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Falkenstein Awards
Honours, Awards, Decorations and Medals
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
I have not listed a great number of colonial, police, fire, civil lifesaving and other such awards. Persons holding awards with letters given in parentheses may use these letters, in this order, after their name - if a Baronet, starting with 'Bart.' or 'Bt." Note that there are no miniature versions of the stars, etc. of the various Orders of Knighthood. Within Great Britain, the following precedence is observed when wearing awards:
Victoria Cross -- 1856; for outstanding gallantry (VC) A few have been forfeited, and one or two persons have the bar for a second award; could not be awarded to Colonials until 1867, and even now only when serving with Imperial troops. Noble Order of the Garter -- 1348; a 'Great' order (KG) Not more than 26 members, all Knight Companions, plus 13 Military Knights of Windsor (retired distinguished Army officers). Meets once a year, on April 23rd (St. George's Day). Recipients cannot also be members of lesser Orders without special dispensation from the Crown. Traditionally, all of the positions in the Order of the Garter are held by senior peerages of Great Britain. "Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense" = dishonoured be he who thinks evil of it. Ancient & Noble Order of the Thistle -- 1687; a 'Great' order (KT) Knights only; recipients are associated with Scotland, and are usually already peers. "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" = none touches me with impunity. Illustrious Order of St. Patrick -- 1783; a 'Great' order (KP) Knights only; recipients are associated with Ireland, and are usually already peers. "Quis Separabit?" = who shall divide us?. Honorable Order of the Bath -- 1725 (GCB, KCB, CB) Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander, Companion. The CB is the commonest order awarded for gallantry by officers in action, and in practice is almost never awarded to officers below the rank of major. There is also a civil division ranking equally with the military. The Companion grade does not confer knighthood. "Ich Dien" = I serve. Order of the Star of India -- 1861 (GCSI, KCSI, CSI) Knight Grand Commander, Knight Commander, Companion. Awarded for service to the Crown in and for India, and to recognize the loyalty of Ruling Princes and Chiefs. Companion grade does not confer knighthood."Heaven's Light Our Guide". Order of St. Michael & St. George -- 1818 (GCMG, KCMG, CMG) Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander, Companion. Awarded for services to the Crown overseas or in foreign affairs. Companion grade does not confer knighthood; foreigners can be admitted as 'honorary members'."Auspicium Melioris Aevi" = omen of a better age. Baronet's Badge -- (Bart.) Worn as per the heriditary aristocratic rank. Knight Bachelor's Badge Worn as per the aristocratic rank. Indian Order of Merit -- 1837; gallantry in the field (IOM) May be awarded to all ranks, usually recommended by regiment. Three classes; entitles holder to higher pension. Distinguished Conduct Medal -- 1854; gallantry and good conduct (DCM) Army enlisted men only Conspicuous Gallantry Medal -- 1854; gallantry and good conduct (CGM) Navy and Marine enlisted men only; no second award bar yet awarded Albert Medal -- 1866; for gallantry in saving life at sea (AM) First class (gold), and second class (bronze); awarded to military or civilians. Campaign or War Medals -- since 1783; participation in a campaign The commonest pieces of metal on a veteran's chest. The "Military General Service Medal" for the Napoleonic wars of 1793-1814, and the "Waterloo Medal" of 1815 are the earliest likely to be seen on any living character -- about 28 further medals, and hundreds of clasps, have been issued since. War medals, usually round in shape, have clasps with the names of significant battles, sieges, actions, etc. on the ribbon. Meritorious Service Medal -- 1845; distinguished long service Recipients, either serving or retired non-commissioned officers, are given an annuity for life. About 20 of these medals are issued each year, distributed equally among the regiments and corps of the Army and (about 3 each year) the Royal Marines. Long Service & Good Conduct Medal -- 1830; 21 years very good conduct Enlisted men of the Army only. Royal Navy LS & GC Medal -- 1830; 21 years very good conduct Enlisted men of the Royal Navy or Royal Marines only. Long and Faithful Service Medal -- 10, 20, 30 etc. years good service For staff of the Royal Household. Army Best Shot Medal -- 1869; winner of annual contest Also known as "The Queen's Medal" Foreign Orders, Decorations, and Medals The general rule is that non-British insignia should be worn after all British Orders, decorations and medals and in the order of the dates in which they were conferred. When, however, insignia are being worn on occasions specifically connected with the donor country, pride of place should be given to the insignia of that country - foreign Orders just before British Orders, foreign decorations before equivalent British decorations, and foreign medals before British medals. Persons in the military or government must have Royal permission to accept foreign awards.
