Distinguished Service Order.

Distinguished Service Order. This order was instituted by royal warrant on 6th September 1886 for rewarding the distinguished services of naval and military officers who have been honourably mentioned in despatches. Foreign officers who have been associated with British forces in naval and military operations are eligible as honorary members of the order. The Companions of the order rank immediately after those of the Order of the Indian Empire. The Sovereign is head of the order. The badge consists of a gold cross, enamelled white, edged gold, having on one side a wreath of laurel enamelled green, the imperial crown in gold upon a red enamelled ground, and on the reverse, within a similar wreath and on a similar red ground, the cipher V.R.I.; and it is suspended from the left breast by a red riband, edged blue, of one inch in width.