Collar badge, Burma Rifles, 1922-1942

Silver badge, one of a pair, with a Burmese male peacock displaying above a scroll bearing the unit name, 'Burma Rifles'.

The 20th Burma Rifles were formed in 1922 from battalions raised during World War One (1914-1918). The Burma Rifles were formed from the 20th Burma Rifles in 1937 when the British separated Burma from India. During World War Two (1939-1945) the unit, expanded to 14 battalions, fought against the invading Japanese. While most of these battalions were disbanded following the defeat in Burma, the 2nd Battalion took an active part in the Chindit expeditions, operating behind Japanese lines in Burma. When Burma gained independence the Burma Rifles were absorbed into the Burmese Army.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.