Orders, Awards and Decorations of Other Nations
Orders of Chivalry, if not otherwise known, are probably organized with five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight. Of course, the title Grand Master outranks them all, but that is not really an "awardable" rank. The term 'Great' order refers to those regarded as high state awards - usually awarded to people with only the most terrific influence in that area. Most countries also have various medals to commemorate participation in a war or military campaign.
Duchy of Anhalt
Hausorden Albrecht des Brunn -- 1836 Order of Merit for Arts and Sciences -- 1874
Austrian-Hungarian Empire
Order of the Golden Fleece -- 1700; a 'Great' order Only one grade: Knight Military Order of Maria Theresa -- 1757; for unparalleled heroism Three grades: Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight; can be awarded to any rank in the army, regardless of birth, origin or religious faith (considered terrifically democratic). It confers hereditary nobility and a pension. Order of Franz Joseph -- 1764; for military and civil merit Civil merit in industry, commerce and diplomacy. Five grades: Grand Cross, Commander with Star, Commander, Officer, Knight) Royal Hungarian Order of St. Stephen -- 1764; for civil merit Order of Leopold -- 1808; for military and civil merit Three classes: Grand Cross, Commander, Knight Order of the Iron Crown -- 1815 Order of Francis Joseph the First -- 1849; for merit Three classes: Grand Cross, Commander, Knight Order of Elisabeth Theresa -- 1750; for bravery Only one class (Knights); holders receive a pension Order of the Starry Cross -- 1668; a noble ladies' order Two grades: Dame Grand Cross, Dame. Order of Slaves of Virtue -- 1662; a noble ladies' order Military Merit Cross -- 1849; for deeds of bravery in action Three grades: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Medal for Valour -- 1804; NCOs and enlisted bravery Two grades: silver and bronze
Grand Duchy of Baden
Order of Loyalty -- 1715 Also known as the Order of Fidelity; only one grade: Knight. Military Order of Charles Frederick -- 1807 Three grades: Grand Cross, Commander, Knight. There is also a Medal for lesser recipients. Order of the Zaehringen Lion -- 1812 Four grades: Grand Cross, Commander, Knight 1st Class, Knight 2nd Class. Grades may be awarded 'with swords' and/or 'with oak leaves' (representing special achievement).
Kingdom of Bavaria
Order of St. Hubert -- 1444; a 'Great' order Four grades: Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Knight Order of St. George -- 1729 Four grades: Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Knight Military Order of Maximilian Joseph -- 1806 Order of the Palatine Lion -- 1767 Order of Military Merit -- 1866 Four grades: Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Knight. Combat awards differ slightly. Merit Order of St. Michael -- 1693; for merit Four grades: Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Knight. There is also a Medal for lesser recipients. Order Civil Merit of the Bavarian Crown -- 1808 Four grades: Grand Cross, Grand Commander, Commander, Knight. Order of King Ludwig -- 1827 Maximilian Order for Science and Arts -- 1853 Order of St. Elizabeth -- 1766 Order of St. Anne (Munich) -- 1784 Order of St. Anne (Würzburg) -- 1803
Kingdom of Belgium
Order of Leopold -- 1832; for merit and exceptional service Five grades in civil, military, and maritime divisions.
Duchy of Brunswick
Order of Henry the Lion -- 1834; bravery or merit Five grades: Grand Cross, Commander (1st & 2nd class), Knight (1st & 2nd class). Attached to this order is a cross of merit, awarded in two grades
Empire of California
Order of the Golden Bear -- 1860 Several grades, inconsistently awarded. Order of the Rosy Sunset -- 1873 First class is the only grade known of. Enamelled cardioid pink decoration with red sun rays, worn on white sash over left shoulder. Order of the Golden Star -- 1865 Awarded in recognition of merit.
