Africa Service Medal (M22408 K. Cupido)

The prefix 'M' indicates that the recipient Kannie Cupido was of 'Malay' ethnicity, who would have served with the Indian and Malay Corps of the South African Defence Force

The non-Caucasian services, of the Union Defence Force, were raised in 1940, and comprised of: Native Military Corps (recruited from the Black South African population); Cape Corps (drawn from South Africa's multi-ethnic, non-white population; and the Indian and Malay Corps (drawn from the Indian and Malay communities in South Africa). The Malay and Indian Corps was absorbed into the Cape Corps in 1942. The Corps operated as a service corps, with pioneer and transport elements, and was expanded to include motorised infantry, used for non-combatant roles such as guarding prisoners of war. The Corps was disbanded at the end of the Second World War

5 x Military Medals 'For Bravery in the Field' were awarded to South African soldiers of Malay ethnicity during the Second World War

Kannie Cupido was born in South Africa on 5 June 1899. Prior to enlisting in the South African Army, he was residing at, 235 Minaar Street, Cradock. Kannie enlisted on 8 October 1941, and was posted to the Indian and Malay Corps, and subsequently served as under:

- South Africa: 08/10/41 - 04/05/43
- Middle East: 04/05/43 - 25/10/45
- South Africa: 25/10/45 - 05/02/46

Kannie was entitled to 4 x campaign medals as under:

- The Africa Star
- Defence Medal
- War Medal
- Africa Service Medal

Sold with summary of the recipients service details from South African Archives

Condition: VF

Code: 23776