The Enigmatic Order

Home , Grand Cross, Legion of Honour, Order of Good Hope, Order of Merit, Order of Vasa, Pro Merito Medal (1975)

Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 23, Nr 1, 1993. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za

THE ENIGMATIC ORDER

THE ORDER OF THE STAR OF SOUTH AFRICA: ITS ORIGINS, DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTER AND PROBLEMS!

Dr S. MONICK *

INTRODUCTION from sound and firmly anchored precedents, established over several centuries. Second, the Order points to the The Order of the Star of South Africa is manner in which a medal pantheon the Republic's premier order. It super- forms an index of political-social-cul- seded the Star of South Africa (insti- tural development in a nation's history. tuted in 1952), which was formally For the development of the Order of classed as a decoration (and awarded the Star of South Africa has coincided in one class only). For students of the with a period in which the SADF has South African award structure it is piv- occupied an extremely high and ag- otal, in two major respects. First, it has gressive profile in the collective con- exhibited an undeniable restlessness sciousness of the South African public.3 and instability since its inception in Thus, the institution of the Order of the 1975; having experienced two major Star of South Africa in 1975 was the phases of reorganization and restruc- fountainhead, so to speak, of a verita- turing, its final form, to date, appearing ble plethora of either new or reconsti- in 1988. In this respect, it is clearly tuted awards. The year 1975 also wit- symptomatic of the unstable and con- nessed the institution .of the: Honoris tinually fluctuating character of the Crux Decoration - Gc5ld (HCG), Silver South African award structure, a theme (HCS) and Decoration (HC); Southern that has been explored in several pub- Cross Medal; Pro Merito Medal; South- lished sources, written by the author of ern Cross Decoration (SD), Pro Merito the present article.2 Most importantly, Decoration (PM D): South African De- the source of this instability is encapsu- fence Force Good Service Medal (Gold, lated in the Order: viz the departure Silver, Bronze - for 30, 20 and 10 years

1 The present article is derived from the following sources: (a) Monick, S. South African military awards 1912-1987. Johannesburg: South Afri can National Museum of Military History, 1988, pp 43-48. (b) Monick, S. South African civil awards 1910-1990. Johannesburg: South African National Museum of Military History, 1988, pp 131-141. (c) Monick, S. Profile of a research project: the medal publications of the South African National Museum of Military History. Militaria, 21/1, pp 21-42. (d) Monick, S. The awards of the South African Armed Forces: an overview and analysis. Armed Forces (SA), June 1988, pp 29-32; July 1988, pp 28-34: August 1988, pp 28-32. The following article is, essentially, a consolidation of the material contained in the above sources.

2 These sources are as follows: . (i) Monick, S. Profile of a research project: the medal publications of the South African National Museum of Military History. Militaria 21/1, 1991, pp 21-42. (Ii) Monick, S. The awards of the South African Armed Forces: an overview and analysis. Armed Forces (SA), June 1988, pp 29-32; July 1988, pp 28-34; August 1988, pp 28-32.

3 Monick, S. The forging of a strike force. Militaria, 22/3, 1992, pp 20-56.

Militaria 23/7 1993 Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 23, Nr 1, 1993. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za meritorious service in the Permanent longer as official state awards); as is Force/Citizen Force/Commandos re- also the case with the Order of St John spectively); and SADF Champion Shot and its Catholic sister order, the Order Medal. of Malta.

The continually evolving character of These religious orders of chivalry were the Order is, to reiterate, rooted in the confirmed by the Pope and directly lack of a firm historical foundation. subordinated to the Papacy, but oth- Thus, any discussion of the Order of the erwise acted independently under the Star of South Africa must first examine leadership of a Grand Master, elected the traditional fabric of orders, as it has for life by the Knights of the Order, as- developed in Europe since the Middle sisted by the College of Arms com- Ages. It is this fabric which has shaped posed of the official bearers of the the European orders (including those highest dignitaries of the order. of Great Britain) and established con- sistent precedents from which the South African order has departed, to Subordination to the state its considerable cost in terms of consist- ency and stability. Whilst the orders remained directly subordinated to the Pope, they became THE ORIGIN AND increasingly dependent upon the State, DEVELOPMENT OF ORDERS although maintaining their religious character, Symptomatic of this process was the assumption by monarchs of Religious origins the office of Grand Master, the office becoming hereditary within their own The origin of orders must be sought in families. As these international religious the medieval organization of the Catholic orders became increasingly dynastical- Church, of which the monastic com- ly dependent, the concept of an order munities formed an integral part. The became extended to embrace the dy- word 'order' (from the Latin 'ordo') re- nastic, or temporal, orders of chivalry. ferred in the medieval period to an as- The dynastic, or temporal, order of sociation of a limited circle of persons chivalry was expressed in the form of who imposed upon themselves certain Royal Knighthoods, the object of which obligations, and who subjected them- was no longer primarily to fight the infi- selves to certain rules. At the time of del but to strengthen the prestige and the Crusades, commencing in 1098 AD, power of the monarchy. The kings the foundation of orders in the monas- themselves occupied the office of tic system was extended to embrace Grand Master, but the meetings (the religious orders of chivalry, thereby fus- 'Chapters') were still held in a special ing the traditions of chivalry (the basis chapel of the orders in church. Simi- of knighthood) and Catholic Christen- larly, these temporal orders, as in the dom. The most well known of these re- case of their religious ancestors, gener- ligious orders - the essential objects of ally had a patron saint and sought pa- which were to fight for the Christian pal confirmation. The number of mem- . faith and care for the sick - were the bers in these temporal orders was Knights Templor (founded 1118), the limited, and there was only one class of Order of St John (founded 1113) and membership. Admission was condi- the Order of Teutonic Knights (founded tional upon noble birth, and initiation 1190). Reference should also be made was conducted at a solemn ceremony, to religious orders founded in the Ibe- including a vow of fidelity and the re- rian Peninsula, as part of the 'Recon- ceiving of an accolade. The members quis ta' (ie the expulsion of the Moslem wore a habit and the insignia of the or- power from Spain between the 11thand der was often a jewel with a picture of 15th centuries). These included the Or- the patron saint of the order, worn on a der of Alcantora (1156), the Order of chain around the neck. Members who Calatrava (1158), the Order of Aviz enjoyed these privileges were required (1162), the Order of Sant'lago (1170) to lead a blameless life, to support and the Order of Monteza (1319), all of charity by lavish almsgiving, to always which ore extant today (albeit no bear the insignia of the order and,

