Burma Independence Issue
August 1, 1943
"This issue commemorated the independence of Burma from Japan on August 1, 1943. The designs of the postage stamps were taken from an open competition and the designs prepared for relief printing. The paper is of a poor quality offset type and many stamps show discoloration.
There were three different issues of this set, the first being the above date, the second issue was released August 4, 1943, and the third issue was released on January 4, 1944.
The following descriptions of the designs and their interpretations are from the 1946 paper issued by Colonel G. L. Roberts and Mr. E. A. Smythies for the Philatelic Society of India."
1 Cent - Orange
Designed by Maung Ba Thit - Second Place Winner
"A Burmese soldier with a rifle on his back, representing young manhood is chiselling the word "Independence" on a block of wood, using his bayonet and a hammer. At the top are the words "Government of Burma" and at the bottom "Postage 1 cent." The rising sun forms a background and in the left center is the Government crest."