Miniature oval silver medal with claw, laurel leaves and scroll bar inscribed ‘UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA / UNIE VAN SUID-AFRIKA’; the face with the crowned head and shoulders portrait of King George VI in coronation robes, circumscribed ‘GEORGIUS • VI • D • G • BR • OMN • REX • ET • INDIÆ • IMP •’ (George VI by the Grace of God King of Great Britain and Emperor of India); the reverse inscribed ‘VIR BEKWAME DIENS / FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE’; height 31.21mm (1.23 inches); diameter 17.35mm (0.63 inch); on replaced correct ribbon with an Additional Service bar loose on the ribbon. The medal was instituted in December 1939 to be awarded for 12 years’ service in the South African Coast Garrison and Active Citizen Forces. The Additional Service bar was awarded for a further six years of service. The medal was replaced in 1952 by the John Chard Medal. The medal is rare in miniature.
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