OBE Civilian

The OBE or Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was instituted in 1917. This is the 2nd type OBE awarded from 1936 and is awarded to the present date. The Military and civilian awards are distinguished by a white stripe down the centre of the Military award.

There are five classes of appointment to the Order are, in descending order of precedence:

The GBE:

Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The KBE or DBE:

Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The CBE: Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The OBE: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The MBE: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire