War in the Wilderness: The Chindits in Burma 1943-1944

The Chindits were a special operations force of the British Army that fought in Burma during World War II. They were formed in 1943 by Major-General Orde Wingate, who had previously led the Long Range Penetration Group (LRPG) in Burma. The Chindits were tasked with carrying out long-range raids behind Japanese lines, with the aim of disrupting Japanese supply lines and communications.

War in the Wilderness: The Chindits in Burma 1943-1944

by Tony Redding

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	36034 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	460 pages
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The Chindits were organized into three brigades, each of which consisted of three battalions. The brigades were named after their commanders: Brigadier Michael Calvert led the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Bernard Fergusson led the 111th Indian Infantry Brigade, and Brigadier John Masters led the 142nd Commando Brigade. The Chindits were also supported by a number of other units, including artillery, engineers, and medical personnel.

The Chindits carried out a number of successful raids behind Japanese lines. In February 1943, they launched Operation Longcloth, which involved a raid on the Japanese airfield at Meiktila. The raid was a success, and the Chindits destroyed a number of Japanese aircraft. In March 1944, the Chindits launched Operation Thursday, which involved a raid on the Japanese supply lines in northern Burma. The raid was also a success, and the Chindits destroyed a number of Japanese supplies.

However, the Chindits also suffered a number of setbacks. In May 1944, the Chindits were ambushed by a Japanese force at Indawgyi Lake. The ambush was a disaster, and the Chindits were forced to retreat. In June 1944, the Chindits were again ambushed by a Japanese force at Mogaung. The ambush was another disaster, and the Chindits were forced to retreat again.

The Chindits were eventually disbanded in August 1944. They had suffered heavy losses, but they had also achieved a number of successes. The Chindits had disrupted Japanese supply lines and communications, and they had helped to tie down Japanese forces. The Chindits were one of the most successful special operations forces of World War II.

Background

The Burma Campaign was one of the most difficult and bloody campaigns of World War II. The Japanese had invaded Burma in 1942, and they had quickly overrun the British and Indian forces in the country. By the end of 1942, the Japanese had control of most of Burma, and they were threatening to invade India.

The British government was determined to stop the Japanese advance, and they began to plan a counter-offensive in Burma. In 1943, the British formed the Chindits, a special operations force that was tasked with carrying out long-range raids behind Japanese lines.

The Chindits

The Chindits were a unique force. They were made up of volunteers from a variety of units, including the British Army, the Indian Army, and the Gurkha Rifles. The Chindits were trained in jungle warfare and survival techniques, and they were equipped with a variety of weapons and equipment.

The Chindits were organized into three brigades, each of which consisted of three battalions. The brigades were named after their commanders: Brigadier Michael Calvert led the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Bernard Fergusson led the 111th Indian Infantry Brigade, and Brigadier John Masters led the 142nd Commando Brigade. The Chindits were also supported by a number of other units, including artillery, engineers, and medical personnel.

Operations

The Chindits carried out a number of successful raids behind Japanese lines. In February 1943, they launched Operation Longcloth, which involved a raid on the Japanese airfield at Meiktila. The raid was a success, and the Chindits destroyed a number of Japanese aircraft. In March 1944, the Chindits launched Operation Thursday, which involved a raid on the Japanese supply lines in northern Burma. The raid was also a success, and the Chindits destroyed a number of Japanese supplies.

However, the Chindits also suffered a number of setbacks. In May 1944, the Chindits were ambushed by a Japanese force at Indawgyi Lake. The ambush was a disaster, and the Chindits were forced to retreat. In June 1944, the Chindits were again ambushed by a Japanese force at Mogaung. The ambush was another disaster, and the Chindits were forced to retreat again.

The Chindits were eventually disbanded in August 1944. They had suffered heavy losses, but they had also achieved a number of successes. The Chindits had disrupted Japanese supply lines and communications, and they had helped to tie down Japanese forces. The Chindits were one of the most successful special operations forces of World War II.

Legacy

The Chindits are remembered as one of the most courageous and effective special operations forces of World War II. They fought against overwhelming odds, and they played a major role in the Allied victory in Burma. The Chindits are still studied today by military strategists, and they continue to inspire soldiers around the world.

The Chindits were a unique and effective special operations force. They fought against overwhelming odds, and they played a major role in the Allied victory in Burma. The Chindits are still remembered today as one of the most courageous and effective special operations forces of World War II.

War in the Wilderness: The Chindits in Burma 1943-1944

by Tony Redding

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	36034 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	460 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE