1886Who created the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and what does it recognize?
The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was created by Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom on 6 September 1886 to honor junior officers for distinguished service or acts of gallantry on the battlefield. This prestigious military award filled a crucial gap, as there had previously been no recognition below the Victoria Cross for these officers. Notably, the DSO is featured in the New Zealand Army Memorial Windows at Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul, symbolizing its importance to New Zealand’s military history—over 300 New Zealanders and 1,200 Canadians received the DSO during both World Wars. As we mark its 139th anniversary on 6 September 2025, the DSO remains a symbol of exceptional leadership and sacrifice.