2 Militaria 23/7 7993 Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 23, Nr 1, 1993. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za above all, to constantly promote the ferred to as the Grand Cross, Com- power and prestige of the monarch; mander and Knight. This division into failure to comply with these obligations classes became the pattern for these being punishable by fines or, if re- orders of merit. peated, by expulsion from the order. Orders of merit may assume the follow- Originally, membership of one order ex- ing forms: cluded membership of another, at least with regard to an order against whose king (and Grand Master) an- (a) Military orders of merit: These can other went to war. Several of these or- be either military orders, or mixed ders remain extant to this day; eg the orders which have both military British Order of the Garter (founded and civil divisions. 1348), the Danish Order of the Elephant (1462) and the Swedish Order of the Purely military orders: Among Seraphim (1748). those purely military orders which are still extant are the Swedish Or- der of the Sword (1522), the Dutch Democratization of orders: Military Order of William (1815) orders of merit and the Finnish Order of the Lib- erty Cross (1918). The last named As societies became increasingly de- award is peculiar in so far as, in mocratized (ie the power of the bour- common with the German Iron geoise, and later that of the prole- Cross (1813) it can be awarded tariat, replaced that of the monarch, only in times of war, and also that often through the medium of Parlia- it distinguishes between combat- mentary government), orders of merit ants and non-combatants. The replaced those of Royal Knighthood. greater number of new orders Thus there arose an order awarded founded after World War ]I within purely for services to the state, irre- the Soviet orbit of influence (com- spective of social class, of which the monly referred to as 'people's de- French Legion of Honour (1802), with its mocracies') are solely military or- division in 1805 into five classes, be- ders. came the prototype. With the institution of this order democracy made its Mixed orders: Among the mixed entry into the world of chivalry. No orders which remain extant are longer did the situation exist whereby the Belgian Order of Leopold only limited numbers of men of the (1832) which, in addition to a civil most noble birth' in the land could re- and military division also possesses ceive the monarch's favour. The order a naval division; the Norwegian of merit became society's recognition Order of St Olaf (1847), the British of acknowledged worthiness of citizen- Order of Merit (1902) and the ship, which the head of state personify- Czechoslovak Order of the White ing society - be it monarch or president Lion (1922). - could bestow upon any citizen. This process of democratization of orders The military divis'ions of these assumed two forms: mixed orders of merit share the common characteristic of the insignia of the order, irrespective of * Dividing existing orders of one class into several classes; as was the case in military or civil division; with the 1808 with the Danish Order of the distinction that the military divi- Dannebrog (1671). sion is characterized by crossed swords; the Order of the British Empire (1917), Military Division, is * Founding new orders divided into sev- distinguished by an additional eral classes. An actual division into stripe in the ribbon. The British Or- grades, or classes, however, already der of the Bath (1725) is excep- existed prior to the French Revolution, tional in this respect in so far as its in the French Military Order of St Louis different classes (military and civil) (1693), whose three classes were re- possesstheir own distinct insignia.

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(b) Civil orders of merit: In those The essence of all these orders of merit countries which have civil orders is that, whilst technically the recipient only, the civil division is often di- is admitted to an association (as was vided into several categories for the case in the medieval period), de each. For example, in Sweden, facto all are awards for meritorious the Order of the Northern Star service to the state. Until 1973 (when (1748) is awarded for the humani- the Order of Good Hope was instituted ties and for official services; and South Africa possessed no specifically the Order of Vasa (1722) for com- national order. During the period of mercial services. the Union (1910-1961) its citizens were eligible for membership of British or- Several civil orders of merit are ders, by virtue of their country's mem- also awarded for deserving serv- bership of the Commonwealth. ices to science and art. Special awards for services in this sphere Personal orders were founded at an early point; eg the French Palms in Gold and Where the Royal Knighthoods, because Silver (1808), which was extended of the influence of the state in the in 1945 into an order in three classes. choice of those to be thus -honoured, Similarly, Germany awards the or- assumed the character of orders of der Pour Ie Merite for Science and state (especially as personal royal Art (1842) and Austria the Insignia power waned in favour of bureacratized of Honour and the Cross of Honour control and Parliamentary authority), for Science and Art (1955). France the Royal Houses often founded spe- awards the order of Arts et Lettres cial family orders, partly as a reward (1975). for services rendered to the monarch personally, and partly as a sign of mu- Britain, however, maintains a structure tual alliance when they were conferred of orders which precludes specific civil on other sovereigns. In Britain the Royal orders of merit for the arts and sci- Victorian Order (1896) is an illustration ences. Basically, this structure consists of such a family order, whilst the Neth- of purely military orders; orders which erlands possesses the Order of the are mixed (civil and military divisions); Family of Orange (1905). and civil orders which have no military divisions. DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORDER OF THE STAR OF SOUTH AFRICA The extant mixed orders are os follows: (i) The Order as instituted in 1975/ Order of the British Empire 1977 (ie The Order of the Star of Order of Merit South Africa/The Order of the Star Order of the Bath of South Africa Silver (SSA/SSAS».

The purely civil orders which remain ex- The Order of the Star of South Africa tant are as follows: (1975) was instituted in terms of War- rant of 30 June 1975 (published in Gov- Order of the Gorter ernment Gazette No 4792, dated 18 Order of the Thistle July 1975); amended Warrant of 11 Order of St Michael and St George May 1977 (published in Government Order of the Companions of Honour Gazette No 5565, dated 27 May 1977). The instituting Warrant of 30 June 1975 The only purely military order exant is structured the order in two classes: the Distinguished Service Order (050), It will be noted from the above that (i) Class I the inclusion of the Order of the Gar- ter, the Order of the Thistle and the Or- (ii) Class II der of the Bath as orders of merit point to the process whereby the ancient The first class was awarded to major temporal orders of chivalry have be- generals and senior officers, in the come democratized together with the South African Defence Force, who had more recently instituted Order of Merit. (Continued on p. 9)

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Order of the Star of South Africa: Breast Star

(0) Closs I: Gold (Military Section) (SSA) (1975)

(b) Closs I : Gold (Military Section) (SSA) (1977)

(d) Closs I : Grand Cross (Non-Military Section) (SSA) (1988)

Badge with ribbon

(0) Order of the Star of South Africa: Closs I; Gold (Military Section) (SSA) (1975)

(b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Closs I; Gold (Military Section) (SSA) ( 1977)

Note: The badge, with neck ribbon, is de- picted in this photograph. Note: The badge is identical to Class I (Non-Military Division (l978)/Non-Mili- tary (1988)): Grand Cross. The neck ribbon, obviously, differs (cf above).

