The United Kingdom’s honours system has evolved over time, with many current awards having their origins in the Middle Ages (14th century). The awards are also used by some other British Commonwealth countries. Awards in the United Kingdom are made within Orders of Knighthood and those used today are:
The Most Noble Order of the GarterKnight (KG)The Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle
Lady (LG)Knight (KT)The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick
Lady (LT)Knight (KP)The Order of MeritMember (OM)The Royal Victorian OrderKnight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO)The Most Honourable Order of the Bath
Knight Commander (KCVO)
Dame Commander (DCVO)
Commander (CVO)
Lieutenant (LVO)
Member (MVO)Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCB)The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George
Knight Commander (KCB)
Dame Commander (DCB)
Companion (CB)Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCMG)The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
Knight Commander (KCMG)
Dame Commander (DCMG)
Companion (CMG)Grand Cross (GBE)The Order of the Companions of Honour
Knight (KBE)
Dame (DBE)
Companion/Commander (CBE)
Officer (OBE)
Member (MBE)Companion/Commander (CH)The Imperial Service OrderMember (ISO)Knight Bachelor
Bravery (or gallantry) awards are made in recognition of specific acts by individuals who risk their own lives in an selfless way in order to save, or attempt to save, the life of one of The Queen’s subjects. They are also used to recognise similarly selfless brave acts undertaken in the prevention of crime or in the arrest or attempted arrest of dangerous criminals.
Anyone may nominate a person for a bravery award, though the majority are made through official channels (police, fire service etc). All cases are assessed on their own merits and against criteria established by precedents. There is no limit on the number of awards and they may be made at any time, although they will usually be published in two lists a year.
For civilian awards, the Ceremonial Secretariat co-ordinates the assessment of nominations and submits them to The Sovereign for approval. The Ministry of Defence considers awards recognising acts of bravery in military operations. The awards available are:
CivilianGeorge Cross (GC)Military
George Medal (GM)
Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM)
Queen's Commendation for Bravery
Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the AirVictoria Cross (VC)
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Military Cross (MC)
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Mentions in Dispatches
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service