Defence Cross for Distinguished Service

The Defence Cross for Distinguished Service was a Rhodesian military decoration awarded for distinguished service to Rhodesia's armed forces..

Institution

The award was instituted in 1970 by Presidential Warrant, the first awards being made in 1975.

Medal

The medal was a sterling silver cross worn on the breast, with at its centre a roundel containing a device of a lion's head and the legend FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, while the reverse was blank. 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. The ribbon was half scarlet, half Cambridge blue, with a central silver stripe and green edges.

Recipients

19 awards of the Grand Cross of Valour were made between 1970 and 1979^[1]. Recipients included Army Generals Peter Walls and Derry McIntyre.

Recipients were entitled to the post-nominal letters D.C.D.

Zimbabwe

The Defence Cross for Distinguished Service fell into abeyance following Rhodesia's adoption of majority rule in 1980, and the country's change of name to Zimbabwe. It has been partially replaced by the military division of the Zimbabwean Medal for Meritorious Service.

See also

Orders, Medals and Decorations of Zimbabwe

References

1. ^ Rhodesia Medal Roll, p46

• Saffery, D., 2006. The Rhodesia Medal Roll, Jeppestown Press, United Kingdom. ISBN 0-9553936-0-4