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Ribbons of the Order of the Star of South Africa

Top (pure blue) Third from top (gold edges)

(a) Order of the Star of South Africa: (a) Order of the Star of South Africa: Class I; Gold (Military Section) Class I; Grand Cross (Non-military (SSA) (1975) (Neck ribbon) Section) (SSA) (1978) (Neck ribbon) (b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Class I; Order of the Star of South (b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Africa (Military Section) (SSA) Class I: Grand Cross (Non-Military) (1977) (Neck ribbon) (SSA) (1988) (Neck ribbon)

(c) Order of the Star of South Africa: Fourth from top (white edges) Class I; Gold (SSA) (Military) (1988) (a) Order of the Star of South Africa: (Neck ribbon) Class II; Grand Officer (Non-military Section) (SSAS) (1978) (Neck ribbon) Second from top (white stripe in centre) (b) Order of the Star of South Africa: (a) Order of the Star of South Africa: Class II; Grand Officer (Non-Mili- Class II; Silver (Military Section) tary) (SSAS) (1988) (Neck ribbon) (SSAS) (1975) (Neck ribbon) Fifth from top (gold centre, white edges) (b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Class II; Order of the Star of South (a) Order of the Star of South Africa: Africa Silver (1977) (Military Sec- Class III; Commander (Non-military tion) (SSAS) (Neck ribbon) Section) (1978) (Neck ribbon)

(c) Order of the Star of South Africa: (b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Class II; Silver (Military) (SSAS) Class III; Commander (Non-Mili- ( 1988) tary) (1988) (Neck ribbon)

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Order of the Star of South Africa: Breast Star

Left: Right:

(0) Order of the Star of South Africa: (0) Order of the Star of South Africa: Closs I; Gold (Military Section) Closs II; Silver (Military Section) (SSA) (1975) (SSAS) (1975)

(b) Order of the Star of South Africa: (b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Closs I; Gold (Military Section) Closs II; Order of the Star of South (SSA) (1977) Africa Silver (Military Section) (SSAS) (1977)

(c) Order of the Star of South Africa: (c) Order of the Star of South Africa: Closs I; Gold (Military) (SSA) (1988) Closs II; Silver (Military) (SSAS) (1988) (d) Order of the Star of South Africa: Closs I: Grand Cross (Non-military (d) Order of the Star of South Africa: Section) (SSA) (1978) Closs II; Grand Officer (Non-military Section) (SSAS) (1978)

(e) Order of the Star of South Africa; (e) Order of the Star of South Africa: Closs I: Grand Cross (Non-Military) Closs II; Grand Officer (Non-Mili- (SSA) (1988) tary) (SSAS) (1988)

(0) Order of the Star of South Africa: Badge:- Closs III; Commander (Non- Military Section) (1978)

(b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Badge:- Closs III; Commander (Non- Military Section) (1988)

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Order of the Star of South Africa

Left:

(a) Class IV; Officer (Non-military Section): Badge (1978) (Breast ribbon)

(b) Class IV; Officer (Non-Military): Badge (1988) (Breast ribbon)

Right:

(a) Class V; Knight (Non-military Section): Badge (1978) (Breast ribbon)

(b) Class V; Member (Non-Military): Badge (1988) (Breast ribbon)

(a) Order of the Star of South Africa: Badge:- Class II; Silver (Military Section) (SSAS) (1975) (Neck Ribbon)

(b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Badge:- Class II; Order of the Star of South Africa Silver (Military Section) (SSAS) (1977) (Neck Ribbon)

(d) Order of the Star of South Africa: Badge:- Class II; Grand Officer (Non- military Section) (SSAS) (1978)

(e) Order of the Star of South Africa: Badge:- Class II; Grand Officer (Non- Military) (SSAS) (1988)

8 Militorio 23/7 7993 Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 23, Nr 1, 1993. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za distinguished themselves by meritorious Class II: Grand Officer. This was military service in promoting the effi- awarded to non-citizens of the ciency and preparedness of the South Republic, other than command- African Defence Force, thereby mak- ers-in-chief (ie general officers, ing a valuable contribution to the Re- other functionaries and persons of public's security and safety. comparable rank and station); and to South African citizens who The second class is awarded to senior distinguish themselves by excep- officers of the South African Defence tionally meritorious service of ma- Force who had distinguished them- jor military importance. selves by exceptionally meritorious service of major military significance.

The amending Warrant of 11 May 1977 re-designated the two classes as Order of the Star of South Africa (originally Class I) and Order of the Star of South Africa Silver (originally Class 2).

(ii) The Order as instituted in 1978 (ie consisting of a Military Section - the Order of the Star of South Af rica and Order of the Star of South Africa Silver (SSAjSSAS) - and Non-military section).

The Order of the Star of South Africa (1978) was instituted in terms of Warrant of 17 October 1978 (published in Govern- ment Gazette No 6193, dated 20 Octo- (a) Order of the Star of 'South Africa: ber 1978); amended Warrants 18 No- Class II; Grand Officer (Non-mili- vember 1986 (published Government tary Section) (SSAS) (1978r Gazette No 10525, dated 21 November (b) Order of the Star of South Africa: 1986), 2 April 1987 (published Govern- Class II; Grand Officer (Non-Mili- ment Gazette No 10731, dated 8 May tary) (SSAS) (1988) 1987). Artist's impression. In terms of the new Warrant, two sec- Note: Ribbon blue with white edges. tions of the Order were established; the Military Section and the Non-military Class III: Commander. This was Section. Under the Military Section awarded to non-citizens of the were grouped the two original classes Republic who are of the same of the Order of the Star of South Africa rank as those eligible for Class II and the Order of the Star of South Af- (cf above); and to South African rica Silver. The Non-military section in- citizens who have distinguished stituted the following classes, in de- themselves by exceptionally meri- scending order of seniority: torious service of military importance. Class I: Grand Cross. This was awarded to commanders-in-chief Class IV: Officer. This was awarded of the armed forces, other func- to non-citizens of the Republic tionaries and persons of compa- holding the rank of colonels and rable rank and station who are lieutenant-colonels of the armed not citizens of the Republic; and forces, or equivalent rank; and to South African citizens who distin- South African citizens who have guish themselves by meritorious distinguished themselves by meri- military service in promoting the torious service of military impor- efficiency and preparedness of tance. the South African Defence Force and making a lasting contribution Class V: Knight. This was awarded to the security of the Republic. to non-citizens occupying lower

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ranks in the armed forces than those eligible for Class IV (cf above); and to South African citizens who have distinguished them selves by exceptional service of military importance,

Note: Strictly speaking, the Non-military Section of the Order of the Star of South Africa should not be regarded as encompassing a Military Order, as the classes in this section are awarded to civilians who are South African citizens (the military personnel eligible for the award being non-South African citizens), However, the classes have been detailed above as they form part of the overall order, For the same reason, the insignia of the Non-military Classes are described in detail below.

