The Order of the Companions Honour (C.H.)

Unlike the Order of Merit, which is privately awarded by the Monarch, the Order of Companions of Honour is made on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Founded in 1917 by George V, the Order was restricted to fifty members. In 1943 the membership was enlarged to sixty-five.

Sir Winston Churchill, Field Marshal Smuts, Lord Attlee and Walter de la Mare all achieved the extraordinary distinction of being appointed Companions of Honour and subsequently also being appointed to the Order of Merit.