- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 6 April 1952
- Country: South Africa
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.