MILITARY SECTION

INSIGNIA Badge/Neck chain

The 1975 Regulations promulgated that (a) Order of the Star of South Africa: the insignia of the Military Section be Class I; Gold (Military Section) as follows: (SSA) (1975) (b) Order of the Star of South Africa: Class I: Badge and Star Class I; Gold (Military Section) (SSA) (1977) The Badge to consist of a circular Protea wreath in gold; thereon a blue (c) Order of the Star of South Africa: Maltese Cross surmounted by an eight- Class I; Grand Cross (Non-military pointed gold star with alternate long Section) (SSA) (1978) and short rays; in the centre point a (d) Order of the Star of South Africa: diamond. Class I; Grand Cross (Non-Military) (SSA) (1988) The Star to consist of an eight-pointed Artist's impression. multi-rayed gold star surmounted by a circular Protea wreath; thereon a blue Maltese Cross and superimposed there- Class I: Sash on an eight-pointed gold star with alternate long and short rays; within the The Sash is worn only with the insignia centre a diamond. of the Order of the Star of South Africa (Class I). It is 80 mm in width, worn Class I: Chain across the right shoulder with the bow of the sash on the left hip; it is blue in The Chain is worn only with the insignia colour, of the Order of the Star of South Africa (Class I). On each side of the carrying Class 2: Badge and Star link which is composed of a ground plan of the Castle of Good Hope, is The badge to consist of circular Protea gold thereon a blue roundel charged wreath in silver; thereon a blue Maltese with the emblem of the South African Cross surmounted by an eight-pointed Defence Force in gold, a neck chain silver star with alternate long and short consisting of circular links in the form of rays. blue roundels, each charged with an The Star to consist of an eight-pointed eight-pointed gold star within a golden multi-rayed silver star surmounted by a circular border. circular Protea wreath; thereon a blue

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Maltese Cross and superimposed there- Lepanto (1571), which successfully on an eight-pointed silver star with al- halted further Moslem aggrandisement ternate long and short rays. in the Mediterranean.

The Maltese Cross The specific form of the Maltese Cross probably derives from the time of the It will be observed that the Badge of Order of St John's residence in Malta, dating from 1530. It is significant that, the Order of the Star of South Africa, in the case of the Order of St Lazarus, throughout its development, spanning the green Maltese Cross (the Sino pie the period 1975-1988, has assumed the Cross) emerged during the 16th Cen- form of the Maltese Cross. This symbol tury, althorized by the Grand Master, clearly associates the South African Or- Jean de Levis (1557-1564). The Sinople der with the traditions and ethos of Me- Cross replaced the former primitive dieval chivalry. For, as is well known, it cross of the Order. (Monick, S. The Mili- is the universally recognized symbol of tary and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus the Order of St John. The Knights of St of Jerusalem: a history. Military Medal John of Jerusalem were known also at Society of South Africa Journal, No 17 various dates as the Knights of Rhodes Vol II, November 1980, p 23). and Knights of Malta; cf above. In 1113 the military-monastic order Ordo Militaris Hospitalis S. Joanis Hierosolymi- The Order continued to rule Malta until tani (the Military or Knightly Order of St the island fell under the control of Na- John Hospitaller of Jerusalem) was poleon in 1798. The Order's Headquar- founded on the site of the convent at- ters remain at Malta, however. Today tached to the Church of St John the it is known as the Sovereign Military Or- Almoner (the monks being called the der of St John of Jerusalem (commonly Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem). known as the Order of Malta). The The convent had served as a hospice Commission of Chivalry (1963) recog- for Christian pilgrims and had been nized the Order as the sole Independ- founded circa 600 AD. In 1118 Pope ent Order. This status permits the Order Galasius the Second confirmed the of Malta to be represented by envoys Statutes of the Order. Within a short possessing diplomatic privileges. span of time the Order emerged as an influential military institution, and also The Order of Malta should be sharply gained great political and economic differentiated from the Order of St importance. Following the fall of Jeru- John in the British Isles. In England the salem in 1290 the Knights of St John first Order of St John was effectively dis- migrated to Limasol, in Cyprus, and solved during the reign of Henry VIII, as then were relocated in Rhodes. When it then formed the English branch of the Knights Templars were suppressed the international Catholic Order (ie the in 1312 the Pope transferred most their Order of Malta). However, in 1831 the vast possessions to the Order of St Order was revived as a specifically John, who were expelled from Rhodes Protestant Order, independent of that by the Turks in 1522. After a brief so- based in Malta, and was granted a journ in Crete and Sicily they trans- Royal Charter in 1888. It occupies the ferred their principal seat to Malta, at status of a semi-independent interna- the invitation of Charles V, in 1530. tional order, but is officially recognized The Order of St John emerged as a in the United Kingdom. Its prinCipal ac- most powerful military force - centred tivities are of a medical and charitable on sea power - in the Mediterranean, nature; viz the St John Ambulance, confronting the expanding Ottoman comprising the Association and its Bri- power in that region; and also gade, and the Opthalmic foundation. became renowned as a healing insti- It should be noted that there are tution. The Grand Master and his branches of the Order in virtually all Eu- Knights, supported by the indigenous ropean states. population, conducted a most coura- geous, and successful, defence a- The Maltese Cross is thus termed as it is gainst a massive Ottoman onslaught the emblem of an Order that has been on the island in 1565; and the Order traditionally based on the island of played a leading role in the Battle of Malta. If the arms of a hitherto straight

