Burma Gallantry Medal
The Burma Gallantry Medal (BGM) was a military decoration awarded for acts of gallantry, in both war and peace, by Governor's commissioned officers, non-commissioned Officers and other ranks of the British Burmese military. These included its Army, Frontier Force, Military Police, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and Auxiliary Air Force. Clasps, attached to the ribbon, could be awarded to mark further awards of the medal.
Burma Gallantry Medal

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- Name
- Burma Gallantry Medal
- Period
- 1940
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Documentary summary
The Burma Gallantry Medal (BGM) was a military decoration awarded for acts of gallantry, in both war and peace, by Governor's commissioned officers, non-commissioned Officers and other ranks of the British Burmese military. These included its Army, Frontier Force, Military Police, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and Auxiliary Air Force. Clasps, attached to the ribbon, could be awarded to mark further awards of the medal.
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In this article
Overview
Overview
When Burma ceased to be a province of British India in 1937 and became a separate colony, a distinct gallantry medal was required for its armed forces. In response, the Burma Gallantry Medal was established by royal warrant on 10 May 1940. Between 26 March 1942 and 28 November 1947, a total of 207 medals and 3 clasps were awarded. In addition to the medal, recipients were entitled to a monthly monetary allowance, paid for life. The medal became obsolete when Burma gained independence on 4 January 1948.
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Burma Gallantry Medal • Presenter — the Governor General of Burma • Country — British Burma • Type — Gallantry decoration • Eligibility — Governor's commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the armed forces of British Burma • Awarded For — Acts of conspicuous gallantry performed in connection with assigned duties • Campaign — World War II • Status — No longer awarded • Post Nominals — BGM • Established — 10 May 1940 • Firstawarded — 26 March 1942 • Lastawarded — 28 November 1947 • Total Awarded — 207 and 3 clasps • Caption2 — Ribbon bar
Appearance
Appearance
The medal 36 mm in diameter, is circular and made of silver. The obverse bears the crowned effigy of King George VI facing left with the inscription GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE:IMP. The reverse bears a laurel wreath and the inscription "Burma" and "For Gallantry". The medal is suspended from a dark green ribbon with a crimson central stripe. The recipient's name, rank and unit were engraved on the rim of the medal.
Chronology
Dated record
Chronology
The full dated record · 1 entries
1940
Burma Gallantry Medal first recorded.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Captain H. Taprell Dorling. Ribbons and Medals. A.H.Baldwin & Sons, London. 48. 1956.
- 2.Token Publishing Ltd, Devon, UK. Medal Yearbook 2015. 97. 2014. 9781908828316.
- 3.Royal Warrant for the Burma Gallantry Medal. The Edinburgh Gazette. September 7, 1945.
- 4.Abbott, Peter. British Gallantry Awards. Nimrod Dix and Co, London. 31–34. 1981. 9780902633742.
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 16 August 2026.
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