Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom and the British Overseas Territories, personal bravery, achievement, or service are rewarded with honours. The honours system consists of three types of award:

• Honours are used to recognise merit in terms of achievement and service;
• Decorations tend to be used to recognise specific deeds;
• Medals are used to recognise service on a particular operation or in a specific theatre, long or valuable service, and good conduct.

Appointments to the various orders and awards of other honours are usually published in The London Gazette.