The OBE or Officer of the̴Ì_Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was instituted in 1917.̴Ì_This is the 2nd type OBE awarded from 1936 and is awarded to the present date. The Military and civilian awards are distinguished by a white stripe down the centre of the Military award.

There are five classes of appointment to the Order are, in descending order of precedence:

The GBE:

Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The KBE or DBE:

Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The CBE: Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The OBE: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The MBE: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire