Quick Facts
- Related Topics:
- United Kingdom
- Notable Honorees:
- William Barker
- Frank Berryman
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order, a British military decoration awarded to officers who perform distinguished service during wartime.
Distinguished Service Order
British military award
Also known as: D.S.O.
Distinguished Service Order, British military decoration awarded to officers who have performed meritorious or distinguished service in war. The decoration, instituted by Queen Victoria in 1886, entitles recipients to add D.S.O. after their names. Foreign officers associated with British forces can become holders of the award as “honorary members.” The badge of the order is a white and gold cross with a red centre bearing a crown surrounded by a laurel wreath.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Richard Pallardy.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.