The Bronze Cross of Rhodesia was a Rhodesian military decoration for gallantry.

Institution

The award was instituted in 1970 by Presidential Warrant, the first awards being made the same year. The last awards were made in June 1980.

Medal

The medal was a bronze cross with an enamelled roundel in the centre bearing a lion's head, suspended from a ribbon. The ribbons of the Bronze Cross differed in colour according to the service in which the recipient was enlisted; thus Army awards had a red ribbon with three white stripes ; Air Force awards a purple ribbon with stripes and

Guard Force The Guard Force was an arm of the Rhodesian Security Forces. Coming under the Ministry of Defence it was organised on similar lines to, but separate from, the Rhodesian Army. The Guard Force was set up from 1975 (and formally established on 1 ...

awards a brown ribbon with stripes . The Army ribbon has a strong and no doubt accidental resemblance to the

Canadian Forces Decoration The Canadian Forces' Decoration (post-nominal letters "CD") is a Canadian award bestowed upon members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have completed twelve years of military service, with certain conditions. By convention, it is also given to t ...

for long service. The medal was impressed in small capitals with the recipient's name on the reverse, and was awarded with a case of issue, miniature medal for wear, and an illuminated certificate.

Recipients

A total of 131 awards of the Bronze Cross of Rhodesia were made, seven posthumously. Notable recipients included the author Alan Thrush, SAS officer Grahame Wilson and air force officer Norman Walsh. Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal letters B.C.R. Nigel Theron receives Bronze Cross 1976

Zimbabwe

The Bronze Cross of Rhodesia was superseded in October 1980''Zimbabwe Government Statutory Instrument No. 677 of 1981'', 14 September 1981. by the

Bronze Cross of Zimbabwe The Bronze Cross of Zimbabwe is a gallantry decoration that was instituted in 1981 to replace the Bronze Cross of Rhodesia. It forms part of the Zimbabwean honours system. Recipients of the Bronze Cross of Zimbabwe are entitled to the use of the ...

, which is awarded for conspicuous bravery, and which is open for award to civilians as well as military personnel.

Notes

References

*Saffery, D., 2006. ''The Rhodesia Medal Roll''
Jeppestown Press
United Kingdom.
Rhodesian Militaria: Bronze Cross of Rhodesia
– Detailed photos & descriptions of genuine Bronze Crosses of Rhodesia and the breakdown of B.C.R.'s awarded to various units.

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bronze Cross Of Rhodesia Military awards and decorations of Rhodesia 1970 establishments in Rhodesia 1980 disestablishments in Zimbabwe Awards established in 1970