Burma Star 1941-1945:

Awarded for service in the Burma Campaign between 11th December 1941 and 2nd September 1945. This medal was also awarded for certain specified service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra.

Second World War service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra after 8th December 1941 but prior to the above start dates was recognised by the award of the Pacific Star. British uniform regulations stipulated that Pacific Star would not be awarded to a prior recipient of the Burma Star. Subsequent entitlement to the Pacific Star was denoted by the award of the Pacific clasp.

The Burma Star is a six–pointed star of yellow copper zinc alloy, with a height of 44mm and a maximum width of 38mm. The obverse has a central design of the Royal Cipher of King George VI, surmounted by a crown. The cipher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The Burma Star'. The reverse is plain, although Stars issued to Australian and South African personnel have recipient names engraved. The ribbon for this medal, along with those of the other Second World War campaign stars, is reputed to have been designed by King George VI. The broad dark blue stripes represent British forces, the red stripe Commonwealth forces, and the bright orange stripes represent the sun.

The Burma Star is valued at £15 to £20, plus an additional £20 if the Pacific clasp is present.

The table below shows the qualifying dates required depending on the area served.
Area  Dates
Hong Kong between 26th December 1941 and 2nd September 1945
China and Malaya between 16th February 1942 and 2nd September 1945
Sumatra between 24th March 1942 and 2nd September 1945
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