As a result of the Second Anglo-Burmese War, Burma was initially set up as a province of British India.

Later it was made a separate crown colony within the British Empire.

Following invasion by the Empire of Japan during World War II, it was controlled by a Japanese military governor.

After the Japanese were expelled, it was under a Allied military commander, then a civilian governor until independence.

(Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office) acting