WWI British OBE (Order of the British Empire)

[Walkwolf]

Yes, there were military and civil awards to both men and women. It is actually an 'Order'
as opposed to a 'Decoration' or medal per se, and recipients of it were allowed to have
the letters 'MBE' after their names. It is quite prestigious, as it takes precedence over
most other British medals, such as the 'Distinguished Service Cross', or the 'Military
Cross' or any campaign or long service medal.........

[Walkwolf]

Sorry Steve, but you are wrong.

The medal in question is a pre-1937 issue of the Breast Badge of a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division), awarded for service to the state and Commonwealth generally. This is the lowest class of the order (MBE), the letters OBE belonging to the next class up: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and after this are CBE (Commander), KBE (Knight Commander) and finally GBE (Knight Grand Cross), the latter two being knighthoods allowing the prefix 'Sir'. The badge pictured was a civilian award.

The order was founded in 1917 owing to the very large demand for honours and awards created by WW1, and has since been awarded for a wide range of valuable work in the social services including entertainment and local government. The Beatles were actually awarded MBEs.

The Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) is a different (although related) award, which does not include membership of the order.

Rob

Thanks for clearing up my misuse of the terminology, Rob.........!

[Battery Command Post]

Thanks for clearing up my misuse of the terminology, Rob.........!

Hope I didn't offend you

Rob