REMEMBERING THE 'FORGOTTEN ARMY'

The Burma Star Association was founded to care for the interests of all those who fought in Burma during the 1939 – 1945 War. It has carried out this obligation with great diligence ever since the end of hostilities. But time passes, and in a few years time there will be no living veterans of the campaign in Burma, but there will always be a need to ensure that future generations will be aware of their loyal and gallant service in the struggle against Japan. I am delighted that it has been decided to establish a Burma Star Scholarship Programme, through the Association’s connected charity, The Burma Star Memorial Fund, as a tribute to all those who gave their lives in the struggle.

The Programme is intended to help talented students in Engineering, Global Health and Infectious Diseases, all topics close to the hearts of all those who fought in the Burma Campaign. This ambitious project can only succeed with the generous support of all those who recognise the service and sacrifices of the men and women from every part of the Commonwealth and Empire far from their homes.

Keeping the spirit of the Burma Campaign alive

The 14th Army, which fought in Burma, is known as the ‘Forgotten Army’, despite being the largest Commonwealth Army ever assembled, comprising more than one million men from more than 20 countries, its hard-fought Campaign was overlooked by the press at the time – and indeed after the war. We are looking to right that wrong.

With the passing of time, and the inevitable decline in our membership, there is a real danger that the ‘Forgotten Army’ will pass from memory for all but the serious historian.

We are determined that their achievements should be remembered. The Burma Campaign was groundbreaking in so many ways. It was a bitter campaign fought in hostile terrain, where comradeship was forged in the heat of battle and ingenuity and innovation were crucially important factors. The 14th Army had to solve its own problems, forge a cohesive force out of disparate units from around the world, and build virtually everything it needed from scratch.

We have thought long and hard about the best way to remember those who took part in the campaign, and can think of no better way than creating a living memorial: a network of scholars from around the world, whose learning and achievements will keep the spirit of the Burma Campaign alive.

This is an ambitious project, and a radical departure for the Burma Star Memorial Fund. However, we are confident that with your help we can make it happen and create something worthy of the men who fought – and, in far too many instances, lost their lives – in the jungles of Burma.