Awards and honours (1105)
CBE (1105)
What is this notice?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) is a rank in the Order of the British Empire. First instituted by King George V in 1917, the order has military and civilian divisions and five ranks, of which 'Commander' is third in the level of seniority.
The CBE is awarded to individuals who have been recognised as playing a leading role in the national or regional life of the country. People are also awarded the CBE for successful innovation in their fields of expertise.
This notice is published in supplements of The Gazette on behalf of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
Who places this notice?
Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
Where can I find these notices on The Gazette website?
Further information
OBE (1105)
What is this notice?
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is a rank in the Order of the British Empire.
First instituted by King George V in 1917, the order has military and civilian divisions and five ranks, of which 'Officer' is fourth in the level of seniority.
The OBE is awarded to individuals who have made major contributions at a local level, or whose work has gained a national profile.
This notice is published in supplements of The Gazette on behalf of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
Who places this notice?
Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
Where can I find these notices on The Gazette website?
Further information
MBE (1105)
What is this notice?
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is a rank in the Order of the British Empire.
First instituted by King George V in 1917, the order has military and civilian divisions and five 'ranks', of which 'Member' is fifth in the level of seniority.
The MBE is awarded to people who have made significant contributions to their local communities.
This notice is published in supplements of The Gazette on behalf of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
Who places this notice?
Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
Where can I find these notices on The Gazette website?
Further information
Royal Victorian Order (1105)
What is this notice?
The Royal Victorian Order (RVO) is conferred on those deemed to have given significant service to the monarch or the monarchy in a personal capacity. It is awarded by the monarch and remains within their personal gift.
Persons in receipt of the order are appointed to one of following five grades, with the top two granting admission into knighthood:
- Knight or Dame Grand Cross (prefix: Sir or Dame, post-nominal: GCVO)
- Knight or Dame Commander (prefix: Sir or Dame, post-nominal: KCVO or DCVO)
- Commander (post-nominal: CVO)
- Lieutenant (post-nominal: LVO)
- Member (post-nominal: MVO)
Individuals may also be awarded the Royal Victorian Medal, entitling them to use the post-nominal letters RVM.
Who places this notice?
Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
Where can I find these notices on The Gazette website?
Further information
Polar Medal (1105)
What is this notice?
Inaugurated in 1904 to honour members of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's first Antarctic expedition, the Polar Medal is awarded to individuals who have given outstanding achievement and service to the UK in the field of polar research.
Nominees for the award are selected by the Polar Medal Assessment Committee, who make recommendations to the monarch via the secretary of state for defence. Although the award is primarily given to UK nationals, there is provision to honour citizens of Commonwealth countries, should the appropriate representations be made.
The medal is struck in silver and bears an effigy of the monarch on the obverse. It is accompanied by a clasp that is placed on the ribbon of the medal in order to signify which region or regions in which the service was completed. Second and third clasps may be awarded on completion of further service.
This notice is published in supplements of The Gazette on behalf of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
Who places this notice?
Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
Where can I find these notices on The Gazette website?
Further information
Imperial Service Medal (1105)
What is this notice?
The Imperial Service Medal affiliated to the Imperial Service Order is awarded, on retirement, to civil servants who have completed at least 25 years of service.
The Imperial Service Medal is affiliated with the Imperial Service Order, established by Edward VII in 1902.
Who places this notice?
Central Chancery of the Orders of the Knighthood
Where can I find these notices on The Gazette website?
Further information
webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Victoria Cross (1105)
What is this notice?
The Victoria Cross (VC) is an award given for gallantry. It is the highest award available for individuals who have performed valiant acts in the face of the enemy.
First introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856, the original medals were made from a bronze cannon seized during the Crimean War. The VC is usually presented by the Queen at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
These notices are published in supplements of The Gazette and contain details of the recipients acts of valour.
Who places this notice?
Ministry of Defence