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RSA (Pre-1994): Opening of the Blood River Monument

RSA (Pre-1994): Opening of the Blood River MonumentRSA (Pre-1994): Opening of the Blood River Monument
RSA (Pre-1994): Opening of the Blood River MonumentRSA (Pre-1994): Opening of the Blood River Monument
RSA (Pre-1994): Opening of the Blood River MonumentRSA (Pre-1994): Opening of the Blood River Monument
Form: Circular, uniface.
By: PB (?)
Date: 1971
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0639;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
37.4 mmSilver24.5 gm$55
37.4 mmGilded Silver23.8 gm$55
37.4 mmBronze13.3 gm$25

Edge: Plain.

Obverse: On a slightly arched central band across, a side view of a wagon laager. Signed: “PB” below the wagon on the left. Above on a background of rays, an open book (Bible) with a ribbon behind: “1838 (left) 1971 (right)”. Below, against a stylised depiction of a river, a ribbon: “BLOEDRIVIER”.

Reverse: Blank. Silver medals stamped: "SILVER" at the foot.

Notes: Silver and silver gilt medals come as a pair inside an oblong blue case lined on the inside with white silk and blue velvet.

The Battle of Blood River was fought between 470 Voortrekkers led by Andries Pretorius who defeated an attack by an estimated 15,000 to 21,000 Zulu warriors under Chief Dingane. The battle took place on 16 December 1838 on the bank of the Ncome River in what is today KwaZulu-Natal.

A monument of the Voortrekker laager or wagon fort at the Blood River battlefield was erected in 1971. The sixty four life-size wagons were built true to the original from cast-iron covered with bronze. These medals were as issued to coincide with the unveiling of the monument.