Know the Medal: 04. Grand Officer of the Legion of Merit (G.L.M.)

[Gerry van Tonder]

This award carried Civil and Military Divisions, "For Outstanding Service to Rhodesia."

The award consisted of a 51mm white-enamelled Maltese Cross with silver/gold edges, with the green shield of armorial bearings on a blue circle in the centre. The Cross sits on a gold wreath, holding four silver Zimbabwe birds. Obverse/reverese the same.

GLM (Mil) Cross - small.jpg

The Civil and Military Divisions only differ by way of a red stripe on the ribbon in the case of the latter.

For formal occasions, both divisions of the award wear a silver multi-pointed star holding a gold Zimbabwe bird surrounded by a wreath.

GLM Star - small.jpg

[JamesM]

Does anyone know who the maker of these were? Breast badge 001.jpg Merit 001.jpg

[Gerry van Tonder]

Does anyone know who the maker of these were?

James, the distributor/manufacturer was Livingstone Mint, using the facilities of Matthews Manufacturing in Bulawayo.

[JamesM]

Thanks Gerry,

Does this company still exist today?

[Gerry van Tonder]

James, yes it does.

See the post by clicking here http://www.wewererhodesians.com/foru...hread.php?t=37 on the Rhodesia Medal Designers thread on this Forum for a full background.

[JamesM]

Thanks Gerry. I thought it rang a bell.

[Gerry van Tonder]

The only listed recipient of the Military Division was Lt Gen Peter Walls, O.L.M., D.C.D., M.B.E. - obviously a rare honour!