THE QUEEN AND KING'S SOUTH AFRICAN MEDALS, 1899-1902.
(The same reverse was used for both pieces.)
The order consists of a gold cross shaped out of a circle of conspicuous and pleasing design. The metal is gold, but the surface is enamel-coated. The predominant colouring is white, but a gold edging, a green wreath, and a red centre lend effectiveness to the design. Both faces are decorated, the obverse with a crown, and the reverse with the royal cypher. The ribbon, which is crimson edged with blue, is bounded both top and bottom by a gold bar.
The last award to be mentioned here for brave conduct is the Meritorious Service medal, which is now superseded by the "Distinguished Conduct in the Field" medal. This award received royal sanction in 1845 for the Army, and in 1849 for the Marines. The warrant said:—
"We deem it expedient to afford a greater encouragement to the Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers of Our Army who may have distinguished themselves, or who may have given good, faithful, and efficient service.
"It is our further will and pleasure that a sum not exceeding £2,000 a year be distributed for the purpose of granting annuities as rewards for distinguished or meritorious service to Sergeants who are now, or who may be hereafter in the Service, either while serving or after discharge with or without pension, in sums not exceeding £20: which may be held during service, and together with pension."
The medal earned but little popularity as it was awarded, not only for bravery, but for exemplary conduct in peace times. Now the "Distinguished Conduct in the Field" medal was preferred in cases of bravery, and the "Long Service and Good Conduct" medal was preferred in cases of exemplary conduct: thus its use was limited, and the authorities withdrew it a few years after the first issue.