Militaria 23/7 7993 11 Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 23, Nr 1, 1993. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za cross are widened it is termed a cross Other military dress: With other formy, If this cross formy has cleft arms military dress, without decorations an eight-pointed cross results, The four and medals, only the breast rib- arms represent the. four Christian vir- bon with the rosette thereon shall tues: temperance, prudence, justice be worn on the left breast, and fortitude; whilst the eight points symbolize the Beatitudes, In white it (ii) Order of the Star of South Africa became, to reiterate, the emblem of Silver the Order of St John and therefore also of all the branches and successors of Ceremonial dress: The insignia this Order, It is thought that the badge pendent from the neck ribbon of the Maltese Cross originated in the with the breast star on the left white cross borne on the breast of the breast, habit of the Augustines, who assumed control of the hospice of St John the Mess Dress: The insignia pendent Almoner from the Benedictines, under from the neck ribbon with the the leadership of the blessed Gerrard, breast star and miniature on the It should be noted that several orders left breast, adopted the Maltese Cross with deeply Other military dress: With other split arms, In red it is borne by the military dress, without decorations knights of the Tuscan Order of St and medals, only the breast rib- Stephen, in green by the Order of St bon and the rosette thereon shall Lazarus; whilst in blue it became the be worn on the left breast, emblem of the Prussian military order (the Pour Ie Merite,) RIBBONS There is, indeed, no emblem more fa- miliar than the Maltese Cross, Under (i) Order of the Star of South Africa the Geneva Convention the Cross of Neck ribbon: Blue, 37 mm in width. Malta is entitled to the same recognition by belligerants in war as is the Red Breast ribbon: Blue, 44 mm in Cross, width (worn with blue rosette on gold background),

Wearing of the insignia Miniature ribbon: Blue, 20 mm in width, (i) Order of the Star of South Africa (ii) Order of the Star of South Africa Ceremonial dress: either Silver

(a) The insignia pendent from Neck ribbon: Blue, 37 mm in width the neck chain with the with 2 mm white centre stripe breast star on the left breast; (worn with blue rosette on silver background), or Breast ribbon: Blue, 44 mm in (b) The insignia pendent from width, with 2 mm white centre the neck ribbon with the stripe (worn with blue rosette on breast star on the left breast, silver background),

Mess Dress: The insignia pendent Miniature ribbon: Blue, 20 mm in from the neck chain width, with 1 mm white centre stripe, (a) With the breast star and Note: The /977 Regulations, in miniature on the left breast; which the two classes of the Or- or der were re-designated Order of the Star of South Africa and Order (b) The insignia affixed to the of the Star of South Africa Silver, bow of the sash with the promulgated identical insignia; as breast star and miniature on did the Warrant of 17 October /978, the left breast, which restructured the order,

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NON-MILITARY SECTION an eight-pointed gold star with alternate long and short rays. INSIGNIA Class IV: Officer. Class I: Grand Cross; Badge and Star. A Badge, to consist of a blue Maltese Cross with gold edging, charged with The Badge to consist of a circular an eight-pointed gold star with alter- Protea wreath in gold; thereon a blue nate long rays in gold and short rays in Maltese Cross with gold edging, sur- silver. mounted by an eight-pointed gold star with alternate long and short rays; in Class V: Knight. the centre of which is a diamond. A Badge, to consist of a blue Maltese The Star to consist of an eight-pointed Cross with silver edging, charged with multi-rayed gold star, with the longest an eight-pointed silver star with alter- rays in silver, surmounted by a circular nate long and sharf rays. Protea wreath; thereon a blue Maltese Cross with gold edging, superimposed .on which is an eight-pointed gold star Wearing of the insignia with alternate long and short rays; in The insignia of the Grand Cross (ie the centre of which is a diamond. Class I) is worn with the neck chain around the neck, with the Class I: Grand Cross; Chain Breast Star pinned on the left breast. The Chain is worn in the Non-military Section only with the insignia of Class I The insignia of the Grand Officer (ie (ie Grand Cross). It is identical to that Class II) is worn with the neck rib- prescribed for the Order of the Star of bon, around the neck, with the South Africa (ie Class I in the Military Breast Star pinned on the left Division). breast.

Class I: Grand Cross; Sash The insignia of the Commander (ie Class III) is worn around the neck The Sash is worri in the Non-military pendent from the neck ribbon. Section only with the insignia of Class I. It is 80 mm in width, worn across the The insignia of the Officer and Knight right shoulder with the bow of the Sash (ie Classes IV and V) is worn on on the left hip; it is blue in colour. the left breast pendent from the respective breast ribbons. Class II: Grand Officer; Badge and Star. Officers of the armed forces (ie those The Badge to consist of a circular who are members of the Citizen Protea wreath with silver edging; there- Force or Commandos and who, on a blue Maltese Cross with silver edg- not being members of the Perma- ing; surmounted by an eight pointed sil- nent Force, thus qualify for a- ver star with alternate long and wards within the Non-military Sec- short rays. tion) will vary the above procedures according to the DressRegulationsof The Star to consist of an eight-pointed their respective services;as will offic- multi-rayed silver star with the longest ers of the uniformed public services rays in gold, surmounted by a circular and those of the armed forces of Protea wreath; thereon a blue Maltese other countries. When in uniform of- Cross with silver edging and superim- ficers to whom the Grand Cross,the posed thereon an eight-pointed silver Grand Officer and Commander Clas- star with alternate long and short rays. sesof the Non-military Section of the Order have been awarded, wear the Class III: Commander. rosettes on the breast ribbons. Civil- ians and officers in civilian clothes A Badge, to consist of a blue Maltese wear the respective rosettes in their Cross with gold edging, charged with lapel buttonholes.

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RIBBONS dated 8 May 1987) appears to make provision for the application of the let- Class I: Grand Cross. ters 'SSA' and 'SSAS' to all five grades within the Non-military section. These Breast ribbon: Blue, 44 mm in width with grades are in descending order of sen- 2 mm gold edges (worn with rosette in iority. However, the latter three (Com- colours of ribbon on gold background). mander, Officer, Knight), by virtue of the application of the post-nominal let- Miniature ribbon: Blue, 20 mm in width ters attached to the two grades within with 1 mm gold edges. the Military Section, possess the same status as the two senior grades within Class II: Grand Officer. the Non-military Section (Grand Cross, Grand Officer). Neck ribbon: Blue, 37 mm in width with 2 mm silver edges. The Order as instituted in 1988, In which the two divisions (Military and Breast ribbon: Blue, 44 mm in width with Non-military) were each elevated to 2 mm silver edges (worn with rosette in the status of distinct orders within their colours of ribbon on silver back- own right. ground).

