The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: Military Division
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a prestigious order of chivalry established to recognize contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charities, and public service. Within this order, the Military Division specifically honors members of the armed forces for their distinguished service and bravery.
The order is structured into several ranks, each denoting a different level of responsibility and achievement. These include the Commander (CBE), the Officer (OBE), and the Member (MBE). These honors are awarded to a wide array of personnel, from high-ranking officers to warrant officers and chaplains.
Key Facts
- The Order is divided into Military and Civil divisions.
- CBE stands for Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
- OBE stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
- MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire.
- Recipients include a diverse range of roles, including the Royal Army Chaplains Department and various technical corps.
Hierarchy of Military Appointments
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
The CBE is a high-ranking honor awarded for having a prominent role at a national level. A notable recipient in the Military Division is Brigadier (temporary) Guy Patrick Gregson, DSO MC, of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
The OBE is awarded to those who have performed a distinguished regional or county-wide role. Recipients in this category include several Lieutenant-Colonels and Majors across various regiments:
- Major Reginald Gordon Atkinson, MC (The Durham Light Infantry)
- Major Arthur John Batten, DCM (Royal Regiment of Artillery)
- Lieutenant-Colonel (temporary) Edward Cecil Richard Blaker (Royal Corps of Signals)
- Lieutenant-Colonel (now Colonel (temporary)) Arthur Maurice Field, MC (Corps of Royal Engineers)
- Lieutenant-Colonel Gerald Charles Hopkinson, DSO MC (Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps)
- Lieutenant-Colonel (temporary) Richard Ralph George Gower Godson Noyes, MBE (Royal Army Service Corps)
- Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hamish Taite (The King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster))
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
The MBE is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This rank includes a broad spectrum of military personnel, including Warrant Officers and specialized officers:
- Combat and Artillery: Including Major Walter Bull and Major John Henry Peyton Jones of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, and Captain Douglas William Arthur Ambidge of the Royal Tank Regiment.
- Technical and Support: Including Major Kenneth Musgrave Sykes (Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) and Captain Charles Howard Hodkinson (Royal Army Pay Corps).
- Warrant Officers: Including WOI Jack Hobbs (The Gloucestershire Regiment) and WOII George Alfred Calvert (The Durham Light Infantry).
- Chaplains: The Reverend Thomas James Trail Nicol, MC, and The Reverend James Patrick Petry, both 4th Class Chaplains to the Forces.
Summary of Military Honors by Rank
| Rank | Abbreviation | Example Recipient | Regiment/Corps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commander | CBE | Brigadier Guy Patrick Gregson | Royal Regiment of Artillery |
| Officer | OBE | Lt-Col Gerald Charles Hopkinson | Royal Tank Regiment |
| Member | MBE | WOI William Scott | The Black Watch |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Military and Civil Divisions?
The Military Division is specifically for members of the armed forces, while the Civil Division is for civilians or military personnel recognized for non-military achievements.
What does the abbreviation DSO stand for in the records?
DSO stands for the Distinguished Service Order, a military decoration awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces.
Can non-commissioned officers receive the MBE?
Yes, as evidenced by the inclusion of several Warrant Officer Class I and Class II recipients in the Military Division.
Which regiments were prominently represented in these honors?
The Royal Regiment of Artillery, The Durham Light Infantry, and the Royal Tank Regiment are among the units with multiple recipients listed.
Are chaplains eligible for the Order of the British Empire?
Yes, members of the Royal Army Chaplains Department, such as the Reverend Thomas James Trail Nicol, are eligible for these honors.