Imperial Service Order facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Imperial Service Order |
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Decoration as worn by gentlemen.
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| Awarded by Charles III | |
| Type | Order |
| Established | August 1902 |
| Awarded for | Nationally important service |
| Status | Currently constituted (only in Papua New Guinea) |
| Sovereign | Charles III |
| Grades | Companion |
| Post-nominals | ISO |
 Ribbon bar of the order |
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The Imperial Service Order was a special award created by King Edward VII in August 1902. It was given to people who worked for the government, called the Civil Service, across the entire British Empire. This award recognized their long and excellent service when they retired. Usually, someone had to work for 25 years to get it. But if they worked in very hot or difficult places abroad, they could get it after 16 years. There was only one level of this award, called 'Companion'. Both men and women could receive it, and they could use the letters 'ISO' after their name.
Contents
History of the Imperial Service Order
When was the Imperial Service Order created?
The idea for this new award was first announced on June 26, 1902. This was the day King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were supposed to have their coronation. However, the coronation was delayed because the King became ill.
The official rules for the Imperial Service Order were then published on August 8, 1902. This date was chosen to be close to the actual coronation, which happened the next day. The first people to receive this award were named on November 9, 1902. This was part of the King's Birthday Honours list.
What did the Imperial Service Order look like?
Insignia for men
The award for men was a silver star with eight points. The top point was hidden by a crown. In the middle of the star was a gold circle. This circle had the reigning monarch's special symbol, called a cipher. Around the symbol, it said 'For Faithful Service'. The star hung from a ribbon that was crimson (a deep red) with a blue stripe in the middle.
Insignia for women
The award for women had the same gold circle in the middle as the men's award. But instead of a star, it was surrounded by a silver wreath of laurel leaves. A crown sat on top of this design. This award hung from a bow made of the same crimson ribbon with a blue stripe.
Imperial Service Medal: A Related Award
There is also a related award called the Imperial Service Medal (ISM). Government workers who complete 25 years of service can receive this medal when they retire. The medal is a silver circle. On one side, it has a picture of the reigning monarch. On the other side, it shows a man resting after his work. It also says 'For Faithful Service'. The ribbon or bow for this medal looks exactly like the one for the Imperial Service Order.
Changes to the Imperial Service Order in 1993
In 1993, the British government reviewed its system of awards. They decided that no new Imperial Service Orders would be given out after that year. However, the Imperial Service Medal (ISM) is still awarded today. It continues to recognize people who have made important contributions through their service.
See also
- Orders and decorations of the Commonwealth realms
