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An exceptionally rare and highly desirable First World War Bronze War Medal, awarded to:
19328 PTE James Seloanyana
South African Native Labour Contingent (SANLC)
This medal represents one of the most historically significant and hardest-to-find categories of WW1 medals connected to South Africa.
Historical Background
During World War I, the South African Native Labour Contingent (SANLC) was formed to support the Allied war effort. Over 25,000 Black South Africans volunteered and were sent overseas, primarily to France, where they performed vital labour under extremely harsh and dangerous conditions unloading ships, building infrastructure, and working close to the front lines.
Although these men served in a war zone and many lost their lives, they were not permitted to carry weapons and were excluded from the standard campaign medals issued to combat troops.
Instead, they were awarded a Bronze War Medal, rather than silver a reflection of the racial policies of the era. This makes these medals powerful symbols of sacrifice, injustice, and overlooked bravery.
One of the greatest tragedies involving the SANLC was the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917, where over 600 men drowned, making SANLC history among the most poignant of WW1.
Why This Medal Is So Rare
SANLC Bronze War Medals were issued in far smaller numbers than standard WW1 medals
Many were lost, melted down, or never preserved
Named examples to identified SANLC soldiers are exceptionally scarce on todays market
Very few survive in collectible condition
Why This Is a Must-Have
Named to a documented SANLC serviceman
Deeply important South African and WW1 history
Increasingly sought after by serious medal collectors
Represents a story that was ignored for decades
Genuine museum-grade collectable
Collectors Note
Opportunities to acquire named SANLC Bronze War Medals are becoming increasingly rare. When they do appear, they are quickly absorbed into advanced collections and seldom return to the open market.
This is not just a medal it is a voice from history.
A true must-have for any serious WW1 or South African militaria collector.
