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What letters go after the recipient's name?

When a person is honored with this award, they are allowed to use the letters OBE after their name. These letters stand for Officer of the Order of the British Empire. People often include these letters on official documents or business cards to show they have been recognized by the country.

Can an OBE recipient be called Sir or Dame?

No, you do not become a knight or a dame just by receiving an OBE. Those special titles are only given to the people in the two highest ranks of this order. The OBE is a very high honor, but it does not come with those specific public titles.

What is the difference between military and civil OBEs?

The award is split into two types to show how a person served their country. The military version has a small gray stripe running down the middle of the purple ribbon. The civil version does not have this stripe and is given to people who help the nation in other important ways.

Can people who are not British get an OBE?

Yes, people from other countries can receive an honorary OBE. This happens when someone does something great that helps the United Kingdom even though they are not a citizen. These people are still recognized for their hard work and major achievements.

What does the badge look like?

The award is a beautiful gold cross that has rounded edges. In the center, there is a picture of King George V and Queen Mary, who were the leaders when the order started in 1917. This badge is worn on a purple ribbon to show that the person has done excellent work for their country.

What letters go after the recipient's name?

When a person is honored with this award, they are allowed to use the letters OBE after their name. These letters stand for Officer of the Order of the British Empire. People often include these letters on official documents or business cards to show they have been recognized by the country.

Can an OBE recipient be called Sir or Dame?

No, you do not become a knight or a dame just by receiving an OBE. Those special titles are only given to the people in the two highest ranks of this order. The OBE is a very high honor, but it does not come with those specific public titles.

What is the difference between military and civil OBEs?

The award is split into two types to show how a person served their country. The military version has a small gray stripe running down the middle of the purple ribbon. The civil version does not have this stripe and is given to people who help the nation in other important ways.

Can people who are not British get an OBE?

Yes, people from other countries can receive an honorary OBE. This happens when someone does something great that helps the United Kingdom even though they are not a citizen. These people are still recognized for their hard work and major achievements.

What does the badge look like?

The award is a beautiful gold cross that has rounded edges. In the center, there is a picture of King George V and Queen Mary, who were the leaders when the order started in 1917. This badge is worn on a purple ribbon to show that the person has done excellent work for their country.

Home Library United KingdomOfficer of the Order of the British Empire

Distinguished service decoration

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

A distinguished British order recognizing individuals who played a major role in public life or military duty.

United Kingdom Established 1917 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and before Member of the Order of the Bath.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to military officers and civilians for major leadership, service, or contributions to the nation.

Eligibility

Military personnel and civilians nominated for high-level personal achievement or service.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and before Member of the Order of the Bath.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Distinguished service decoration, United Kingdom medal

History

King George V created the Order of the British Empire in 1917 during World War I. He wanted to reward thousands of people, including ordinary citizens and women, who helped support the war effort at home and at the front.

The Order was split into military and civil divisions in 1918. The Officer level, shortened to OBE, is the fourth rank of the order and sits below Commander and above Member.

Over the decades, military personnel have received the OBE for outstanding leadership, duty, and planning during peacetime and wartime. It remains one of the most respected decorations in modern Great Britain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I World War II Cold War Gulf War War in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to H. Jones, including Victoria Cross, Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Member of the Order of the British Empire, South Atlantic Medal, shown against a light United Kingdom flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Falklands

Victoria Cross Officer of the Order of the British Empire Member of the Order of the British Empire+1

H. Jones

How Did Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones Earn the Victoria Cross at Goose Green?

Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones was the commanding officer of 2 PARA who died leading a decisive charge against Argentine positions during the Battle of Goose Green.

British28 May 1982

Read Story

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Jeremy Moore, including Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, Officer of the Order of the British Empire, Military Cross and Bar, shown against a light United Kingdom flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Falklands

Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross and Bar

Jeremy Moore

Who Was Major General Jeremy Moore and How Did He Accept the Argentine Surrender?

Major General Sir Jeremy Moore was the senior Royal Marine officer who commanded British land forces during the 1982 Falklands War and accepted the Argentine surrender.

British14 June 1982

Read Story

Sources

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