British Commonwealth State Orders - The British Empire Medal
About this award
Instituted in 1922 as a lower level award connected with the Order of the British Empire, the British Empire Medal (BEM) was originally awarded to non commissioned officers and civilians for meritorious service. Between 1957 and 1974 the medal and various grades of the Order of the British Empire were also awarded for gallantry, and this was denoted by crossed oak leaves on the ribbon. This policy was discontinued in 1974 on the introduction of the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. The British Empire Medal was awarded to New Zealand military personnel until 1995.
Royal Warrant
British State Honours are instituted under Royal Warrants signed by the reigning Sovereign at the time the Order or Honour was created. More information on British State Honours can be viewed on the Buckingham Palace website.
Regulations
Most State Honours do not have separate Regulations. Instructions for the administration of the Order or Honour are usually included in the Royal Warrant. The composite document containing the Royal Warrant and Instructions is usually referred to as the Statutes of the Order.
Clasps and Bars
There are no clasps or bars for this award.
Order of Wear
The position of this award in the Order of Wear Table can be viewed here.