South African Air Force Medals in World War 2

Awarded for operational service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Air crew qualified after two months of operational flying over enemy or enemy-occupied territory. Every member of 21 Squadron who flew on operations received this star.

Awarded for service in North Africa between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943. 21 Squadron qualified through operations over Libya, Tunisia, and the Western Desert — from the first sorties at Bardia through the fall of Tunis.

Awarded for operational service in Italy and the surrounding waters between 11 June 1943 and 8 May 1945. 21 Squadron operated from Sicilian and Italian airfields — Halfar, Cuticchi, Tortorella, Biferno, Pescara, and Rivolto — supporting the advance up the peninsula.

A South African award for volunteers who served for thirty days or more in a defined area outside the Union. The orange, gold, and green ribbon reflects the national colours. Most 21 Squadron personnel qualified through their lengthy overseas service.

Awarded to all full-time personnel who served for at least twenty-eight days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. This was the general service medal of the war — effectively a 'thank you for showing up' from the Crown.

A high-level decoration for distinguished service in action. Awarded to Lt. Col. A.C. Jandrell DFC and other commanding officers of 21 Squadron for sustained leadership during heavy operational periods. The squadron's ORB records 4 DSO awards.

The most common gallantry decoration in 21 Squadron — 96 citations recorded in the ORB appendices. Awarded to commissioned officers for acts of valour, courage, or devotion to duty while flying on active operations against the enemy.

The other-ranks equivalent of the DFC — awarded to non-commissioned aircrew (Sergeants, Flight Sergeants) for conspicuous gallantry. Rarer than the DFC in 21 Squadron, with only 2 citations identified in the war diary.

A civil and military decoration recognising distinguished service. Awarded to senior officers of 21 Squadron for exceptional administrative or operational contributions beyond individual acts of flying gallantry.