History

The Rhodesia Medal was instituted by the British Government with the approval of the Australian, New Zealand, Fijian, and Kenyan governments.

It is awarded to the military personnel, police, and civilians who served in a multinational force that helped to maintain peace prior to the 1980 elections in Zimbabwe, which resulted in the country achieving independence. In order to be eligible for the Medal, a potential recipient has to have rendered at least 14 days of service in Rhodesia between 1 December 1979 and 20 March 1980.

The obverse of the medal features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by the inscription ‘ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID. DEF.’. The reverse of the medal features a sable antelope with the year ‘1980’ above its back. The antelope is surrounded by the inscription ‘THE RHODESIA MEDAL’.