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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 12, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Date: 1917 - present (Show more)Ask the Chatbot a Question
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The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, British order of knighthood instituted in 1917 by King George V to reward both civilian and military wartime service, although currently the honour is bestowed for meritorious service to the government in peace as well as for gallantry in wartime. In 1918 a separate military division of the order was created.
The five classes of both civil and military divisions, listed in descending order and conferred on men and women equally, are Knight and Dame Grand Cross (GBE), Knight and Dame Commander (KBE and DBE, respectively), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). Conferment of the two highest classes entails admission into knighthood, if the candidate is not already a knight or dame, and the right to the title of “Sir” or “Dame” as appropriate. (Knights and Dames Grand Cross, together with Knights of the Garter and of the Thistle, may be granted the use of supporters with their arms.) Appointments are usually made on the recommendation of the British Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
The officers of the order are Prelate (the Lord Bishop of London), King of Arms, Registrar, Secretary, Dean (Dean of St. Paul’s), and Gentleman Usher of the Purple Rod. The chapel of the order is in the crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. The insignia bear likenesses of King George V and Queen Mary, together with the motto “For God and the Empire.”
Associated with this order is the British Empire Medal (BEM) instituted by George V. This award for meritorious service is given to both civilians and military personnel who are not eligible for admission into any of the five classes of the order.