Miniature ribbon: Blue, 20 mm in width A. ORDER OF THE STAR OF with 1 mm silver edges. SOUTH AFRICA (MILITARY)

Class III: Commander. The Order was instituted in terms of Warrant of 23 March 1988 (published in Neck ribbon: Blue, 37 mm in width with Government Gazette No 11251, dated 2 mm silver edges and 2 mm gold cen- 15 April 1988). tre stripe. The Order is divided into the following Breast ribbon: Blue, 44 mm in width with Classes: 2 mm silver edges and 2 mm gold cen- (a) Class I: Gold (SSA). Awarded to tre stripe (worn with rosette in colours generals and higher officers or of- of ribbon on silver background). ficers of comparable rank who Miniature ribbon: Blue, 20 mm in width have distinguished themselves by with 1 mm silver edges and 1 mm gold meritorious military service pro- centre stripe. moting the efficiency and contributing lastingly to the security Class IV: Officer. of the Republic of South Africa. (b) Class II: Silver (SSAS).Awarded to 44 mm in width, divided into nine parts: brigadiers and higher officers or silver (2 mm), blue (16 mm), silver (1 officers of comparable rank who mm), blue (2 mm), gold (2 mm), and have distinguished themselves by repeat in reverse. exceptionally meritorious service of major military importance. Class V: Knight. The Order may be awarded posthu- 44 mm in width, divided into nine parts: mously. silver (2 mm), blue (16 mm), silver (1 mm), blue (2 mm), silver (2 mm) and Recipients of Class I:Gold are entitled repeat in reverse. to the post-nominal letters SSA (Order of the Star of South Africa) and those in Post-nominal letters . the second Class (Class II: Silver) SSAS (Order of the Star of South Africa Sil- In terms of the original instituting War- ver). rants, only recipients of the two classes in the Military Section were entitled to INSIGNIA append post-nominai letters (SSA/SSAS) (i) Class I: Gold. after their names. However, the amending Warrant of 2 April 1987 (published (a) A Neck Badge consisting of in Government Gazette No 10731, a circular protea wreath in

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gold, thereon a blue Matese Arms of the Republic of South Africa. Cross bordered in gold sur- The reverse also bears an inscribed se- mounted by an eight-point- rial number. ed gold star with alternate long and short rays, and in Manner of wearing insignia the centre a diamond. Class I: Gold. (b) A Pendant in gold consisting of four bound rods within a (a) Ceremonial dress: The Neck laurel wreath. Badge pendent from the neck ribbon with the Breast (c) A Breast Star, consisting of Star on the left of the chest. an eight-pointed multi-rayed star in gold surmounted by a (b) Mess Dress: The Neck Badge circular protea wreath, pendent from the neck rib- thereon a blue Maltese bon with the Breast Star and Cross bordered in gold, sur- miniature Badge on the left mounted by an eight-point- of the chest. ed star with alternate long and short rays in gold. Class II: Silver. (d) A miniature Badge in gold (a) Ceremonial dress: The Neck identical to the obverse de- Badge pendent from the sign of the neck badge with- neck ribbon with the Breast out a diamond. Star on the left of the chest. (e) A rosette in gold identical to (b) Mess Dress: The Neck Badge the obverse design of the pendent from the neck rib- Neck Badge, without a dia- bon with the Breast Star and mond. miniature on the left of the chest. (ii) Class II: Silver. Rosettes worn on civilian clothes and (a) A Neck Badge, consisting of in uniform a circular protea wreath in silver, thereon a blue Mal- When dressed in civilian clothes, per- tese Cross bordered in silver, sons to whom the Order has been surmounted by an eight- awarded may wear the rosette of the pointed star in silver with al- respective classes in the lapel button- ternate long and short rays. holes, or as a brooch when worn by ladies. When worn on uniform, it is at- (b) A Pendent, similar to that in tached to the breast ribbon, forming Class I: Gold, but struck in sil- an integral design of the breast ribbon. ver.

(c) A Breast Star, consisting of RIBBONS an eight-pointed multi-rayed star in silver surmounted by a (a) Class I: Gold. 36 mm in circular protea wreath, width, blue (neck ribbon). thereon a blue Maltese Cross bordered in silver, sur- (b) Class II: Silver. 36 mm in mounted by an eight-point- width, blue with a vertical ed star with alternate long white stripe 2 mm in width, in and short rays in silver. the centre (neck ribbon).

(d) A miniature Badge in silver, Notes on ribbons identical to the obverse design of the Neck Badge. In the two classes, the breast ribbon (ie worn on the uniform when orders, In both Classes the reverse of the Neck decorations and medals are not dis- Badge bears the embellished Coat of played) is identical in width to the rib-

Militaria 23/7 7993 15 Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 23, Nr 1, 1993. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za bon attached to the Badge. The ribbon national interest of the Re- of the miniature Badge in each Class is public of South Africa. half the size of the width of the full- sized ribbon; and the ribbon colours (e) Class V: Member. Awarded are, presumably, half the size of those to South African citizens who of the full-sized ribbon. have distinguished themselves by exceptional serv- B.ORDER OF THE STAR OF ice contributing to the secu- SOUTH AFRICA (NON- rity and/or general national interest of the Republic of MILITARY) South Africa.

This Order was instituted in terms of The Order may be awarded posthu- Warrant of 23 March 1988 (pub- mously. lished in Government Gazette No 11251, dated 15 April 1988). INSIGNIA

The Order is divided into the following (i) Class I: Grand Cross (Gold) (SSA). Classes: (a) A Neck Badge, consisting of (a) Class I: Grand Cross (Gold) a circular protea wreath in (SSA). Awarded to major gold, thereon a blue Maltese generals and higher officers Cross bordered in gold sur- or persons of equivalent mounted by an eight-point- ranks and other South Afri- ed star with alternate long can citizens who have distin- and short rays and in the guished themselves by ex- centre a diamond. cellent meritorious service contributing lastingly to the (b) A gold Pendent consisting of security and/or general na- four bound rods within a laurel tional interest of the Repub- wreath. lic of South Africa. (c) A Breast Star, consisting of an eight-pointed multi-rayed (b) Class II: Grand Officer (Sil- star in gold with the longest ver) (SSAS).Awarded to bri- rays in silver surmounted by gadiers and higher officers a circular protea wreath, or persons of equivalent thereon a blue Maltese ranks and other South Afri- Cross bordered in gold, sur- can citizens who have distin- mounted by an eight-point- guished themselves by out- ed star with alternate long standing meritorious service and short rays in gold. contributing significantly to the security and/or general (d) A miniature Badge in gold, national interest of the Re- identical to the obverse de- public of South Africa. sign of the neck badge, but without a diamond. (c) Class III: Commander. Awarded to South African (ii) Class II: Grand Officer (Silver) citizens who have distin- (SSAS). guished themselves by meritorious service contributing (a) A Neck Badge, consisting of to the security and/or gen- a circular protea wreath in eral national interest of the silver, thereon a blue Mal- Republic of South Africa. tese Cross bordered in silver, surmounted with an eight- (d) Class IV: Officer. Awarded pointed star in silver with al- to South African citizens who ternate long and short rays. have distinguished themselves by meritorious (b) A Pendent, similar to that service contributing to worn in Class I (Grand Cross) the security and/or general but struck in silver.

