CAF Seeking Recommendations for Honours of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John Jerusalem

The Department of National Defence (DND) is on a quest to find its next nominee for the Honours of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John Jerusalem. 

Commonly known as the Order of St. John, the Order invites DND to submit recommendations each year, according to CANFORGEN 145/24. The recommendations can either be to accept someone into the Order or for promotion in the ranks. 

“Established in 1888 by Queen Victoria, the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem is a working order of charitably minded men and women whose philanthropy is expressed principally through its two foundations, the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and St. John Ambulance,” states the Governor General of Canada website. 

About the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John Jerusalem

The Order of St. John is an ancient entity that can be traced back to the Crusades in Jerusalem in the 12th century. It was admitted into the Canadian Honours System in 1990. The Order’s sovereign is His Majesty King Charles III. 

The levels of the Order, according to the Governor General of Canada website, include:

• Serving Member,
• Officer,
• Commander,
• King or Dame, and
• Baliff Grand Cross or Dame. 

Other Awards of the Order

According to the military, nominations can also be made for other awards of the Order. These awards include the Chancellor’s Commendation, the Adjunct Training Centre Chairs Commendation, and the priory Vote of Thanks. 

“These awards recognize distinguished service to the Order or an exemplary deed or activity that do not meet the criteria for admission to or promotion in the order,” explained the CANFORGEN. 

Nomination process 

The Directorate of Honours and Recognition (DH&R) is responsible for nominations to the Order from military and civilian candidates

Commanding Officers of a potential nominee should directly contact DH&R by Jan. 14, 2025. The application should include, according to the CANFORGEN, the following:

• A complete DND 2448 Form signed by the Commanding Officer 
• A one-page recommendation detailing the merit and service of the candidate. In the case of a promotion, recommendation details must be based on acts undertaken since acceptance to the Order; 
• Candidates personal information such as address, phone number; 
• Citation of 25 words or less for public use outline reasons for appointment/promotion;
• Any supporting documentation.

Also, “in light of the end of the St. John Ambulance contract for first aid training in the CAF on 31 Mar 24, nominations can only be related to services and achievements before that date.”

For questions or to submit a nomination, personnel are asked to contact the DH&R Nominations staff officer at 613-991-1897.