Order of the British Empire Honors
The Order of the British Empire is a prestigious order of chivalry that recognizes contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations, and public service outside the civil service. These honors are divided into several ranks, each reflecting the level of achievement and the impact of the recipient's service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Key Facts
- DBE stands for Dame Commander, the female equivalent of a Knight Commander.
- The honors are split between the Civil Division and the Military Division.
- Recipients are recognized for a wide array of services, ranging from local government and engineering to the arts and national security.
- The hierarchy of the ranks mentioned includes Dame Commander, Commander, Officer, and Member.
Dame Commander (DBE)
The rank of Dame Commander is one of the highest honors within the Order. In the Civil Division, Lady Olwen Elizabeth Carey Evans was recognized for her significant public services in Wales.
Commander (CBE)
The Commander (CBE) rank is awarded for having a prominent role at a national level, or a leading role at a regional level. This rank spans both military and civil sectors.
Military Division
Within the Royal Navy, Captain Robert Gwilym Lewis-Jones RN received the CBE for his distinguished military service.
Civil Division
Civilian recipients include Ivor Egwad Jones JP, honored for his services to Rugby Football, and John Eryl Owen-Jones, who served as the Clerk of the Caernarvonshire County Council.
Officer (OBE)
The Officer (OBE) rank recognizes a distinguished regional or county-wide role. The Civil Division recipients include a diverse group of professionals:
- Thomas Gwynne Davies: Borough Engineer and Surveyor for the Royal Borough of Caernarvon.
- Arwel Hughes: Head of Music for the Welsh Region of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
- Tegid Lloyd Roberts: County Surveyor for the Caernarvonshire County Council.
- John Oswald Smith: Town Clerk for the Royal Borough of Caernarvon.
- Carl Toms: A recognized Stage and Interior Designer.
- John Spark Wilson: A Commander within the Metropolitan Police.
Member (MBE)
The Member (MBE) rank is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. In the Civil Division, John Langran Pound was honored for his work as the Principal Design Officer for the Ministry of Public Building and Works.
Summary of Honors
| Rank | Division | Recipient | Field of Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dame Commander (DBE) | Civil | Lady Olwen Elizabeth Carey Evans | Public services in Wales |
| Commander (CBE) | Military | Captain Robert Gwilym Lewis-Jones RN | Royal Navy |
| Commander (CBE) | Civil | Ivor Egwad Jones JP | Rugby Football |
| Commander (CBE) | Civil | John Eryl Owen-Jones | Local Government (Caernarvonshire) |
| Officer (OBE) | Civil | Various (6 recipients) | Engineering, Music, Police, Design |
| Member (MBE) | Civil | John Langran Pound | Public Building and Works |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Civil and Military Divisions?
The Civil Division is awarded to civilians for their contributions to society, while the Military Division is specifically for members of the armed forces for their service.
What does DBE stand for?
DBE stands for Dame Commander, which is the female equivalent of a Knight Commander in the Order of the British Empire.
Who is a JP in the context of these honors?
JP stands for Justice of the Peace, a judicial officer who typically handles minor legal matters in the community, as seen in the case of Ivor Egwad Jones.
Which professional fields are recognized by the OBE?
The OBE is versatile and can be awarded to individuals in various fields, including civil engineering, broadcasting, law enforcement, and the arts.
What is the role of a Town Clerk?
A Town Clerk, such as John Oswald Smith, serves as the chief administrative officer of a municipal corporation or borough council.