South Africa, Zulu War issue label

Stan Fairchild wrote:
Having just acquired the South Africa 1979 issue commemorating the 100th
anniversary of the Zulu War, I now have a mystery on my desk. The
souvenir sheet has singles of the three stamps in the issue, plus a
label. The label is shown at:


http://groups.msn.com/Napoleonstamps...to&PhotoID=121
http://groups.msn.com/Napoleonstamps/temporaryitems.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=121

The "John Chard" of the medallion on the right was the lieutenant of
engineers who found himself in charge of the defense of the British post
at Rorke's Drift. What is the medal? Why is his name on it? (Is it
usual to put the recipient's name actually on the medal?) What is the
medal on the left? (OK, it's a cross. There is a major British
decoration called the Victoria Cross, which I believe Chard was awarded
for the action at Rorke's Drift. Maybe this is "his" Victoria Cross.
But maybe not!) There clearly are two separate pieces of medal and two
separate ribbons. Are they separate awards or all part of the same package?

As usual, all help will be appreciated.

Stan
The medal on the left is The Victoria Cross

Having just acquired the South Africa 1979 issue commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Zulu War, I now have a mystery on my desk. The souvenir sheet has singles of the three stamps in the issue, plus a label. The label is shown at:

http://groups.msn.com/Napoleonstamps...to&PhotoID=121

The "John Chard" of the medallion on the right was the lieutenant of engineers who found himself in charge of the defense of the British post at Rorke's Drift. What is the medal? Why is his name on it? (Is it usual to put the recipient's name actually on the medal?) What is the medal on the left? (OK, it's a cross. There is a major British decoration called the Victoria Cross, which I believe Chard was awarded for the action at Rorke's Drift. Maybe this is "his" Victoria Cross. But maybe not!) There clearly are two separate pieces of medal and two separate ribbons. Are they separate awards or all part of the same package?

As usual, all help will be appreciated.

Stan

Stan:

As you say, the South African miniature sheet (Scott 521a)
commemorated the centenary of the Zulu War and not only
the Battle at Rorke's Drift. The miniature sheet has three
stamps depicting the battles at Ulundi, Rorke's Drift and
at Isandlwana and a label depicting a Victoria Cross and
the John Chard Decoration.

The Victoria Cross, a British award that was first awarded
for valour in the Crimean War (1850s). Chard's VC is in a
private collection. There were 11 VCs awarded to defenders
of Rorke's Drift.

The medal on the right is more modern. It is the South
African "John Chard Decoration". The ribbon is red with
blue and white edges with the letters JCD. There is also
a John Chard Medal.

http://www.medals.org.uk/south-afric...-africa043.gif

The John Chard Decoration (instituted 1952) was a South
African Long Service decoration for members of the Citizen's
Force on completion of 20 years service. This decoration is
now obsolete.

Blair

Blair--just what I needed. Thanks. The users of rcsd come through again!

Stan

"Blair (TC)" wrote in message ups.com...
Stan:

As you say, the South African miniature sheet (Scott 521a)
commemorated the centenary of the Zulu War and not only
the Battle at Rorke's Drift. The miniature sheet has three
stamps depicting the battles at Ulundi, Rorke's Drift and
at Isandlwana and a label depicting a Victoria Cross and
the John Chard Decoration.

The Victoria Cross, a British award that was first awarded
for valour in the Crimean War (1850s). Chard's VC is in a
private collection. There were 11 VCs awarded to defenders
of Rorke's Drift.

The medal on the right is more modern. It is the South
African "John Chard Decoration". The ribbon is red with
blue and white edges with the letters JCD. There is also
a John Chard Medal.

http://www.medals.org.uk/south-afric...-africa043.gif

The John Chard Decoration (instituted 1952) was a South
African Long Service decoration for members of the Citizen's
Force on completion of 20 years service. This decoration is
now obsolete.

Blair