Established by the British government in 1886, the Distinguished Service Order recognizes individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in war. It is a military order awarded to officers, typically for service under fire or under conditions equivalent to combat. After 1 January 1917, it was awarded only to those serving under fire; prior to 1943, recipients had to be Mentioned-in-Dispatches. Generally awarded to officers above the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, it could be awarded to lower ranks for exceptional gallantry just short of the Victoria Cross. Canadians have received 1,220 DSOs, 119 first bars, and 20 second bars.