The SJAB men who served in South Africa were awarded a bronze medal which bore the uncrowned head of Edward VII. Their service numbers, ranks, initials, names and units were engraved on the rim in large block letters. The silver Queen's South Africa Medal was also awarded with details impressed on the rim and the unit shown as 'St John Ambulance Brigade'. Both medals could be awarded posthumously.
The medal was sanctioned for wearing in uniform on 26 January 1904.
Approximately 1,871 medals were issued. Of these, some 20 were issued to notable people and 40 were issued to those involved in training in the UK. As these 60 people did not leave the UK, they were not eligible to receive the QSA.
See the roll for the St John Ambulance Brigade.