Order of Merit

Order of Merit, order founded by Edward VII in 1902. The order has two divisions: military and civil. The order is represented by a red and blue enamelled cross and a central blue medallion bearing the motto 'For Merit' in gold, encircled by a laurel wreath. The addition of two crossed swords indicates naval and military members. The order hangs from a red and blue ribbon. The order is limited to 24 people at any one time.