This British Order of Knighthood was established in 1917 by King George V to salute meritorious achievement in military, political, or civilians circles. In descending order the five classes of the order proceed thus; Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE), Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). To be in receipt of the GBE or KBE / DBE the person on whom the honour is bestowed ascends to Knighthood, and thereafter is known as Sir or Dame. Separate to and beneath the five classes of the Order, though associated with it, is the British Empire Medal, where one is honoured but deemed ineligible for admittance to the Order; the equivalent of being Mentioned In Despatches, as it were. Typically it is awarded to civilians or to persons in the armed forces below the rank of Warrant Officer. The award of the British Empire Medal ceased in 1990.

British Empire Medal (BEM)