Zimbabwean Independence Medal, 1980

The Zimbabwean Independence Medal, 1980 was instituted on 17 April 1980[1] for award to those who were involved in the Zimbabwean independence process or commemorations in some way.

Zimbabwean Independence Medal, 1980
Obverse and reverse of the medal in bronze
TypeCommemorative medal
Awarded forZimbabwean Independence
Ribbon of the medal

Description

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The medal was awarded in silver and bronze.[1]

The obverse depicts the Zimbabwe Ruins (Great Zimbabwe) in Masvingo Province; crossed gun and hoe; with the date of Zimbabwe's independence, 18 April 1980.

The reverse depicts a Zimbabwe bird rising from the fire.

Ribbon - 38mm divided into seven parts: Green (6mm), Gold (5mm), Red (5mm), Black (6mm), repeated in reverse. Award of a silver medal denoted by Silver rose emblem.[2]

Eligibility

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Awarded to any person or group or category of persons nominated by the Prime Minister.[1]

The medal is often seen on its own, but can be found in a pair with the British and Commonwealth Rhodesia Medal, since all recipients of the Rhodesia Medal also received the Zimbabwean Independence Medal.[3] However, British personnel did not have permission to wear it in uniform,[4] while New Zealand granted approval for restricted wear only.[5] With regard to Rhodesian recipients, the Independence Medal is commonly found with the Rhodesian General Service Medal.

Recipients

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Website: Orders, Decorations and Medals of Zimbabwe. Access date: 3 May 2018
  2. ^ John Mussell (ed). Medal Yearbook 2015. p. 312. Published by Token Publishing Ltd. Honiton, Devon.
  3. ^ Joslin, Litherland and Simpkin. British Battles and Medals. pp. 265–6. Published Spink, London. 1988.
  4. ^ The Zimbabwean Independence Medal is not mentioned in the official British order of wear.
  5. ^ "The Wearing of Medals in New Zealand Table – A Guide to the Correct Order of Wear". New Zealand Defence Force. 4 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
  • See also: Rhodesia - Orders, Decorations and Medals and their Ribbons, JPI Fforde and AW Rich.