RSA (Pre-1994): John Chard Decoration and Medal
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Form:
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Upright oval. Attached suspension boss in the form of an acorn flanked by oak leaves for a ring. The ribbon through the ring is dark red with narrow blue-white border.Various devices attached to ribbon.
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By:
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? |
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Date:
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1961 onward |
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Ref:
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MYB: SA32 & SA33; Laidlaw: 0124;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 39.3 mm x 52.2 mm | Silver | 52 gm (without ribbon) | $80 | | 39 mm x 52 mm | Bronze | | $35 |
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Edge:
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Plain with or without number.
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Obverse:
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The garrison at Rorke’s Drift with a thorn tree in the foreground and mountains behind. Below: “RORKE’S DRIFT / 1879”. Legend on a raised band above: “JOHN CHARD” and below on the silver medal: “DECORATION : DEKORASIE” or on the bronze medal: “MEDALJE : MEDAL”.
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Reverse:
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Coat of arms of South Africa. Silver medal stamped: “SILVER” at the foot.
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Notes:
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The silver decoration was awarded for 20 years military service and the bronze medal for 12 years service. A silver bar: "JCD" on the ribbon of Silver medal indicated 30 years of service.
The medal is named in memory of Lieutenant John Rouse Merriott Chard, VC who commanded the garrison at the defence of Rorkes’ Drift during the Zulu War of 1897. There were about one hundred and fifty defenders eleven of whom were awarded the Victoria Cross, the largest number of such awards in the history of the British army for a single engagement.
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