The Military Orders of St. Barbara
Service Awards for The Royal Artillery

4 December is St. Barbara Day

Field Artillery branches in the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries in the Commonwealth have awards that recognize outstanding service known as the Order of St. Barbara, who is the patron saint of artillerists world-wide.  The Royal School of Artillery manages The Military Orders of Saint Barbara, which are service awards of The Royal School of Artillery of The Royal Hutt River Army.  Both field artillerists along with their military and civilian supporters are eligible for these awards.

Two levels of recognition exist: The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara and The Honourable Order of Saint Barbara.  The most distinguished level is the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara and those who are selected for this award have achieved long-term, exceptional service to the field artillery surpassing even their brethren in the Honourable Order of Saint Barbara.  The receiving of this award links field artillerymen of the past and present in a brotherhood of professionalism, selfless service and sacrifice.

Receipt of The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara and The Honourable Order of Saint Barbara service awards is based on nominations from existing recipients of each award and must be approved by the Chief of The Royal Artillery.  Candidates for The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara must be recipients of The Honourable Order of Saint Barbara.

In the present calendars, the feast of Saint Barbara falls on December 4^th (also the RHRDF Day) and is traditionally recognized by a formal Dining-In or military dinner, often involving presentations of the Military Order of Saint Barbara service awards.

For more information regarding The Royal Artillery, the Royal School of Artillery, or the Orders of St. Barbara, please contact  The Chief of the Royal Artillery.