| By the Statutes of the Order, which was created by Royal Warrant bearing date 6. Sep., 1886, none but Naval and Military Commissioned Officers are eligible for the distinction, and it is necessary that their services shall have been marked by the special mention of their names in despatches for meritorious or distinguished service in the Field, or before the enemy. Foreign Officers under certain circumstances are eligible to be honory members. Companions of this Order take rank immediately after Companions of the Order of the Indian Empire. The badge to consist of a gold Cross enamelled white, within a wreath of laurel enamelled green, the Imperial Crown in Gold, upon a red enamelled ground, and on the reverse, within a similar wreath and similar red ground the cypher V.E.I, to be worn suspended from the left breast by a red ribbon edged, blue of one inch in width. |