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The Order of St John

Overview

The Order of St John traces its origins to 1070 and initially served the poor pilgrims of Jerusalem.  Instituted in its present form by Queen Victoria in 1888, the Order of St John delivers first aide and other healthcare services worldwide.  The Order has six classes:  Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross, Knight or Dame of Justice or Grace, Chaplain or Commander, Officer, Member, and Esquire.  Before 2007, the Member class was designated Serving Brother or Serving Sister.  Members of the Order of St John can also be awarded the Service Medal of the Order of St John.

Current New Zealand military personnel who are members of the Order may wear Order of St John awards on their uniforms with their other honours and awards.

Description

Although the insignia of the Order of St. John varies by class, all members of the order wear a badge in the shape of an eight-pointed Maltese cross. 

The ribbon for all grades of the Order is a black watered ribbon.

When only ribbons are worn, a small silver Maltese cross is placed on the ribbon to distinguish it against a dark background. This practice has been in use since 1947.

Eligibility

St John volunteers, uniformed and non-uniformed members of the St John ambulance services, and other individuals associated may be nominated to the Order of St. John for outstanding service and achievements. 

Queries & requests

  • Wearing this award

    The Order of St John is worn after the Royal Red Cross (2nd Class or Associate) and before the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear.  

    For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:

  • Checking eligibility and applying for this award

    NZDF does not approve or issue The Order of St John.  

  • Checking if this award was issued

    Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record.  NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.

    Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page. 

    Request a service record