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(c) A Breast Star, consisting of dered in silver surmounted an eight-pointed multi-rayed by an eight-pointed star with star in silver with the longest alternate long and short rays rays in gold surmounted by a in silver. circular protea wreath, thereon a blue Maltese Cross (b) A miniature Badge, identical bordered in silver, sur- to the obverse design of the mounted by an eight-point- Neck Badge, ed star with alternate long Note on neck badge and short rays in silver. The reverse of the neck badge (d) A miniature Badge, in silver, for all Classesbears the embel- identical to the obverse of lished Coat of Arms of the Re- the Neck Badge. public of South Africa, and an (e) A rosette in gold against a inscribed serial number. silver background, identical to the obverse of the neck Manner of wearing insignia decoration. (i) Officers of service departments, (iii) Class III: Commander. excluding the South African De- fence Force (a) A Neck Badge consisting of (a) The Neck Badge of Class I a blue Maltese Cross bor- and Class II is worn around dered in gold surmounted by the neck pendent from the an eight-pointed star with al- neck ribbon and the Breast ternate long and short rays Star pinned to the left of the in gold. chest in accordance with (b) A Pendent identical to that the dress regulations of each worn in Class II (Grand Of- service department. ficer). (b) The Neck Badge of Class III is (c) A miniature Badge in silver, worn around the neck pen- identical to the obverse of dent from the neck ribbon in the Neck Badge. accordance with the dress regulations of each service (d) A rosette in silver, on a gold department, background, identical to the obverse design of the Neck (c) The Breast Badge of Class IV Badge. and Class V is worn on the left of the chest pendent (iv.) Class IV: Officer. from the respective breast ribbons in accordance with (a) A Breast Badge, consisting the dress regulations of each of a blue Maltese Cross bor- service department. dered in gold surmounted by (d) Officers who have been a- an eight-pointed star with al- warded Class I, Class II, ternate long rays in gold and Class III or Class IV of the Or- short rays in silver. der shall wear the rosettes of (b) A miniature Badge, identical the respective classes in ac- to the obverse design of the cordance with the dress re- Neck Badge. gulations of each service department. (Presumably (c) A rosette in silver, identical the rosette forms part of the to the obverse design of the integral design of the breast Neck Badge. ribbon),

(v) Class V: Member. (ii) With Mess Dress

(a) A Breast badge, consisting (a) Holders of Class I and Class II of a blue Maltese Cross bor- of the Order wear the Neck

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Badge pendent from the (b) Holders of Class III wear the neck ribbon with the mini- Neck Badge pendent from a ature badge on the left neck ribbon with the mini- breast, ature Badge on the left breast, (b) Holders of Class III of the Or- der wear the Neck Badge (c) Holdersof ClassIV and ClassV pendent from the neck rib- wear the miniature Badge bon with the miniature Badge on the left breast. on the left breast, RIBBONS (c) Holdersof ClassIV and ClassV wear the miniature Badge of Class I: Grand Cross (Gold) (SSA): 36 the Order on the left breast, mm in width, blue, bordered with vertical gold stripes each 2 mm in width (iii) With normal civilian clothes (neck ribbon),

(a) The Neck Badge of Class I Class II: Grand Officer (Silver) (SSAS): and Class II is worn pendent 36 mm in width, blue, bordered with from the Neck Ribbon a- vertical silver stripes each 2 mm in round the neck and the width (neck ribbon), Breast Star pinned to the left of the chest, When award- Class III: Commander. 36 mm in width, ed to a lady, it is worn on bordered with vertical silver stripes the left shoulder pendent each 2 mm in width, with a gold stripe from a ribbon made up into 2 mm in width in the centre (neck rib- a bow. bon).

(b) The Neck Badge of Class III is Class IV: Officer. 36 mm in width, di- worn around the neck pen- vided into nine parts: silver (2 mm), dent from the neck ribbon. blue (12 mm), silver (1 mm), blue (2 In the case of ladies, the in- mm), gold (2 mm), repeat in reverse. signia is worn on the left shoulder pendent from a rib- Class V: Member. 36 mm in width, di- bon made up into a bow. vided into nine parts: silver (2 mm), blue (12 mm), silver (1 mm), blue (2 (c) The Breast Badge of Class IV mm), silver (2 mm), repeat in reverse. and Class V is worn pendent from the breast ribbon on the left of the chest, Notes on ribbons

(d) Persons who have been a- In each of the five classes of the or- warded Class I, Class II, der, the breast ribbon (ie worn on Class III or Class IV of the or- the uniform when orders, decora- der wear the rosettes of the tions and medals are not displayed) respective classes on the left is identical in width to the ribbon at- lapel of the jacket, or, in the tached to the piece, case of ladies, as a brooch, The ribbon of the miniature Badge is half the width of the full-sized ribbon; (iv) With civilian evening clothes and the ribbon colours are presumably half the size of the full-sized rib- At evening functions with black tie, bon. when decorations and medals are worn, the insignia of the order is worn Post-nominal letters as follows: Recipients of the first two classes (a) Holders of Class I and Class II (Grand Cross and Grand Officer) are wear the Neck Badge pen- entitled to the post-nominal letters SSA dent from the neck ribbon (Order of the Star of South Af- and the Breast Star and mini- rica) and SSAS (Order of the ature Badge on the left Star of South Africa Silver) re- breast. spectively,

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NOTES ON COMPARISON Order (Non-Military). Previ- BETWEEN 1988 VERSION OF THE ously it was applicable only ORDER to the first three Classes of the Non-military Section. AND PRECEDING STRUCTURE (e) The ribbon width has now A number of contrasts between the or- been standardized to meas- der as re-structured in 1988 and the ure 36 mm. In the previous former versions instituted in 1975/1977 regulations, the neck ribbon and 1978 immediately present them- measured 37 mm and the selves. breast ribbon 44 mm. (i) To recapitulate, the former divi- As noted above, the sions (military and non-military) standard measurement have been re-structured into se- now applies to all ribbons. parate orders within their own right. (f) The 1988 version of the Order features a Pendent (which (ii) The fifth class within the Order of forms part of the insignia ap- the Star of South Africa (Non-Mili- plicable to Classes I-III of the tary) is now designated 'Member' Non-Military Order); and to in place of the former designation Classes I-II of the Military Or- of 'Knight' applicable to the 1978 der. This insignia represents version. an innovation.

