Grand Cross of Valour

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The Grand Cross of Valour was Rhodesia's highest military decoration, awarded for conspicuous valour by members of the Security Forces in combat.

Contents

[edit] Institution

The award was instituted in 1970 by Presidential Warrant, the first award being made in 1978. The second and final award was made in June 1980.

[edit] Medal

The medal was a 9ct gold cross with an enamelled roundel in the centre bearing a lion's head, suspended by a V-shaped suspender from a scarlet ribbon woven with a central green stripe edged in white, with a gold stripe between the red and white. 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.

[edit] Recipients

Just two awards of the Grand Cross of Valour were made[1]. The first recipient was Acting Captain C . F. Schulenberg, S.C.R. of the Selous Scouts. Following majority rule in 1980, the Grand Cross of Valour was awarded to Major Grahame Wilson, S.C.R., B.C.R., second-in-command of the Rhodesian SAS, and Rhodesia's most highly-decorated soldier[2]. Recipients were entitled to the post-nominal letters G.C.V.

[edit] Zimbabwe

The Grand Cross of Valour was superseded in October 1980[3] by the Gold Cross of Zimbabwe, which is awarded for conspicuous bravery in perilous conditions, but which is open for award to civilians as well as military personnel.

[edit] See also

Orders, Medals and Decorations of Zimbabwe

[edit] References

  1. ^ Rhodesia Medal Roll, p16
  2. ^ SAS Rhodesia, p283
  3. ^ Zimbabwe Government Statutory Instrument No. 677 of 1981, 14 September 1981.
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