PROFILE OF A RESEARCH PROJECT: THE MEDAL PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY

Abstract

The following particle embodies an analysis of the following four publications, relating to the

South African award structure:
(i) Fforde, J.P.!. & Monick, S. A guide to South African orders, decorations and medals and their ribbons 1896-1985. Johannesburg: South African National Museum of Military History, 1986.
(ii) Monick, S. South African military awards 1912-1987. Johannesburg: South African National Museum of Military History, 1988.
(iii) Monick, S. Awards of the South African uniformed public services 1922-1981. Johannesburg: South African National Museum of Military History, 1988.
(iv) Monick, S. South African civil awards 1910-1990. Pending publication by the South African National Museum of Military History in January 1991.

The term "analysis", as opposed to "review", merits considerable emphasis. For it is, of course, impossible for an author to furnish an objective appraisal of his/her own works. Rather, the central motive underlying this article is to provide the reader with a profile of a research project undertaken by the South African National Museum of Military History. The publications cited above absorb and disseminate the products of that research, which may be defined as a structured presentation of the evolution and development of the South African award structure; including an in-depth analysis of the central themes or characteristics of this pantheon.