The Burma Gallantry Medal (BGM) was a

military decoration Military awards and decorations are distinctions given as a mark of honor for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement. DoD Manual 1348.33, 2010, Vol. 3 A decoration is often a medal consisting of a ribbon and a medal ...

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. 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.

Appearance

The medal 36 mm in diameter, is circular and made of silver. The

obverse Obverse and its opposite, reverse, refer to the two flat faces of coins and some other two-sided objects, including paper money, flags, seals, medals, drawings, old master prints and other works of art, and printed fabrics. In this usage, ''o ...

bears the crowned effigy of

King George VI George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George; 14 December 1895 – 6 February 1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death in 1952. He was also the last Emperor of Ind ...

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.

References

{{Decorations of the United Kingdom Military awards and decorations of the United Kingdom Courage awards