1947 Birthday Honours Explained

The 1947 King's Birthday Honours were appointments by many of the Dominions of King George VI to various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of those countries. The appointments were made "on the occasion of the Celebration of His Majesty's Birthday." They were announced in supplements to the London Gazette of 6 June 1947.[1] [2] [3] [4]

The recipients of honours are displayed here as they were styled before their new honour, and arranged by honour, with classes (Knight, Knight Grand Cross, etc.) and then divisions (Military, Civil, etc.) as appropriate.

United Kingdom and Commonwealth

Order of the Crown of India

Baron

Privy Councillor

Knight Bachelor

Dominions
India
Burma
Colonies, Protectorates, Etc.

Order of the Bath

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB)

Military Division
Civil Division

Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)

Military Division
  • Royal Navy
  • Army
    Royal Air Force
    Civil Division

    Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)

    Military Division
  • Royal Navy
  • Army
    Royal Air Force
    Civil Division

    Order of the Star of India

    Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI)

    Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI)

    Companion of the Order of the Star of India (CSI)

    Order of Saint Michael and Saint George

    Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG)

    Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)

    Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)

    Honorary Companion

    Order of the Indian Empire

    Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE)

    Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE)

    Honorary Companion

    Royal Victorian Order

    Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO)

    Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (DCVO)

    Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)

    Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)

    Member of the Royal Victorian Order, 4th class (MVO)

    Member of the Royal Victorian Order, 5th class (MVO)

    Order of the British Empire

    Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE)

    Civil Division

    Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

    Military Division
    Civil Division

    Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE)

    Military Division
    Civil Division

    Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

    Military Division
  • Royal Navy
  • Army
    Royal Air Force
    Civil Division
    Honorary Commanders

    Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

    Military Division
  • Royal Navy
  • Additional Officers
    Army
    Royal Air Force
    Civil Division
    Honorary Officers

    Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

    Military Division
  • Royal Navy
  • Additional Members
    Army
    Royal Air Force
    Civil Division
    Honorary Members

    Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)

    Companion of the Imperial Service Order (ISO)

    Home Civil Service
    Dominion Civil Services
    Indian Civil Services
    Colonial Service

    Kaisar-i-Hind Medal

    In Gold

    British Empire Medal (BEM)

    Military Division
  • Royal Navy
  • Army
    Royal Air Force
    Civil Division
    Foreign Services
    India
    Colonial Empire

    Royal Red Cross (RRC)

    Associate of the Royal Red Cross (ARRC)

    Air Force Cross (AFC)

    Royal Air Force
    Royal Navy
    Royal Australian Air Force

    Bar to Air Force Cross

    Air Force Medal (AFM)

    King's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air

    Royal Air Force
    Royal Navy
    Royal Australian Air Force

    King's Commendation for Brave Conduct

    King's Police and Fire Services Medal (KPFSM)

    Police

    England and Wales
    Scotland
    Northern Ireland
    Australia
    New Zealand
    India
    Burma
    Colonies, Protectorates and Mandated Territories

    Fire Services

    England and Wales
    Scotland

    Colonial Police Medal (CPM)

    Southern Rhodesia
    Bechuanaland Protectorate
    Colonies, Protectorates, Mandated Territories

    Mention in Despatches

    Royal Navy

    New Zealand

    See main article: 1947 Birthday Honours (New Zealand).

    Notes and References

    1. Order of the Crown of India:
    2. United Kingdom list:
    3. New Zealand list:
    4. For services in operational minesweeping: