Chindits

The Chindits (Officially in 1942 77th Indian Infantry Brigade and in 1943 Indian 3rd Infantry Division) were a British jungle Special Forces unit that served in Burma from 1943 until 1945 as part of the Fourteenth Army during the Burma Campaign in World War II. They were formed into long range penetration groups trained to operate from bases deep behind Japanese lines.

Change of Command

On March 24th, Wingate flew to Imphal to confer with air force commanders. Returning, his aircraft is believed to have flown into a thunderstorm, and crashed in the jungle-covered mountains. All aboard were killed.

Related Topics:
March 24th - Imphal

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The command of the Chindits was handed to Brigadier Lentaigne, one of the Chindit Brigade commanders known for his caution. Several major changes in strategy were made. Much of the air support was diverted to the battles around Imphal and Kohima and 23rd Brigade, yet to fly in, was also despatched to Kohima. Those Chindits already operating in Burma were ordered to assist US General Joseph Stilwell on the northern front.

Related Topics:
Kohima - Joseph Stilwell

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In April, Lentaigne ordered the part of 111 Brigade that was west of the Irrawaddy, now commanded by John Masters, to leave their earlier outposts, move north near Hopin and to build a new stronghold, codenamed Blackpool, and block Japanese supply routes. Calvert was ordered to abandon White City and Broadway and support Masters.

Related Topics:
John Masters - Hopin

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Masters's force established Blackpool on May 8. Fierce fighting ensued when the Japanese discovered the Chindits' position. Whereas White City had been deep in the Japanese rear and its attackers had been a mixed bag of battalions and detachments from several formations, Blackpool was close to the Japanese northern front, and was attacked by two regiments from the Japanese 53rd Division, with heavy artillery support. Because the monsoon had broken and heavy rain made movement in the jungle very difficult, neither Calvert nor Brodie's 14th Brigade could help Masters. Finally, Masters had to abandon Blackpool on May 24, because the men were too exhausted after 17 days of continual combat. 19 Allied soldiers, who were so badly injured as to be beyond hope of recovery and could not be moved, were shot by the medical orderlies.

Related Topics:
May 8 - May 24

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