Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
This award was instituted in 1886.
It was originally restricted to commissioned officers and was awarded for meritorious or distinguished service in war when in actual combat with the enemy.
In World War II a total of just under 5000 awards of the DSO were made.
In 1993 the DSO was extended to all ranks and is now conferred specifically for distinguished qualities of leadership rather than for gallantry in action.