THE HISTORY OF THE CHINDITS
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During the 1939-45 World War, a Division of troops some 18,000 strong was specially trained in Commando methods to infiltrate behind enemy lines in Burma. They became known as CHINDITS, the name given to them by their leader and founder, Major General Orde Charles Wingate, D.S.O.
After an initial trial expedition in 1943, the full Force marched, or landed, in the jungle by gliders and Dakota aircraft, behind the enemy lines in March, 1944.
The mission was successful and eventually started the offensive that led to victory in Burma.
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The Force suffered many casualties either killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Many of the survivors still suffer today from the hardship, rigours and strain of the two long arduous campaigns when the only contact with base was by radio, and all supplies came by air drop.
After the War, the Chindits formed their own Old Comrades' Association to foster friendships made during the Campaigns and to establish a welfare service to assist those who still suffer today from the rigours of many months of action.
The Chindits were very much an international force, which included British, Gurkhas, Burmese and West African servicemen. Air support was provided by the Royal Air Force and First Air Commando of the United States Army Air Force.
A rare photograph of Chindits operating behind enemy lines after many months in the jungle.
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