British_honours_system

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.