(iii) Important modifications have (iv) The situation with regard to post- been effected within the sphere nominal letters has now been of insignia, and these may be clarified. As stated above, an summarized as follows:- amending Warrant dated 2 April (a) The neck chain: Worn with 1987 allowed recipients of the Or- the insignia of Class I of the der in the Non-military Section to Military Section in the origi- append the same post-nominal nal 1975 version of the Order letters which were applica- and with Class I of the Mili- ble to the Military Division (ie tary Section and the Non- SSA,SSAS). However, to reiterate, military Section in the 1975/ confusion accrued from the fact 1977 and 1978 versions of that there was a considerable de- the Order. This is no longer gree of uncertainty as to whether worn. the post-nominal letters applied to all five Classes of the Non-mili- (b) The sash; worn with the insig- tary Section. The regulations nia of Class I of the Military framed in 1988 clearly prescribed Section and Class I of the that these post-nominal letters Non-military Section in the are applicable only to the two 1978 version of the Order; most senior Classes of the Military and with the insignia of Class and Non-Military Order. I in the original 1975 version. Thisis no longer worn. (v) Most importantly, there has been (c) There is now provision for the a decisive shift of emphasis re- miniature badge to be worn garding conditions of eligibility. in all five Classes of the Or- The inclusion of non-South African der of the Star of South Af- citizens of certain rank, which was rica (Non-Military). In the a marked feature of the regula- former Non-military Section tions in the 1978 version of the Or- of the Order (as instituted in der, is noticeable absent in the 1978) such provision applied 1988 version. Presumably, the re- to the first three Classes constituted Order of Good Hope only. (1988) embodies recognition of services previously rewarded with (d) The rosette is now worn with the Order of the Star of South Af- the ribbon of Class IV of the rica.

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FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS has, in actual fact, polarized this situa- ASSOCIA TED WITH THE tion, by converting the former sections into distinct and separate orders. The ORDER OF THE STAR OF SOUTH approach, in the writer's opinion, is fun- AFRICA damentally misleading. For the distinction between the two sections/Orders The development of the Order of the is essentially unreal. In both sections/Or- Star of South Africa violates one of the ders the award embodies recognition of central demands of the successful distinguished service of a military char- management of a medal pantheon; viz acter, the requirement of stability, ensuring that awards, once instituted, remain The problem could be resolved simply, firmly anchored in the national struc- but effectively, by returning to the con- ture of honours, cept of parallel classes within the Mili- tary and Civil Divisions. Such a restruc- The root of the problems associated tured order could feasibly present the with the Order of the Star of South Af- following pattern: (illustrated below)

Military Division Civilian Division

Class I: Grand Cross (SSA) Class I: Grand Cross (SSA)

Class II: Grand Officer (SSAS) Class II: Grand Officer (SSAS)

Class III: Commander (CSSA) Class III: Commander (CSSA)

Class IV: Officer (OSSA) Class IV: Officer (OSSA)

Class V: Member (MSSA) Class V: Member (MSSA)

rica, in the writer's opinion, resides in It will be noted that each class, in the the fact that it departs from a funda- hypothetical re-organization, confers mental tenent, implicit in the tradi- post-nominal letters, tional anchors of European Orders. The separation from this tradition is espe- According to this purely hypothetical cially ironic as the symbolism of the Or- structure, one has the situation where- der's Badge is emblematic of its line- by a single order, representing a mixed age with this historical background, As order of merit, caters equally to both discussed in the section above, enti- members of the armed forces (Perma- tled The origin and development of Or- nent Force/Citizen Force/Commandos) ders, the majority of British and Conti- and those who have served in other nental Orders are characterized by two forces concerned with the security of parallel classes, military and civil. The the Republic (eg police officers, mem- term 'parallel' refers to the fact that bers of the National Intelligence Serv- each grade has its civil and military di- ice, members of the Fire Service, etc). visions. However, in the Order of the Admission to the respective grade Star of South Africa one has not paral- would be on the basis of degree of lel. but a hierarchical structure of mili- achievement, and not rank or institu- tary and civil classes. The classes tion, Such a reorganization possesses within the Non-Military Section are two further major advantages. clearly distinct from those of the Mili- tarySection; in effect implying the The first is that of flexibility. The suc- presence of two orders under th~ aegis cessful management of a medal pan- of the designation Order of the Star of theon demands universality; ie that South Africa. awards should, as far as possible, be applicable to individuals irrespective of The re-structuring of the Order in 1988 their association with a specific institu-

20 Militaria 23/7 7993 Scientia Militaria, South African Journal of Military Studies, Vol 23, Nr 1, 1993. http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za tion, The envisaged restructuring of former to the most senior officers of the the Order discussed above provides Permanent Force. for the widest possible range of instititutions to be admitted to the order. The second important asset implicit in the scheme outlined above is * Dr S Monick is the curator of Medals that of flexibility. The common South and Numismatics at the South African African practice where-by the regula- National Museum of Military History. A tions stipulate that the award in ques- frequent contributor to Militaria, his ar- tion be confined to the most senior ticles (mainly relating to medals, mili- ranks of the service would be avoided, tary history and counter-insurgency) Admittedly, it is a generally recognized have been published in a wide variety feature of the British award structure of journals in both South Africa and the that certain honours (eg inclusion United Kingdom; viz Armed Forces (SA), within the higher grades of orders, Military History Journal, Soldiers of the conferring knighthood) are confined Queen (UK) and - with regard to litera- to the most senior ranks of the armed ture and information science - Lantern. and civil services. But, it should be He is also the author of a number of emphasized, this facet represents a books, including A Bugle Calls (1989) traditional usage and not a fixed stipu- (the regimental history of the lation, A certain degree of latitude is Witwatersrand Rifles); Shamrock and thus facilitated, permitting recogni- Springbok: the Irish impress on South tion, through the award of such hon- African military history 1689-1914 ours, to individuals who have rendered (1989); and Clear the Way: the military exceptional service, and yet do not heritage of the South African Irish 1880- fall within the ranks of those normally 1990 (1991). He has also authored sev- eligible for such forms of recognition, eral works relating to South African Indeed, it may be feasibly argued that medals; viz South African Military the source of the unreal distinction be- Awards 1912-1987 (1989); Awards of the tween the Military and Non-Military South African uniformed public serv- Sections/Orders of the Star of South Af- ices 1922-1987 (1989); and South Afri- rica is rooted in the restriction of the can civil awards 1910-1990 (1991).

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