The following information explains the Australian Honours System .
Prior to 1975 Australians were recognised through the British Imperial system. Medals awarded to Australians included the Order of the British Empire, military decorations for gallantry, decorations for military service and campaign and long service medals. By 1991 Australian honours and awards were available to recognise all service previously recognised through the British Imperial system. The Queen can still recognise Australians through the British Imperial system within her own gift (Click to See).
Mention in Despatches
The Mention in Despatches (MID) is the oldest British award and was a device used by
commanders at sea or in the field to bring the services of deserving officers to
the attention of higher authority.
The MID was instituted in Australia in 1920 and took the form of a small oakleaf
device. Many Australian Defence Force personnel received an MID during
World War I and II and their names appeared in the London Gazette. Only
one device was awarded irrespective of the number of times an individual was
mentioned.
Following World War I
the device was fixed at a low angle to the centre of the ribbon of the Victory
Medal which was awarded to all personnel who served in any operations or at
sea. For those awarded during World War II, the device is placed at the
centre and at 60 degrees on the ribbon of the 1939-1945 War Medal.
The MID continued in Australia until the end of the Vietnam War and was phased out
with the introduction of the Australian system of honours and awards in
1975. Over 15,000 Australian Defence Force personnel received the MID and
records can be viewed at the Australian
War Memorial website.
The MID is the only form of recognition, apart from the Victoria Cross (VC), that
could be made posthumously for gallantry or distinguished service in action or
on operations. It is not included in the Order of Wearing Australian
Honours and Awards published by Government House.
Prior to 1975 Australians were recognised through the British Imperial system. Medals awarded to Australians included the Order of the British Empire, military decorations for gallantry, decorations for military service and campaign and long service medals. By 1991 Australian honours and awards were available to recognise all service previously recognised through the British Imperial system. The Queen can still recognise Australians through the British Imperial system within her own gift (Click to See).
Mention in Despatches
The Mention in Despatches (MID) is the oldest British award and was a device used by
commanders at sea or in the field to bring the services of deserving officers to
the attention of higher authority.
The MID was instituted in Australia in 1920 and took the form of a small oakleaf
device. Many Australian Defence Force personnel received an MID during
World War I and II and their names appeared in the London Gazette. Only
one device was awarded irrespective of the number of times an individual was
mentioned.
Following World War I
the device was fixed at a low angle to the centre of the ribbon of the Victory
Medal which was awarded to all personnel who served in any operations or at
sea. For those awarded during World War II, the device is placed at the
centre and at 60 degrees on the ribbon of the 1939-1945 War Medal.
The MID continued in Australia until the end of the Vietnam War and was phased out
with the introduction of the Australian system of honours and awards in
1975. Over 15,000 Australian Defence Force personnel received the MID and
records can be viewed at the Australian
War Memorial website.
The MID is the only form of recognition, apart from the Victoria Cross (VC), that
could be made posthumously for gallantry or distinguished service in action or
on operations. It is not included in the Order of Wearing Australian
Honours and Awards published by Government House.