British armed forces promotions and awards in The Gazette
The Gazette is the official bearer of War Office and Ministry of Defence (MOD) events. Take a look at the latest promotions for the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force.
Military promotions, awards and events in The Gazette
The Gazette is the official bearer of War Office and Ministry of Defence (MOD) events. For hundreds of years The Gazette has been publishing promotions, honours and awards for gallantry and meritorious service in the armed forces, from the Crimean War to World War 1 and World War 2, making it a key resource for researchers and historians.
Where can I see the latest Ministry of Defence promotions?
Military personnel are gazetted in weekly Ministry of Defence supplements, which are published in The London Gazette every Tuesday. These supplements include promotions, commissions and appointments for:
- Royal Navy
- British Army
- Royal Air Force
You can see the latest Ministry of Defence promotions supplement below or search for historical Ministry of Defence supplements.
Latest Ministry of Defence promotions
What does it mean to be mentioned in despatches?
A soldier who has been mentioned in despatches (MiD) is someone who has appeared in an official report written by a superior officer, which had then been sent on to the War Office. The report would have described the gallant or meritorious action that the subject had taken in the face of the enemy.
Despatches in the British armed forces are published in The Gazette. A mention will usually cite the person’s name, rank, number and regiment/unit. However, text explaining the reason why an individual was chosen is uncommon.
You can view all World War 1 despatches and World War 2 despatches on The Gazette website.
What military honours are announced in The Gazette?
The King's New Year and Birthday Honours are published in The Gazette twice a year, at New Year and on the King's official birthday. These supplements are published on behalf of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
The Birthday and New Year Honours lists detail military awards, as well as civilian and diplomatic awards (other than for gallantry). There are military and civilian divisions of both the Order of the Bath and the Order of the British Empire. The latter’s ranks include:
- Knight or Dame – the two senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross, and Knight or Dame Commander. The honours are awarded to members who have made major contributions to any activity, usually at national level.
- C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) – the highest-ranking Order of the British Empire honour (excluding a knighthood/damehood), awarded to individuals who have a prominent role at national level, or a leading role at regional level, for distinguished and innovative contribution in any area.
- O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) – awarded to individuals who have made major contributions at a local level, or whose work has gained a national profile.
- M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) – awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact.
Other military honours detailed in supplements and published in The Gazette on behalf of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood include:
- Victoria Cross – awarded in exceptional circumstances in recognition of extreme bravery and devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
- George Cross – recognises acts of gallantry not in the presence of the enemy, for example the disposal of explosives.
- Distinguished Service Order – recognises outstanding leadership during active operations
- Conspicuous Gallantry Cross – awarded for conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy.
- George Medal – recognises acts of bravery.
- Distinguished Service Cross – recognises acts of bravery during combat operations at sea.
- Military Cross – recognises acts of bravery during combat operations on land.
- Distinguished Flying Cross – recognises acts of bravery during combat operations in the air.
- Elizabeth Cross – gives special recognition to the families of those who have died on military operations, or as a result of terrorism.
Celebrate your honour with a commemorative edition
If you or a loved one have been honoured by the King or mentioned in despatches, The Gazette is available to buy as a personalised commemorative edition. Each pack contains a complete edition of The Gazette from the day the honour was published.
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Publication updated
2 January 2024