Awards
The Queen's South Africa Medal
The Queen's South Africa Medal.
All members of British or colonial forces who served in South Africa
during the actual period of hostilities, 11 October 1899 to 31 May
1902, qualified for the Queen's South Africa Medal. Twenty-six bars
were issued to denote participation in particular battles or campaigns.
Approximately 178,000 Queen's South Africa Medals were issued,
including 3 802 to those serving in Canadian units. These units
collectively qualified for 16 bars, though few Canadians earned more
than five.
The effigy of Queen Victoria appears on the Obverse while the
original design for the Reverse optimistically bore the dates
1899-1900, though the war dragged on until 1902. Few of these early
medals were issued, and most were presented to
Strathcona's Horse in London in
1901. Most other Canadians received their medals and bars in
Canada through the mail. The name of the recipient, with the
individual's service number, rank, and unit were impressed along the
edge of the medal.