Order of Merit

History of the Order of Merit

Founded by King Edward VII on 23 June 1902, the Order of Merit is a very special distinction, 'given to such persons, subject of Our Crown, as may have rendered exceptionally meritorius service in Our Crown Services or towards the advancement of the Arts, Learning, Literature, and Science or such other exceptional service as we are fit to recognise.'

Among the first to receive this award was Field Marshal Lord Roberts (1902). Since then, holders of this distinction have included Florence Nightingale, Augustus John, Bertrand Russell, Graham Greene, Dr Albert Schweitzer (Honorary), Sir Edward Elgar, E.M. Forster, Sir Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower (Honorary), Professor Dororthy Hodgkin, Dame Veronica Wedgewood, Mother Theresa (Honorary) and Dame Cecily Saunders.

About the Order of Merit

The Order is restricted to 24 members as well as additional foreign recipients. As with the Royal Victorian Order, the Order of Merit is in the sole gift of the Sovereign but carries no rank apart from the initials 'OM' after the name. The Order has only one class: members of divided into military and civil divisions.

The badge is an 8-pointed cross of red and blue enamel surmounted by the Imperial Crown. In the centre, upon blue enamel and surrounded by a laurel wreath, are the words 'FOR MERIT' in letters of gold. On the reverse, also surrounded by a laurel wreath, is the 'Royal Cypher'. The badge given for distinguished military service has two silver swords with gold hilts placed saltire-wise between the angles of the cross. The badge is suspended by a ring attached to the top of the crown, fitted with a gold laurel chased loop through which the ribbon, half garter-blue and half crimson, passes.

The Order is worn round the neck by men and on a bow by women. It is not worn miniature, but it is correct for the ribbon to be worn when ribbons of other Orders, decorations and medals are worn with various uniforms.