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The Union of South Africa King’s Medal for Bravery

Time Period: Interwar Period
Institution: 23 June 1939
Country: South Africa

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.