The Chindit Society

Discussion in 'Burma & India' started by bamboo43, Mar 21, 2016.

  1. impala_ood

    impala_ood Junior Member

    So sad to just see a local media report that John Hutchin sadly passed away earlier this month. Mr Hutchin lived in my home town. Last year an acquaintance put me in touch with him, and I was surprised one evening when he phoned me, proud to have the chance to speak with and listen to him, and honoured to be able to say thank you personally, for his service, for surviving, for his long life and for doing so much to keep the memory of the Chindits alive, including the men like my Great Uncle who fought in the same operation but didn't make it back, alive. That brief conversation was a link to a loved one that I never knew, that I'll never forget. Such sad news.

    War veteran who survived shocking conditions dies
     
  2. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    John died on the 18th March after a short period in hospital. The Chindit Society has not announced this whilst waiting to hear news of a funeral, which we knew John was against. Obviously, we are saddened by the loss of one of our most well-known and iconic Chindits. Thanks for putting this up on the forum.

    Steve
     
  3. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

  4. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Below is a poignant photograph of John in front of his local war memorial at Tenterden in Kent. It is sad to think that this was just five months ago:

    1120.jpg
     
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  5. Wobbler

    Wobbler Well-Known Member

    Very sad to read of his passing.

    Remembered with honour, always. :poppy:
     
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  6. Pete Keane

    Pete Keane Senior Member

    Hi Steve

    Have you seen the Chindit figurine being sold by Danbury Mint?

    Pete
     
  7. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  8. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi Pete,

    Good to hear from you. No I hadn't seen or heard about this before today. Hope all is well?

    Steve
     
  9. Pete Keane

    Pete Keane Senior Member

  10. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Thanks Pete. I'll inform the membership that this is on the market. We are hoping to hold our first event in over a year in early July, but are waiting to see if Covid-19 is coming under control.
     
  11. JITTER PARTY

    JITTER PARTY Well-Known Member

    Why? It is awful!
     
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  12. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    I didn't say I recommended they buy one!!:D
     
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  13. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    On 16/5/21 his obituary appeared (behind a pay wall): John Hutchin, fought with the Chindits behind enemy lines in Burma – obituary

    I know about the Chindits, very littel compared to those here I expect. I was intrigued by this passage, as I'd not heard of this unit (after the thread I started on Bali's surrender):
     
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  14. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    As you may have already seen on another related thread, early in June we lost Donald MacKenzie a Chindit with No. 26 Column (Cameronians) on Operation Thursday. Sadly, I must now report the loss of Horace Howkins (South Staffs in 1944), who passed away just yesterday aged 98.

    MacKenzie Donald 26 Col. Cam copy 2.jpg Howkins H. 2011 2 copy 3.jpg
     
  15. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Sadly, the Chindit Society reunion planned for the 10th July has been cancelled. The last minute decision was decided upon by the MOD as coronavirus cases increase more widely, but especially amongst service personnel in barracks etc.

    We are hoping for a re-arrangement of the event, but with all the uncertainty around coming out of the pandemic, it is hard to say when that might be.
     
    MacKenzie14 likes this.
  16. Hebridean Chindit

    Hebridean Chindit Lost in review... Patron

    (To the tune of a popular wartime ditty...)
    Tis a short way, oh me ol' China, tis a short way to go, tis a short way, to the distillery, and the smoothest dram I know...! :cheers: :D
     
    bamboo43 likes this.
  17. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

  18. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Sad to report that Arthur Rollins, our oldest known Chindit passed away yesterday (October 2nd 2021) aged 104. Arthur served with the South Staffs on Operation Thursday and only became known to the Society late last year.

    AR.jpg
     
  19. Wobbler

    Wobbler Well-Known Member

    Very sad news. God rest his soul :poppy:
     
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  20. Hebridean Chindit

    Hebridean Chindit Lost in review... Patron

    rip... :poppy:

    Do we know how many Chindit's are with us still...?
    There will be a few of the few who have remained quiet and may only appear with an obit that may slip through here and there...
    My dad was 20 when he went in in 1944 and 21 when he was in hospital after being flown out... he was born 1923 and called up in 1941... there will not be that many that are younger than 98 now...
    Do we even know who the youngest Chindit is or was...? I've heard mention of an "oldest Chindit" but not a "youngest"...?
     
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