Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Description
For the Commander of the Order of the British Empire there is no star and the neck badge (2.5 inches wide), is smaller than that of the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Obverse
Original Badge: A cross patonce (four arms with three points on each arm) of silver-gilt with the arms enamelled pearl-grey, surmounted by an Imperial Crown. The circular centre, in gold, shows the figure of Britannia, holding a trident and seated beside a shield bearing the national flag. The centre is surrounded by a circular band, enamelled crimson and bearing the motto FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE in gold.
Current Badge (after 1937): As above except that in the centre, in gold, are the crowned effigies of King George V and his consort Queen Mary. Neither the original nor the current Officer of the Order of the British Empire and Member of the Order of the British Empire badges are enamelled.
Reverse
A rope circle with the current Royal Cypher, surmounted by an Imperial Crown and with a hallmark on the lower limb.
Bar
A silver emblem of two oak leaves is worn on the riband when the appointment to the order is for gallantry.
Mounting
A ring is attached to the top of the crown through which a larger ring passes.
Ribbon
Original: The civil ribbon was purple (1.5 inches wide). The military ribbon had a narrow central stripe of scarlet added.
Current (after 1937): The civil ribbon is rose-pink with pearl grey edges. The military ribbon has a narrow central stripe of pearl grey added.
Dates
The order was established in June 1917. In December 1918, military and civil divisions were established.
On 09 March 1937, the insignia and ribbon were changed. After 01 January 1958, gallantry awards were recognized with silver oak leaves.
Issued
There have been a total of 481 CBEs issued to Canadians; 200 civil and 281 military.
There have been 10 Signals recipients of the CBE. Please see Commander of the Order of the British Empire - Signals Recipients for a listing of the individuals.