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RSA (Pre-1994): South African Red Cross Society Proficiency Medal
RSA (Pre-1994): South African Red Cross Society Proficiency MedalRSA (Pre-1994): South African Red Cross Society Proficiency Medal
RSA (Pre-1994): South African Red Cross Society Proficiency MedalRSA (Pre-1994): South African Red Cross Society Proficiency Medal
Form: Circular with attached loop for a ring to a ribbon, white bordered by white-mauve, brooch suspension bar at top,
By: ?
Date: 1965 and 1968
Ref:  Laidlaw: 1419b;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
28.6 mmGold 9ct16.3 gm$400
28.7 mmSilver20.0 gm$12
Edge: Plain.

Obverse: Large raised red enamelled cross. Legend on a raised, roughened band: "RED CROSS SOCIETY S.A ROOIKRUISVERENIGING". Small circle at the foot.

Reverse: Awarded / TO (left); TOEGEKEN / AAN (right). Space below for engraving. Stamped at the bottom for gold medal: "9CT" and for silver medal: "STG SIL". Legend on a raised, roughened band: "PROFICIENCY MEDALLION . BEKWAAMMHEIDS MEDALJE". Small circle at the foot.

Gold medal engraved: "A.D. DEBEER. / NI. 68".
Silver medal engraved: "A.D. DEBEER. / N.8.65".

Notes: The South African Red Cross Society was founded in 1921 with the amalgamation of various smaller entities which already existed in the country. It was recognised by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1928 and admitted into the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 1929.

A variety of bars can be attached to the ribbon, indication a particular branch of nursing proficiency: "GENERAL FIRST AID", "FIRST AID IN MINING", "HOME NURSING".

It is believed that this style of the SA Proficiency Medallion was adopted at the time the country became a republic. The previous style (Laidlaw 1419a) was made first by the Royal Mint, Pretoria, and, starting in 1941, by the South African Mint.