Medal - JC Smuts

Reverse

Blank.

Edge

Plain

Comment

This medallion, originally manufactured with a pin to be worn in a lapel, was minted to mark the date of a transition of power in South Africa, and the nations consequent entry into World War II.

When Germany attacked Poland on 31 August 1939, Britain and her colonies were bound, by a defensive pact treaty with Poland, to come to her defense. Britain did so by declaring war on Germany on 3 September. The South African government of the time, led by Prime Minister Barry Hertzog, preferred neutrality and had, perhaps, minor pro-German leanings due to the German support of the Boer Republics during the Boer War less than 40 years earlier.

On 4 September 1939, Prime Minister Hertzog tabled a motion in parliament for South Africa to stay out of World War II. The motion was defeated in a parliamentary vote, immediately after which Hertzog resigned. This allowed Smuts to assume the post of Prime Minister and immediately declare war on Germany, in accordance with South Africa's obligations to her colonial partners. This was a profound moment in mid-20th century South African politics, and these medallions were minted to commemorate these events among the supporters of the new Smuts government.