The Order was created in 1917 after recognising that the existing orders where not suitable to reward the large numbers of people requiring recognition as a result of the First World War.
There were major changes to the Order in 1937 which affected the “look” of the Order.
Seal
Prior to 1937 the seal of the Order was: a representation of Britannia surrounded by a circle containing the motto of the Order “For God and the Empire.”
In 1937 the seal was changed and brought into line with the design of seal for many of the other Orders, viz: the arms purpure a representation of the Badge of the First Class of the Order Proper impaling Our Royal Arms, with the following circumscription “The Seal of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.”
Other Signatures
Warrants are countersigned by the Grand Master.
Other Paperwork
The foundation of a chapel for the Order in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral has given rise to several leaflets and letters sent to members of the Order.
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p2 
p3 
p4 
Receipt 
Receipt envelope
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p2 
Letter 1 
Letter 2
Services held at the chapel have an order of service booklet.
Case Study – William Wright, MBE
Wright is an early recipient of the Order; his name appearing in the London Gazette on 7 January 1918, as YMCA Secretary for Ireland. His warrant has a rubber stamped signature of the King, but is signed by the Grand Master.
Sounding letter 
Sounding envelope 
Envelope reverse 
Warrant p1 
Warrant p2 
Enclosure 
Investiture letter 
Investiture envelope
Case Study – Her Highness the Begum of Bhopal
The Begum was awarded the GBE on 1 January 1918. Despite her exalted rank and the fact it was an award of the highest grade of the Order the King’s signature is rubber stamped, but is signed by the Grand Master.
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Case Study – Noel Clinton Hollins, OBE
Hollins was appointed an OBE in the 1936 New Year Honours. George V died on 20 January 1936 and therefore was not able to sign the warrants. Rather than using a rubber stamp signature, it was decided to issue the warrants in the name of the new King but acknowledge that the award came from his father.
Case Study – George Watkin Eben James Erskine, GCB, KBE, DSO
Erskine was a lieutenant-general who was appointed KBE in 1950. He appears to have been absent from the UK and so there was a question about when he might receive the award. Note that both signatures on the warrant are real.
Warrant 
Enclosure 
Letter
