History

The Medal for the Defence of Ookiep was established by the Cape Cooper Company and often referred to the Cape Cooper Company Medal. The Medal was awarded to troops who defended O’okiep, a mining village in Namaqualand, from the siege by Boer forces from April 4 to May 4, 1902. Silver Medals were issued to Officers and are considered rare, while Bronze Medals were issued to other ranks. It is estimated that there are approximately 18 recipients of the Silver Medal and 537 recipients of the Bronze Medal.

While the Queen’s South Africa Medal and the King’s South Africa Medal also existed to award service in Namaqualand during the Anglo-Boer War, coloured members of the O’okiep garrison were excluded from receiving the award. As such, the Cape Cooper Company awarded the Medal for the Defence of Ookiep to all defenders of O’okiep regardless of race. The Medal for the Defence of Ookiep is believed to be worn on uniform.