This paper deals with order statistics from a gamma or χ2 (Pearson Type III) distribution. Expressions are derived for the moments of an order statistic and for the covariance between two order statistics. A table of moments (about the origin as well as the mean) is presented. Equations are derived which are used to solve for the percentage points of the order statistics and a table of the percentage points is given. The problem of the best linear unbiased estimate of the scale parameter of the distribution which is based on order statistics is, briefly, discussed for the censored (type II) case. The modal value of an order statistic is derived and a table of these values is given for the cases of the smallest and the largest order statistics. Applications ‘to life-tests, extreme values, reliability and maintenance are described and illustrated in some cases.