Mention in Dispatches

Her Majesty the Queen created the Mention in Dispatches on June 3, 1992, to honour members of the Canadian Forces on active service and other individuals working in conjunction with the Canadian Forces on or after November 1, 1990. The award recognizes valiant conduct, devotion to duty or other distinguished service in combat or near-combat conditions.

The Governor General awards Mentions in Dispatches on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Staff, while presentations are normally made by senior military officials on behalf of the Governor General.

Mentions in Dispatches may be awarded posthumously.

Historical Note

During the First World War, 5467 MIDs were awarded to Canadians.

During the Second World War, MID's were awarded as follows: 6432 to the Canadian Army, 2197 to the Royal Canadian Air Force and 1037 to the Royal Canadian Navy for a total of 9666 MID's awarded. During the Korean conflict, MID's were awarded as follows: 246 to the Canadian Army and 33 to the Royal Canadian Navy for a total 279 MIDs awarded.

In 1990, the MID was re-introduced in the Canadian Forces and 283 have been awarded to date. A citation certificate accompanies the award.

This page was updated on 1 August 2014. Any errors or ommissions should be brought to the attention of CME History.

Engineers Awarded a Mention in Dispatches