| Medal: |
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| Gold (silver-gilt)
cross, enamelled white and edged in gold. A ring at the top of the
medal attaches to a ring at the bottom of of a gold suspension bar,
ornamented with laurel. At the top of the ribbon is a second gold bar
ornamented with laurel. |
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| Obverse: |
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Within a wreath of laurel, enamelled
green, is the Imperial Crown in gold upon a red enamelled background. |
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| Reverse: |
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Within a wreath of laurel,
enamelled green, is the Royal Cypher in gold upon a red enamelled background
|
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| Bars: |
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A plain gold bar with an
Imperial Crown in the centre.
The year
of the award was engraved on the back of
the bar.
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| Ribbon: |
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| 1
1/8 inches red ribbon with narrow blue edges. |
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| Awarded to: |
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Officers usually at the rank of Major.
Also awarded to officers at a rank above or below Major. Awarded for an act or acts of
meritorious or distinguished service in wartime and usually when under
fire or in the presence of the enemy. |
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| History: |
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Between 1914 and 1916 the DSO was also awarded to some Staff officers
when they were not under fire or in contact with the enemy. This was not
well received at the time by officers who were in the field.
From 1st January 1917 it was restricted to recommendations for
individuals who were in the presence of the enemy.
The award was generally given to an officer in command, but some
were awarded to junior officers below the rank of Captain.
It was also made available for officers at the equivalent rank in
the Royal Navy and from 1st April 1918, the Royal Air Force. |