Union of South Africa: Police Good Service Medal. 1st type (No 2883 (F) 2/C Sergeant. M. G. Bartholomew.)

The medal (silver) retaining its original long length of silk riband as issued

On, 1 April 1913, the South African Police Force was established, the personnel being mostly drawn from amongst the hitherto separate existing police forces of the respective states of the Union. At establishment, each member of the South African Police Force was allocated a unique service number in the range 1 to 4011. For each of the 5 x Divisions of the South Africa Police, or SAP, a unique block of 'Force Numbers' was allocated for Constables, and the block 2457-3989 was allocated to the Transvaal Division of the South African Police. From the naming on his Police Good Service Medal the recipient has been positively identified as having been on the original muster of the 'Foot Police' of the Transvaal Division, South African Police, in 1913, and by the time he was awarded his Police Good Service Medal he was holding the rank of 2nd Class Sergeant

The South African Police Faithful Service Medal was first instituted in 1923 - and the first type issue with obverse legend 'Police Service' in English & 'Politie Dienst' Dutch languages was only awarded through to 1932. The medal could have been awarded for either 18 years exemplary service, or bestowed for a specific act of gallantry or distinguished conduct

Condition GVF

Code: 21499