Duchy of Courland
Order of Merit -- 1710
Kingdom of Denmark
Order of the Elephant -- 1580; a 'Great' order Only one grade: Knight. Light blue sash is worn over left shoulder. Order of Dannebrog -- 1671; for deeds or service Order of Loyalty -- 1732 Order of Sophia Magdalene -- 1732 Order of Matilda -- 1771 Order of Christian the Seventh -- 1774
France (Second Empire or Third Republic)
Order of the Legion of Honour -- 1804 Awarded in the grades of Grand Croix, Grand Officier, Commandeur, Officier and Chevalier Military Medal -- 1852 Awarded to NCOs and enlisted men for bravery
Kingdom of Hanover
Order of St. George -- 1839; a 'Great' order Guelphic Order -- 1867 Order of Ernst August -- 1865
Kingdom of Hawaii
Order of Kamehameha the First -- 1865 Four grades: Collar, Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander, Companion
Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt
Order of Ludwig -- 1831 Order of Philip the Magnanimous -- 1840
Principality of Hohenlohe
Order of the Phoenix -- 1770
Principality of Hohenzollern
Princely House Order -- 1841
International Orders
Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta -- 1113; aka the Knights of Malta Thirteen separate 'Grand Priories': Auvergne, Provence, La France, Aragon, Castille, Italy ('Roman'), Lombardy, Venice, Sicily, Naples, Bohemia, Austria, and England; further subdivided into Priories and Bailiwicks. The membership is very rarefied - most Knights must prove they have 16 aristocratic forebears; ranks include (in ascending order) Knights of Grace, Knights of Justice, Knights of Honour, Professed Knights, Commanders, Bailiffs, Priors, Grand Priors, Provincial Masters, Grand Chancellor, Grand Commander, and Grand Master. A Catholic order, its headquarters have been in Rome for several decades. This Order received the property of the Knights Templar in France at the time of their suppression. Order of the Knights of St. John -- 1113 Divided into eight 'Grand Priories'; this is the Protestant branch of the Knights of Malta. Order of Knights Templar (Milites Dei) -- 1119? Suppressed in France, Germany, and England in 1308; only remained in Scotland, Spain and Portugal (under name of "Order of Christ") for many years, but lately reestablished in England, France, etc. While ostensibly a Catholic order, wholly independent of the Church. Order of Teutonic Knights -- 1190 Operates mostly in eastern Europe; the High and German Master of the Order is a position held hereditarily by the imperial house of Austria, and is filled by an archduke. The Imperial Fourth Infantry Regiment is recruited from the Austrian territories formerly held by the Teutonic Knights, and is still identified with the Order. Hospitaller's Order of St. Lazarus -- 1115 A Catholic order, separate 'Priories' for each nation. Order of Orthodox Crusaders of the Patriarch of Jerusalem -- ca. 1200 Also known as the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. While nominally controlled by the Orthodox Church, this order has good relations with the Catholic and Coptic churches.
Principality of Isenburg-Birstein
House Order 'Pour mes Amis' -- 1809
Kingdom of Italy (Savoyan Dynasty)
Ordine della SS. Annunziata -- 1867; a 'Great' order Only one class (knights), limited to 20 members besides the Royal family and some foreign sovereigns; all members are given the title and precedence of "cousin to the king". Ordine dei SS. Maurizio e Lazzaros -- 1867 Ordine militare di Savoia -- 1815; 1867; for military merit Awarded in five classes (Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight); the typical Italian award for military bravery. Ordine della Corona d'Italia -- 1831; 1867 Also known as the Order of Civil Merit. Awarded in five classes; the lower classes are typical awards for long service to the state.
Empire of Japan
Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum -- 1876 One grade only. Order of the Rising Sun -- 1875 Nine grades. For service to Japan, by citizens or foreigners.
Duchy of Legnica-Brzeg
Hunting Order of the Golden Stag -- 1672
Duchy of Limburg
Order of Merit of St. Philip of Löwen -- 1770
Principality of Lippe
Cross of Honour of the Principality -- 1869
Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and G.D. of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
House Order of the Wendish Crown -- 1864
Empire of Mexico
Orden Imperial de Nostra Senora de Guadelupe -- 1822 Grades are: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight Orden Imperial del Aquila Mexicana -- 1865 Grades are: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight 1st Class, Knight 2nd Class Orden de San Carlos -- 1865; for ladies Two grades.
Principality of Monaco
Order of St. Charles -- 1858
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Military Order of William -- 1815 Can also be awarded to entire units (including U.S. Army parachute regiments!); 4 classes. Order of the Netherlands Lion -- 1815
Kingdom of Norway
Order of St. Olaf -- 1847 The only order of knighthood in Norway; three grades: Grand Cross, Commander, Knight.
