History
Commander of the Order of the British Empire, the CBE, is the third class of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the most senior class below a knighthood. This is the military division, recognising senior distinguished service by members of the armed forces. The Order was established on 4 June 1917 by King George V, its military division following in 1918.
The Order was founded to fill the gaps in an honours system that had recognised mainly senior officers, civil servants, diplomats and those who served the royal family, and it was the first order open on equal terms to women and to people of every walk of life. A military division was created in 1918. In 1937 the insignia changed: the figure of Britannia at the centre of the badge gave way to the busts of King George V and Queen Mary, and the ribbon changed from purple to rose-pink with pearl-grey edges. As an Imperial honour it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The badge is an enamelled cross patonce with a pale blue cross, a crimson circlet and a gold central medallion bearing the crowned busts of King George V and Queen Mary; before 1937 the medallion bore Britannia. As a senior class it is worn by men from a ribbon at the neck and by women from a bow on the left shoulder.
The ribbon
Rose-pink with pearl-grey edges and a central grey stripe.
The ribbon is rose-pink with pearl-grey edges and an additional pearl-grey stripe down the centre, which distinguishes the military division from the civil. Before 1937 the ribbon was purple with a central red stripe.
Eligibility
The CBE is an appointment to the third class of the Order of the British Empire; this is the military division.
- The military division recognises senior distinguished service by members of the armed forces;
- Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal letters CBE; as a senior class the badge is worn at the neck;
- The military division's ribbon is rose-pink with pearl-grey edges and an additional central pearl-grey stripe. As an Imperial honour it retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Order of wear
Imperial awards were the honours of Australia before the Australian honours system was established in 1975, and they retain their place in the Order of Wearing. Appointments to an order of chivalry are worn before medals of the same era, in the order of precedence of the orders. As an Imperial honour the Order of the British Empire retains its place in the Australian Order of Wearing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a military CBE?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire in its military division, the third class of the Order, for senior distinguished service by members of the armed forces.
How is it worn?
As a senior class its enamelled badge is worn at the neck by men and from a shoulder bow by women, rather than on the chest.
How is it told apart from the civil division?
By the ribbon: the military division carries an additional pearl-grey stripe down the centre, which the civil division lacks.
Does it make the holder a Sir or Dame?
No; only the two most senior classes carry that title. The CBE ranks just below them.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
Yes, the letters CBE, the same as the civil division.
What does the badge show?
An enamelled cross patonce with a pale blue cross and gold medallion bearing, since 1937, the busts of King George V and Queen Mary.