Dates: 1943 - 1945

Chindits of Burma
The Chindits were the largest of the allied Special Forces of the 2nd World War. They were formed, named and lead by Major General Orde Wingate DSO. The Chindits operated deep behind enemy lines in North Burma in the War against Japan. For many months they lived and fought the enemy in the jungles of Japanese occupied Burma, totally relying on airdrops for their supplies.

There were two expeditions into Burma that involved the Chindits, “Operation Longcloth” in February 1943 was the first that consisted of a force of 3,000 men who marched over 1,000 miles during the campaign. And “Operation Thursday” in March 1944 was the second expedition and was on a much larger scale. It was the second largest airborne invasion of the war and consisted of a force of 20,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers with air support provided by the 1st Air Commando USAAF. The Dakota aircraft and glider played a huge roll by dropping men and supplies. The leader of the Chindits, General Wingate, was killed a few weeks after the launch of this operation. The mission was successful and helped greatly towards the Japanese surrender.

Part of the 14th Army Burma campainge.

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