’For Conspicuous Gallantry’: Bravery Awards to the Rhodesian Security Forces, c.1970–80

Following its Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) from Britain in 1965, the rebel colony of Rhodesia’s government could no longer submit recommendations for British honors and awards. The creation, in 1969, of a new set of decorations and medals rectified this issue. This article argues that medals were also part of the Rhodesians’ attempt to create a national identity. It also shows that the standard for awards was set extremely high and that aggression, professionalism, and willingness to engage the enemy were the foremost characteristics required to win a Rhodesian medal. At the same time, it contends that the Rhodesians failed to fully exploit the propaganda value of military decorations by the sparing way in which they bestowed them, by shrouding specific awards in secrecy, and by under-awarding them to African personnel.