United Kingdom, British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations
In the British Armed Forces, the despatch is published in the London Gazette.
Soldiers of the British Empire or the Commonwealth of Nations who are Mentioned in Despatches but do not receive a medal for their action are nonetheless entitled to receive a certificate and wear a decoration. For 1914-1918 and up to 10 August 1920, the decoration consisted of a spray of oakleaves in bronze. This decoration was only established in 1919, but it had retroactive effect. From 1920 to 1993, the decoration consisted of a single bronze oakleaf, and in the Canadian Forces still does. Even if the soldier is mentioned in despatches more than once, only a single such decoration is worn. In Britain, since 1993, the decoration is a single silver oakleaf. In each case the decoration is pinned or sewn diagonally on to the appropriate campaign medal ribbon. If no campaign medal is awarded, the oak leaf is worn on the left breast of the dress uniform.
Prior to 1979, a Mention in Despatches was one of the few awards that could be made posthumously, the others being the Victoria Cross and George Cross.
Soldiers can be mentioned multiple times. The British World War I Victoria Cross recipient John Vereker, later Field Marshal Viscount Gort, was Mentioned in Despatches nine times, as was the Canadian general Sir Arthur Currie. The Australian general H.G. Bennett was mentioned in despatches a total of eight times during the First World War, as was John Dill.
| Victory Medal | First World War | |
| War Medal 1939–1945 | Second World War | |
| Korea Medal | Korean war |
Read more about this topic: Mentioned In Despatches
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