Honoris Crux
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| Honoris Crux - 1st Type | |
|---|---|
 Ribbon: 32mm, green with red and white edges |
|
| Awarded by South African Defence Force | |
| Type | Medal |
| Awarded for | Gallantry in action against the enemy |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Statistics | |
| First awarded | 1973 |
| Last awarded | 1975 |
| Total awarded | 5 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Van Riebeeck Decoration |
The Honoris Crux was a South African military decoration that was in use from 1952 to 2003. There were two distinct versions.
The first type, introduced on 6 April 1952, was awarded for gallantry in action against the enemy in the field. It was a silver-gilt Maltese cross with eagles between the arms. The obverse was green, with an orange-white-blue centre disc framed in a red circle inscribed "Honoris Crux". The reverse displayed the 1910 South African national coat of arms, and specimens made before 1961 also had Queen Elizabeth II's royal cipher E II R. The ribbon was green with red and white edges.
Only five awards were made, all to members of the South African Air Force, the first in 1973 and the others in 1975.
| Honoris Crux - 2nd Type | |
|---|---|
 Ribbon: 32mm, orange with white edges and white line inset from each edge |
|
| Awarded by South African Defence Force | |
| Type | Medal |
| Awarded for | Bravery while in danger |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Statistics | |
| First awarded | 1976 |
| Last awarded | 1995 |
| Total awarded | 200 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Honoris Crux Silver |
The second type, introduced on 1 July 1975, was the lowest of four classes of a new decoration (see also Honoris Crux Diamond, Honoris Crux Gold, and Honoris Crux Silver). It was awarded for bravery in dangerous circumstances, and while most of the awards were won in action, some were non-combat. The rules were amended in 1993 to restrict the HC to combat action. Around 200 decorations were awarded between 1976 and 1995
The second-type HC was a silver Maltese cross superimposed on crossed swords and a wreath of protea flowers and leaves. Its obverse is enamelled white, with an orange-white-blue centre disc. The reverse displays the national coat of arms. The ribbon is orange, with white edges and a white line inset from each edge.
The decoration was superseded by the Nkwe ya Boronse on 27 April 2003.
[edit] References
- Alexander, E. G. M., Barron G. K. B. and Bateman, A. J. (1986). South African Orders, Decorations and Medals. Human and Rousseau.
- Monick, S. (1988). "South African Military Awards 1912-1987". South African National Museum of Military History.
