South African Orders, Decorations and Medals (1986)

A hardcover 190x250mm book of 180 pages with dustcover. An authoritative work with foreword by State President F.W. Botha. Extensively illustrated with many colour plates.
Condition is near new with no damage or markings.

South African Orders, Decorations and Medals was written by authors representing the SA Army, Air Force and Navy, each an authority in his field, and is the standard reference on the subject of South Africa's many prestigious military and civil awards. Yet it is no dull tract, or of interest to the specialist only. The book is profusely illustrated and written in a lively and entertaining style.
After a general historical overview and an explanation of the composition and manner of wearing of honours and awards, all current South African awards are described and illustrated in full colour.
Obsolete post-1952 awards and a selection of historical awards in the three hundred years from 1652 to 1952 are also described and many of them illustrated.
The book is rounded off with a description of sixteen South African heroes and their awards, from Field Marshal
J. C. Smuts to Rudi Opperman, the schoolboy who was awarded the Woltemade Decoration for Bravery in gold for his part in rescue attempts after the Westdene Dam bus disaster. Statistical tables and a comprehensive index enhance the value of the book.
This is the first comprehensive book on modern, official South African orders, decorations and medals, and will be of interest to anyone who has an appreciation of South Africa's many prestigious awards.

See sample page scan.

SAMPLE PAGE SCAN: