Type Campaign Medal Total awarded 152 to Australians | Established August 1980 Next (higher) Varies by country | |
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Eligibility Civilians, police, and military personnel who participated in the resolution of Zimbabwean independence Awarded for 14 days of service in Rhodesia between 1 December 1979 and 20 March 1980 | ||
The Rhodesia Medal was initiated by the British Government in consultation with Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kenya, whose forces took part in Operation AGILA, (Operation MIDFORD for the New Zealand forces). The role of the multi-national force was to keep peace between 22,000 guerrilla fighters and the Rhodesian forces during the ceasefire run-up to the 1980 elections.
Contents
Each country treats the medal as part of its own honours system.
Qualification
The medal is awarded for service of at least 14 days between 1 December 1979 and 20 March 1980, to members of the military and police forces, as well as eligible civilians, who participated in the lead-up to Zimbabwean independence.
Description
The Rhodesia Medal is circular, made of rhodium-plated cupro-nickel. The obverse features the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. The reverse of the medal depicts a sable antelope surrounded by the inscription 'THE RHODESIA MEDAL' and '1980'. The medal is suspended from a ribbon sky-blue in colour with three central stripes of red, white and blue.