Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Major D. W. Diedricks, Rhodesian Special Air Service

Rhodesia, General Service Medal (Maj. D. W. Diedricks); Exemplary Service Medal, with Second Award Bar (Maj D W Diedricks); G.B., General Service Medal 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (S.R.200 Sjt., S. Rhod. Mil. F.) mounted as worn, good very fine (3) £1200-1500

Dudley Diedricks was born in King William’s Town, Cape Province and was educated at Dale College, King William’s Town. He came to Rhodesia in 1946 and in January 1948 attested for the Southern Rhodesian Staff Corps. A keen rugby player, he represented Rhodesia in 1947-48 and the Forces XV during 1948-50. He was a member of the S.A.S. Regiment Rugby XV team who were winners of the FARELF inter-unit Rugby Cup 1951-52.

In the Army he served in Malaya and Northern Rhodesia, with the S.A.S., 1 Rhodesian African Rifles, 1 Rhodesian Light Infantry; 5 Rhodesia Regiment and 8 Rhodesia Regiment, as training officer and in Staff appointments. His last appointment was with 1 Rhodesian Light Infantry, as Officer Commanding Base Group, 1971-76. For his services with the post-U.D.I. Southern Rhodesian forces he was awarded the Exemplary Service Medal on 15 January 1971 and the Bar on 4 July 1975 - one of 58 bars issued for this medal.

Diedricks was one of the original training team for the Far East Volunteer Unit (S.A.S.) for Malaya. Served as a Sergeant with C (Rhodesia) Squadron, Malayan Scouts, 22 S.A.S. in Malaya. One of 120 medals for Malaya issued to the Rhodesian S.A.S.

With copied research on Diedricks and the Rhodesian S.A.S. unit and with photocopied photographs.