Grand Cross of Valour
Encyclopedia
The Grand Cross of Valour was Rhodesia
's highest military decoration
, awarded for conspicuous valour by members of the Security Forces in combat.
'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.
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. Recipients were entitled to the post-nominal letters G.C.V.
, which is awarded for conspicuous bravery in perilous conditions, but which is open for award to civilians as well as military personnel.Just three AirForce pilots have been awarded this medal in Zimbabwe after an outstanding performance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The officers are the late Group Captain Micheal Dhabha(2002),Squadron Leader Ishmael Kadenga(2004)and Squadron Leader Earnest Matsambira(2004).Recipients are entitled to the letters G.C.Z. Air Force Magazine vol3,No8.
Rhodesia
Rhodesia , officially the Republic of Rhodesia from 1970, was an unrecognised state located in southern Africa that existed between 1965 and 1979 following its Unilateral Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom on 11 November 1965...
's highest military decoration
Military decoration
A military decoration is a decoration given to military personnel or units for heroism in battle or distinguished service. They are designed to be worn on military uniform....
, awarded for conspicuous valour by members of the Security Forces in combat.
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.Medal
The medal was a 9ct gold cross with an enamelled roundel in the centre bearing a lionLion
The lion is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera, and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger...
'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.
Recipients
Just two awards of the Grand Cross of Valour were made. The first recipient was Acting Captain C . F. Schulenberg, S.C.R.Silver Cross of Rhodesia
The Silver Cross of Rhodesia was Rhodesia's second-highest military decoration for conspicuous gallantry.-Institution:The award was instituted in 1970 by Presidential Warrant, the first awards being made in 1974...
of the Selous Scouts
Selous Scouts
The Selous Scouts was a special forces regiment of the Rhodesian Army, which operated from 1973 until the introduction of majority rule in 1980. It was named after British explorer Frederick Courteney Selous , and their motto was pamwe chete, which, in the Shona language, roughly means "all...
. Following majority rule in 1980, the Grand Cross of Valour was awarded to Major Grahame Wilson, S.C.R.
Silver Cross of Rhodesia
The Silver Cross of Rhodesia was Rhodesia's second-highest military decoration for conspicuous gallantry.-Institution:The award was instituted in 1970 by Presidential Warrant, the first awards being made in 1974...
, B.C.R.
Bronze Cross of Rhodesia
The Bronze Cross of Rhodesia was a Rhodesian military decoration for gallantry.-Institution:The award was instituted in 1970 by Presidential Warrant, the first awards being made the same year. The last awards were made in June 1980.-Medal:...
, second-in-command of the Rhodesian SAS
C Squadron 22 (Rhodesian) SAS
The Rhodesian Special Air Service or Rhodesian SAS refers to:*C Squadron, Special Air Service Regiment *"C" Squadron Special Air Service *1 Special Air Service Regiment...
, and Rhodesia's most highly-decorated soldier. Recipients were entitled to the post-nominal letters G.C.V.
Zimbabwe
The Grand Cross of Valour was superseded in October 1980 by the Gold Cross of ZimbabweZimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
, which is awarded for conspicuous bravery in perilous conditions, but which is open for award to civilians as well as military personnel.Just three AirForce pilots have been awarded this medal in Zimbabwe after an outstanding performance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The officers are the late Group Captain Micheal Dhabha(2002),Squadron Leader Ishmael Kadenga(2004)and Squadron Leader Earnest Matsambira(2004).Recipients are entitled to the letters G.C.Z. Air Force Magazine vol3,No8.