The Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal is a military and civil commemorative medal which was awarded to commemorate the opening of the first Union Parliament by the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn in 1910. It may be considered as the first of many independence medals which were instituted throughout the Commonwealth during the 20th century.
The medal was awarded to members of the military and naval forces as well as certain civilian leaders who took a prominent part in the proceedings, and only on the recommendation of the Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. A roll was to be kept and was to be closed six months after the date of the warrant, after which no award could be made except with Royal Approval in very special circumstances.
With effect from 6 April 1952, when a new South African set of decorations and medals was instituted to replace the British awards used to date, the older British decorations and medals which were applicable to South Africa continued to be worn in the same order of precedence but, with the exception of the Victoria Cross, took precedence after all South African decorations and medals awarded to South Africans on or after that date. Of the official British medals which were applicable to South Africans, the Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal takes precedence as shown.
The medal, which was awarded unnamed, was struck in silver and is 36 millimetres in diameter with a raised rim. ;Obverse The obverse bears the effigy of King George V, facing left and surrounded by the legend: "GEORGIVS V BRITT:OMN:REX ET IND:IMP:". The medal is attached with a swiveling claw suspension affixed to the medal by means of a pin through the upper edge of the medal. The suspender is fitted with a large ring. ;Reverse The reverse depicts the god Mercury, as the god of commerce and prosperity, forging links of a chain on an anvil, with four links each bearing the name of a Province of the Union of South Africa, "CAPE OF GOOD HOPE", "NATAL", "TRANSVAAL" and "ORANGE RIVER". The year "1910" underneath is entwined by an olive branch. Around the circumference and encircling the image is the inscription "TO COMMEMORATE THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA". ;Ribbon The ribbon is 38 millimetres wide, with two 10 millimetres wide orange bands separated by an 18 millimetres wide dark blue band.
Recipients
The Roll shows that altogether 580 medals were awarded. Of these, 21 went to members of the Royal Navy, 52 to the British Army, 41 to South African forces, 465 to civilians of which 31 were women, and one to a member of foreign services.