Grand Duchy of Oldenburg
Order of Peter Frederick Ludwig -- 1838
The Ottoman Empire
Order of the Crescent -- 1800 Order of Glory -- 1852 Order of Mejidie -- 1852 Order of Osmanie -- 1862
Kingdom of Prussia
Order of the Black Eagle -- 1701; a 'Great' order Awarded normally to generals, and foreign royalty. The 'Grand Cordon' (sash) is orange, worn over the left shoulder. 'Suum cuique' = to each his own. Order of the Red Eagle -- 1705; for merit Five grades: Grand Cross, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th classes Military Order Pour le Merite -- 1740 Very famous, highest award for bravery; can also be awarded with gold oak leaves Order Pour le Merite for Arts & Science -- 1842 Order of the Crown of Prussia -- 1861 Royal Order of the House of Hohenzollern -- 1851 Order of Louisa -- 1814; a noble ladies' order Order of the Swan -- 1843 Decoration of the Iron Cross -- 1813 Three grades: Grand Cross, 1st Class, 2nd Class
Principality of Reusz
Cross of Honour (House Order) -- 1857
Empire of Russia
Order of St. Andrew the First-Named -- 1668; a 'Great' order One grade only, Knight. Members of this order are also automatically members of the Orders of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Anne, and become hereditary nobility (though few 'commoners' were ever awarded this order) Order of St. Catherine -- 1714; a 'Great' order for ladies Two grades: Greater Cross and Lesser Cross Order of St. Alexander Nevsky -- 1725 Two grades. Order of St. Anne -- 1792; for civil and military merit Four grades; confers hereditary nobility. Order of St. George -- 1769; typ. award for military bravery Different grades and versions exist for various ranks and social classes Order of St. Vladimir -- 1782 Two grades; awarded for service or bravery.
Republic of San Marino
Equestrian Order of San Marino -- 1859
Grand Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg
Saxe-Ernestine Order -- 1833 Order of German Honest -- 1690
Grand Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
Saxe-Ernestine Order -- 1833 Order of Merit for Science and Arts -- 1835
Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach
Order of Vigilance or the White Falcon -- 1732
Kingdom of Saxony
Order of the Rue Crown -- 1807 Military Order of St. Henry -- 1736 Military and Civil Order of Merit -- 1815 Order of St. Albrecht -- 1850
Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe
Cross of Honour (House Order) -- 1869
Principality of Schwarzburg
Cross of Honour of Merit (House Order) -- 1853
Kingdom of Siam
Order of Chula Chom Klao -- 1873 Very complicated system of seven grades. Awarded to members of the Siamese royal family, and foreign royalty. Order of the Crown of Thailand -- 1869 Five grades: Knight Grand Cordon, Knight Grand Cross, Knight Commander, Commander, Companion. There are also two Medals for lesser recipients. Order of the Nine Gems -- 1851 One grade: Knight. For service to the Crown and in the military. Recipient may add the letters 'NR' after their name.
Kingdom of Spain
Order of the Golden Fleece -- 1700 Military Order of St. James of the Sword -- 1170 Military Order of Calatrava -- 1158 Military Order of Alcantara -- 1176 Military Order of Our Lady of Montesa -- 1319 Sov. Order of St. John of Jerusalem -- 1118 Royal & Mil. Order of St. Ferdinand -- 1815 Royal & Mil. Order of St. Hermengilde -- 1814 Order of Military Merit -- 1864 Two grades: Grand Cross and Cross. Order of Naval Merit -- 1866 Two grades: Grand Cross and Cross. Order of Charles the Third -- 1771 Order of Isabella the Catholic -- 1815
there are over a dozen 'corporate' Orders in Spain, not awarded by the Crown; the oldest is: Order of the Oak of Navarre -- 722
Kingdom of Sweden
Order of the Name of Jesus -- 1656 Order of Amaranth -- 1645 Order of St. Brigitta -- 1366 Order of the Alliance -- 1527 Order of Mary Eleanor -- 1632 Order of the Seraphim -- 1748 Order of the Sword -- 1748 Order of the Pole Star -- 1748 Order of Vasa -- 1772 Order of Charles the Thirteenth -- 1811; Freemasons only
the Vatican State
Order of Christ -- 1319 Order of St. Gregory the Great -- 1831 Order of Pius IX -- 1847 Order of St. Sylvester -- 1841 Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre -- 1496 Order of the Moor -- 1806 Order of St. Cecilia -- 1847
Kingdom of Westphalia
Order of the Crown of Westphalia -- 1813
Kingdom of Wurttemberg
Civil Order of Merit -- 1806 Order of the Golden Eagle -- 1702; a hunting order Order of the Hunting Horn -- 1702; a hunting order Order of the Crown -- 1818 Order of Frederick -- 1830 Order of Military Merit -- 1799 Order of Olga -- 1871 Order of the Skull -- 1652; an order for ladies
Primary Sources: The Book of Orders and Decorations, by V. Mericka; pub. Hamlyn, London, 1976; Medals of the World website; Orders of the World website.
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