Enlish WW2 Ribbon

[Marc Sherriff]

Reference Burma Star Ribbon

1. British Battles and Medals, Major L.L. Gordon.
2. Campaign Medals of the British Army 1815-1972, Robert W. Gould.
3. Medal Year Book, Token Publishing Ltd.
4. Army Orders, (these I can not lay my hands on right now).

Additional
5. The Burma Star Association.
6. Veterans Affairs Canada.

[Ed_Haynes]

The original specimens sent out to India, and signed off on by Wavell (Viceroy) and the Auk (CinC), were officially described as "golden-yellow" and still look that way 50+ years down the line. Moreover, the Auk in particular (more culturally sensitive than Wavell, but then anyone would have been) demanded there be no orange or green in the BS, as most of the recipients would be Indian and those colors carried such religions significance that it would be inappropriate (the Italy Star was viewed as another case entirely, as the green had a logical justification). The golden-yellow signified sunrise and, strangely, the design left out the RAF, RIAF, etc.

I can dig out the citation in the National Archives of India.

The sources you list -- except AOs -- boil down to Gordon. A reliable source on many points. But not all. His sources were extermely limited (no government records available, for example). MYB is a source for nothing.

In any case, have we ever seen an orange-striped ribbon?

Golden-yellow is what all the old-time military tailors in Delhi used to stock (until I and a few chums cleaned them out).

Ed Haynes

[Tony Farrell]

You did ask...

One ribbon is for the Burma Star. The other ribbon is for the Police Independence Medal... period! The only way I could see such a pairing would be for a former (British) Indian Army Burma veteran who was serving as a plod in the newly-independent Indian police. If so, there'd be his other medals too - not just a pair. I may be incorrect in this, but Ed will put me right if I'm wrong.

Burma Star ribbon varies slightly - depending on the age of the ribbon, the manufacturer, etc. But there is no doubt as to what those two ribbons are - whether they're a vet 'bringback' or not. Also, memory fades - well, mine certainly does anyhow.

[Terry K.]

Hi Tony,
If the police independance medal was made before 1946 then it, the ribbon,is it period. How ever if it was made after that time it is not, period. I have this mans papers, notebook, his pictures, his lighter , his discharge papers, his uniform, his handgun, his cigerette case, even some WW2 vintage toilet paper. These ribbons were worn back by him in 1946, period, no doubt about it , no arguing, they were. So, what else could they be? I really am not wanting to fight with any one, just gain knowledge. The pin on the back is English style, and the ribbons are hand sewn on. I say again, what is it?
Terry