Service Medal in Gold
* Service Medal in Silver
* Service Medal in Bronze

Azanian People's
Liberation Army|

* Gold Star for Bravery
* Bravery Star in Silver
* Star for Conspicuous Leadership
* Gold Decoration for Merit
* Silver Medal for Merit
* Bronze Medal for Merit
* Operational Medal for Southern Africa
* South Africa Service Medal
* Gold Service Medal
* Silver Service Medal
* Bronze Service Medal

From 1994|

* Nkwe ya Gauta
* Nkwe ya Selefera
* iPhrothiya yeGolide
* Nkwe ya Boronse
* iPhrothiya yeSiliva
* iPhrothiya yeBhronzi
* Tshumelo Ikatelaho
* Unitas Medal
* Closure Commemoration Medal
* Medalje vir Troue Diens

* v
* t
* e

Long and Meritorious Service Medals of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations

Regular military
meritorious
and long
service medals|

* Meritorious Service Medal
* Meritorious Service Medal (Australia)
* Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
* Meritorious Service Medal (Natal)
* Meritorious Service Medal (New Zealand)
* Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa)
* Accumulated Campaign Service Medal
* Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
* Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Natal)
* Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal
* Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military)
* Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (South Africa)
* Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830)
* Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848)
* Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (for Europeans of Indian Army)
* Indian Meritorious Service Medal (for Europeans of Indian Army)
* Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Ulster Defence Regiment)
* Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (for Indian Army)
* Royal West African Frontier Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* King's African Rifles Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Royal Sierra Leone Military Forces Long Service and Good Conduct Medal‎
* Trans-Jordan Frontier Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Indian Meritorious Service Medal (for Indian Army)

Civilian long
service medals|

* Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Fire and Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* African Police Medal for Meritorious Service
* Royal Canadian Mounted Police Long Service Medal
* Ceylon Police Long Service Medal
* Ceylon Fire Services Long Service Medal
* Sierra Leone Police Long Service Medal
* Colonial Police Long Service Medal
* Sierra Leone Fire Brigades Long Service Medal
* Mauritius Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Mauritius Fire Services Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Mauritius Prisons Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Colonial Fire Brigades Long Service Medal
* Colonial Prison Service Medal
* Hong Kong Disciplined Services Medal
* Ambulance Service (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal
* Prison Services (Operational Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Royal Ulster Constabulary Service Medal
* Northern Ireland Prison Service Medal
* National Crime Agency Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Police Service of Northern Ireland Service Medal
* Border Force and Immigration Enforcement Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Volunteer
and part-time
long service
decorations
and medals|

* Emergency Reserve Decoration
* Volunteer Officers' Decoration
* Volunteer Long Service Medal
* Volunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the Colonies
* Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies
* Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration
* Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal
* Militia Long Service Medal
* Imperial Yeomanry Long Service Medal
* Special Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Territorial Decoration
* Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal
* Efficiency Decoration
* Territorial Force Efficiency Medal
* Territorial Efficiency Medal
* Efficiency Medal
* Army Emergency Reserve Efficiency Medal
* Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Reserve
* Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
* Royal Naval Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Royal Naval Wireless Auxiliary Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Royal Naval Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal
* Air Efficiency Award
* Volunteer Reserves Service Medal
* Ulster Defence Regiment Medal
* Northern Ireland Home Service Medal
* Cadet Forces Medal
* H.M. Coastguard Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Special Constabulary Long Service Medal
* Royal Observer Corps Medal
* Civil Defence Long Service Medal
* Jersey Honorary Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* Service Medal of the Order of St John
* Voluntary Medical Service Medal
* Women's Royal Voluntary Service Medal
* South African Medal for War Services
* Colonial Special Constabulary Medal

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