What Is 1946 New Year Honours list

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1946 New Year Honours list was published on 1 January 1946, recognizing 3,350 individuals across the British Empire for service during and after World War II. Appointments were made to various orders, including the Order of the British Empire and the Military Division.

Key Facts

The 1946 New Year Honours were announced on 1 January 1946
A total of 3,350 people were honored across all categories
Honours included civilian, military, and emergency service awards
King George VI approved all appointments during post-WWII reconstruction
The list recognized contributions to the war effort and civil service

Overview

The 1946 New Year Honours list was a major recognition event in the United Kingdom and across the British Empire, marking the end of World War II and honoring those who contributed to the war effort and public service. Published on 1 January 1946, the list reflected a national mood of gratitude and transition into peacetime.

This honours list was among the largest of its time, acknowledging individuals from diverse fields including the military, civil service, healthcare, and industry. The awards were granted by King George VI and spanned numerous orders and distinctions, such as the Order of the British Empire and the Military Division.

Civilian contributions: Over 1,200 civilians were recognized for roles in wartime administration, nursing, and emergency services during and after WWII.
Military honours: Approximately 1,800 military personnel received awards for bravery, leadership, and service in major campaigns including Normandy and Burma.
Order of the British Empire: The MBE and OBE categories saw significant expansion to include women and non-combat roles.
Geographic reach: Honours extended to recipients in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and other Commonwealth territories, totaling 3,350 individuals.
Post-war context: The list emphasized reconstruction efforts, with engineers, transport workers, and supply chain managers receiving formal recognition.

How It Works

The New Year Honours list operates as part of the UK’s official honours system, managed by the Cabinet Office and approved by the monarch. Nominations are reviewed by committees specializing in civil, military, and diplomatic service categories before final approval.

Eligibility: Any individual, regardless of nationality, can be nominated for service to the UK or Commonwealth; civilians and military personnel are considered equally.
Nomination process: Public nominations are accepted, but most are submitted by government departments or senior officials with knowledge of the candidate’s work.
Review timeline: Committees meet twice a year; the New Year list is finalized by November and published on 1 January annually.
Categories: Awards include CBE, OBE, MBE, and knighthoods or damehoods, each with specific criteria for achievement level.
Post-nominals: Recipients may use letters like MBE or OBE after their names, signifying formal recognition by the Crown.
Investitures: Most recipients receive their awards in ceremonies at Buckingham Palace or other royal residences, typically months after the list is published.

Comparison at a Glance

Compared to other years, the 1946 list was one of the most extensive in terms of total honours awarded, reflecting the scale of WWII contributions.

Year	Total Honours	Military Awards	Civilian Awards	Notable Context
1946	3,350	1,800	1,550	Post-WWII recognition and reconstruction
1945	2,900	1,600	1,300	War still ongoing; focus on active combat roles
1947	2,700	1,200	1,500	Shift to peacetime civil service and science
1950	2,500	900	1,600	Post-war recovery and NHS development
1960	2,300	700	1,600	Decolonization and cultural contributions

The 1946 list stands out due to its unusually high number of military recipients, a direct reflection of wartime service. As later years transitioned to peacetime priorities, civilian honours gradually increased in proportion, especially in healthcare and education.

Why It Matters

The 1946 New Year Honours list remains historically significant for capturing a pivotal moment of national recognition after a global conflict. It laid the foundation for modern honours practices, emphasizing inclusivity and diverse contributions to society.

Historical record: The list serves as a detailed archive of individuals who shaped the UK’s wartime and post-war recovery efforts.
Gender inclusion: A record number of women were recognized in 1946, particularly in nursing and civil defense roles.
Commonwealth unity: Awards to citizens across the Empire reinforced political and cultural ties during a period of decolonization.
Military legacy: Many recipients later held leadership roles in armed forces or government, shaping Cold War policies.
Public morale: The honours provided a sense of closure and appreciation, helping the nation transition from war to peace.
Precedent setting: The 1946 list expanded criteria for non-combat roles, influencing future honours in science, education, and public service.

This moment in history underscores how formal recognition can reflect broader societal values and shifts, making the 1946 list a key document in 20th-century British history.