The Chindits

Overview

In the wake of the Allied retreat and reorganization in India, a new and daring force emerged to disrupt Japanese operations in Burma: the Chindits. These specialized units, known for their deep-penetration missions behind enemy lines, played a crucial role in the Allied strategy. By understanding the Chindits’ operations, we can see how their efforts laid the groundwork for the pivotal battles in the Northeast.

Who were The Chindits

The Chindits were a special operations unit of the British Indian Army that were in charge of long rang missions that were behind the Japanese lines. They were known for their unconventional combat tactics and they had a significant impact of the Burma Campaign. The unit was developed by Orde Wingate who took inspiration from his experiences with warfare in Ethiopia & Palestine. An interesting fact is that the word “Chindits” derives from “Chinthe” which was a word in Burmese that refers to a mythical creature like that of a lion which symbolizes protection and Strength. There were two campaigns that were played out by The Chindits in 1943 and 1944, they were Operation Longcloth, and Operation Thursday.

Operation Longcloth

The objective for Operation Longcloth was simple, the Chindits were to create havoc in Japanese Occupied territories in Norther Burma lead by Major General Orde Wingate. The Operation began on February 8th of 1943, from the city of Imphal. The Chindits were divided into several “columns” where their first movements involved crossing the Chindwin River and entering Japanese Territory. It wasn’t until the near end of February that the Chindits would come across their first combat engagement with Japanese forces in which they ever successful in defeating them and capturing valuable intelligence. By early March, The Chindits would be going deeper into Japanese held territory where they would be targeting railways, and supply depots. This would be coincide with rough terrain as they were going deeper into Burma. Brigadier Wingate establishes a sit in strategy where temporary bases known as “boxes” will be formed where further operations can be launched. By march 20th the Japanese have already taken note of the Chindits Operations and plan to locate and eliminate them. Despite all these efforts against increasing Japanese pressure, by the beginning of April the Chindits would have being their exfiltration back to India. It would be an arduous journey with many troops suffering from disease and exhaustion, not to mention a lack of supplies. By April 25th, the last of The Chindit Columns had made it back. The operation overall was considered a success with Japanese Operations being disrupted. The operation provided valuable lessons that informed the planning and execution of subsequent operations, including Operation Thursday.

Operation Thursday

Much like Operation Longcloth, Operation Thursday aimed to create havoc by disrupting supply lines, establishing strongholds in enemy territory, and forcing the Japanese to divert resources to counter the threats. As with the previous operation, Brigadier Orde Wingate led the Chindits back into Burma. On March 5, 1944, the first columns of Chindits landed in Burma via gliders. Despite difficulties and heavy casualties, the first stronghold named Broadway was established. By March 20, another stronghold, Chowringhee, was set up, which also functioned as a landing strip. By the end of March, reinforcements and supplies were being flown in. The Chindits continued their mission of sabotaging Japanese supply lines and disrupting communication lines by May 1944. Additional bases, such as White City and Blackpool, were established as launch points for future missions. However, by June 1944, the Japanese counterattacks increased, compounded by the onset of the monsoon season. By July, the exhausted Chindit forces began their withdrawal back to India, and Operation Thursday concluded in August 1944.

Operation Longcloth and Thursday of the Chindits’ campaign were critical in diverting Japanese attention and resources, indirectly supporting the Allied forces during the Battle of Imphal and Kohima. These battles, pivotal in the Burma Campaign, saw the Allied forces, led by Lieutenant General William Slim, successfully repel Japanese advances, marking a turning point in the South-East Asian theatre. The disruption caused by the Chindits played a significant role in weakening Japanese supply lines and communication, contributing to the eventual Allied victory in these crucial battles.