PDFPrintE-mail

Rhodesia: Declaration of Independence: Ian Smith / "We Stand Behind You"

Rhodesia: Declaration of Independence: Ian Smith / "We Stand Behind You"Rhodesia: Declaration of Independence: Ian Smith / "We Stand Behind You"
Rhodesia: Declaration of Independence: Ian Smith / "We Stand Behind You"Rhodesia: Declaration of Independence: Ian Smith / "We Stand Behind You"
Rhodesia: Declaration of Independence: Ian Smith / "We Stand Behind You"Rhodesia: Declaration of Independence: Ian Smith / "We Stand Behind You"
Form: Circular
By: Trevor Wood
Date: 1965
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0856;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
38.2 mmGold (18ct)34.7 gm$1,750
38.2 mmSterling Silver26.8 gm$75
38.3 mmBronze22.0 gm$10

Edge: Plain. Gold and silver medal stamped with issue number. This gold medal: "91". This silver medal: "335".

Obverse: Within an encircling background of diamonds(?), bare head of Ian Smith, left. Legend above: “RHODESIAN INDEPENDENCE” and below between stops: “11 NOVEMBER 1965”

Reverse: In the quarters of a cross, scenes of agriculture and industry. A lion in the centre of the cross. Across and divided by the lion: “WE STAND BEHIND YOU”. Silver medal stamped: “.925 / SILVER” at the bottom.

Notes: The gold medal comes inside a fitted red square case lined on the inside with red velvet and white silk.

The silver medal comes inside a fitted blue square case lined on the inside with blue velvet and white silk. On the inside of the lid: “RHODESIAN INDEPENDENCE / NOVEMBER 11TH 1965” in gilded letters.

Occasionally found in a privately made fitted, wooden, presentation case, lined on both sides of the recess with red velvet. On the outside of the lid: "RHODESIAN INDEPENDENCE / 11th NOVEMBER 1965 / (line)". On the back, the maker's name: "MADE IN RHODESIA / BY ADIS (PVT) LTD".

It is believed that 100 medals were issued in gold and 500 in silver. The bronze medals are relatively common.

Rhodesia declared unilateral independence (UDI) from Britain on 11th November 1965. During the Second World War, Ian Smith was a fighter pilot who fought for Britain. Rhodesia contributed more manpower per head of the white population to the Allied cause in WWII than any other British dominion or colony, even more than Britain herself. The choice of Armistice Day for the UDI was a defiant act and symbolised the bitterness of betrayal that many Rhodesians felt towards the Britain government.