List of colonial governors of Burma Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Governor of Burma
Standard of the Governor, 1939–1948
Longest serving Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler 28 October 1915–22 September 1917 21 December 1922–20 December 1927
Style	His Excellency
Residence	Government House, Rangoon
Appointer	Monarch of the United Kingdom
Formation	31 January 1862
First holder	Arthur Purves Phayre
Final holder	Sir Hubert Elvin Rance
Abolished	4 January 1948
Succession	President of Myanmar

Burma [Upper (orange) and Lower (pink)], 1886.

The colonial governors of Burma were important leaders. They were in charge of the area known as British Burma. This land is now modern-day Myanmar. These governors were like the top bosses for the British government in Burma.

Burma became a part of the British Empire after the Second Anglo-Burmese War. At first, it was a province of British India. Later, it became a separate crown colony. This meant it was directly controlled by the British Crown.

During World War II, Japan invaded Burma. A Japanese military governor then took control. After the Japanese were pushed out, an Allied military commander took over. Finally, a civilian governor led Burma until it became an independent country.

Who Were Burma's Colonial Leaders?
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Who Were Burma's Colonial Leaders?

Burma had different types of leaders during the British colonial period. These included Chief Commissioners, Lieutenant Governors, and Governors. Each role had specific duties in managing the country.

Chief Commissioners: Early British Rule

The first type of leader was the Chief Commissioner. They were in charge when Burma was still a province of British India. Their job was to set up British administration and control the region.

Arthur Purves Phayre was the very first Chief Commissioner. He started on January 31, 1862.
Other important Chief Commissioners included Albert Fytche and Ashley Eden. They helped expand British influence.
Frederick William Richards Fryer was the last Chief Commissioner. He served until May 1, 1897.

Lieutenant Governors: Growing British Power

After 1897, the role changed to Lieutenant Governor. This showed Burma's growing importance within the British Empire. These leaders had more power than the Chief Commissioners.

Frederick William Richards Fryer continued as the first Lieutenant Governor.
Sir Herbert Thirkell White served from 1905 to 1910.
Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler was a notable Lieutenant Governor. He later became a full Governor.

Governors: Direct British Control

In 1923, the leader's title changed again to Governor. This happened when Burma became a separate crown colony. The Governor was directly responsible to the British monarch.

Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler became the first Governor. He served from 1923 to 1927. He was also the longest-serving leader overall.
Sir Charles Alexander Innes followed him, serving for five years.
Sir Reginald Hugh Dorman-Smith was Governor when Japan invaded.

Military Leaders During World War II

During World War II, Burma was occupied by Japan. Military commanders took charge instead of civilian governors.

Lieutenant General Shōjirō Iida was the first Japanese military commander.
General Masakazu Kawabe and General Heitarō Kimura also led during this time.

After Japan's defeat, the Allies took control.

Acting Admiral Lord Mountbatten was the first Allied military governor.
Major General Sir Hubert Elvin Rance took over after him.

The Last Colonial Governor

After the war, Burma returned to civilian rule under a British Governor.

Sir Hubert Elvin Rance became the last British Governor of Burma. He oversaw the country's transition to independence.
Burma gained its independence on January 4, 1948. The role of colonial governor then ended.