Orders, Decorations and Medals

The campaign group of five awarded to Private M. G. Van Tonder, “C” (Rhodesia) Squadron 22 Special Air Service Regiment and Rhodesian Police

War Medal; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (S.R.1034 Pte. M. G. Van Tonder, S. Rhod. Mil. F.); Rhodesian General Service Medal (57350 F/R M. G. Van Tonder (R)) this an official replacement; Police Reserve Faithful Service Medal (5753C F/R M. G. Van Tonder); Zimbabwe Independence Medal 1980, the edge numbered ‘63481’, together with R.A.F. Permanent Pass, original Malayan Scouts S.A.S. arm badge, Rhodesian SAS wings, various other badges and buttons, and several original photographs of the recipient in Malaya with “C” Squadron, nearly extremely fine (5)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Important Collection of Awards to the SAS and Special Forces.

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M. G. Van Tonder was born in Rhodesia in 1928 and enlisted in the Royal Air Force in July 1945, being demobilised shortly afterwards when the War ended. In 1952 he volunteered, and was accepted, for the elite 100-strong SAS Squadron raised to fight in Malaya. The nominal roll includes many names who later would become leaders during the period of UDI, including Ron Reid-Daly, who was a Corporal in 22 SAS alongside Van Tonder, and later OC of the Selous Scouts. Upon their return to Salisbury, the unit was officially disbanded, and Van Tonder returned to civilian life, joining the British South Africa Police as a Field Reservist. He served with the Police from 1957 to 1981. Sold with further research including copies of “C” Squadron newsletters and complete nominal roll of its members.