1905 Birthday Honours facts for kids

The 1905 Birthday Honours were special awards given out in the British Empire on June 30, 1905. These awards celebrated the birthday of Edward VII, who was the King at the time.

People received these honours for their great work and service. The awards recognized individuals from different areas, like the military, government, and other important fields.

What Are Birthday Honours?

Birthday Honours are a way for the King or Queen to thank people for their service. These awards are given out on the monarch's official birthday. They recognize individuals who have done outstanding things for their country.

Why Were These Honours Given?

In 1905, King Edward VII wanted to recognize many people. These individuals had served the British Empire in various ways. The honours were a public way to show appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

Important Awards and Who Received Them

Many different types of honours were given out. Each honour had different levels, like Knight Grand Cross or Companion. These levels showed how important the award was.

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath

The Order of the Bath is a very old and respected honour. It is usually given to military officers and civil servants. They receive it for excellent service.

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB)

This is one of the highest levels of the Order of the Bath.

• Prince Arisugawa of Japan received an honorary GCB.
• Several high-ranking generals, like Sir Edward Gascoigne Bulwer and Sir John Luther Vaughan, also received this honour. They were recognized for their long and distinguished military careers.

Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB)

This is another very high level.

• Many Vice-Admirals, like Day Hort Bosanquet and Sir Charles Carter Drury, were honoured. They were leaders in the Royal Navy.
• Several generals and lieutenant-generals, including Sir Edward Stanton and Alexander George Ross, received KCBs for their army service.
• In the Civil Division, Philip Watts, a top naval architect, was recognized. He helped design ships for the navy.

Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)

This level recognizes significant service.

• Many military officers received CBs. Some were honoured for their service during the Crimean War, which happened 50 years earlier.
• Others were recognized for their current roles. These included officers like Colonel Richard Kirby Ridgeway, who had also won the Victoria Cross.
• In the Civil Division, people like Henry Babington Smith and Laurence Guillemard received CBs. They worked in important government roles.
• Colonel David Bruce, a famous microbiologist, also received a CB. He was known for his scientific discoveries.

Order of Merit

The Order of Merit is a very special award. It is given to people who have made major contributions. These contributions can be in the military, science, art, or literature. There are only a limited number of people who can hold this honour at one time.

• Field-Marshal Sir George Stewart White, a highly decorated military leader, received this award.
• Admiral Sir John Arbuthnot Fisher, a key figure in the Royal Navy, was also honoured.
• Famous artists like Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema and William Holman-Hunt were recognized for their work.
• The well-known writer George Meredith also received the Order of Merit.

Order of Saint Michael and Saint George

This order is often given to people who have done great work in British colonies or in foreign relations.

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG)

• Admiral Baron Hermann von Spaun and Vice-Admiral Francois Ernest Founder received honorary GCMGs. They helped investigate the North Sea Incident, a naval event.

Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)

• The Right Honourable Lord Plunket, the Governor of New Zealand, received this honour.
• Everard Ferdinand im Thurn, the Governor of Fiji, was also recognized.
• Apolo, the Prime Minister of Uganda, received an honorary KCMG. This showed recognition for his leadership.

Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)

• Many people working in different parts of the British Empire received CMGs.
• This included administrators like Edward John Cameron from Saint Vincent.
• Henry Birchenough was honoured for his work studying British trade in South Africa.
• Roger Casement, a British Consul, was also recognized for his service.

Royal Victorian Order

The Royal Victorian Order is given by the monarch personally. It recognizes service to the Royal Family.

Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO)

• Reginald Baliol, Viscount Esher, a key figure at Windsor Castle, received this high honour.
• Lieutenant-General Sir John Denton Pinkston French, a leading army commander, was also recognized.

Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)

• Sir Jacob Wilson, who was involved with the Royal Agricultural Society, received a KCVO.

Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)

• Several colonels commanding famous regiments, like the Grenadier Guards and Scots Guards, received CVOs.
• Edward Richard Henry, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, was also honoured.

Imperial Service Order

The Imperial Service Order (ISO) recognizes long and faithful service by civil servants. These are people who work for the government in non-military roles.

• Many individuals from various government departments and colonies received the ISO.
• This included people like Thomas Joshua Alldridge, a District Commissioner in Sierra Leone.
• William Henry Bailey, the Colonial Postmaster of Barbados, was also honoured.
• William Strawbridge, the Surveyor-General of South Australia, received the ISO for his long service.
• Miss Julia Mary Woodd, a Principal Lady Clerk, was also recognized. This showed that women were also being honoured for their public service.