The Chindit Society

In one of the Chindit books, possibly Prisoners of Hope, the pilots of the light aircraft used to collect the wounded and ill, often said they could smell White City before they could actually see it.

 

Yes.
The Bodies of The Japanese were regularly incinerated by our Chindits using flamethrowers but still, night after night, they came!

 

Another sad announcement today. Frank Twigge, a Chindit with the 1st Battalion, the Lancashire Fusiliers in 1944 passed away on the 8th January:

 

So sad but also so very proud of them all.
Giving all they had under the most difficult of situations that anyone could ever have imagined.
Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.

 

Hi.
i visited John a few times, only found out today he had passed. Have I missed the funeral or are there any known dates?
Alex.

 

PS. That’s my photo!

 

What a wonderful, distinguished age.
Another very brave man gone to be with his Comrades to March, once again, to La Mandolinata - This lively March will swell their hearts with Pride.
Pax Vobiscum.

 

I'm afraid the funeral was on the 20th Alex. He had a good send off with some military representation, and two Standard Bearers and a bugler I believe. Sorry that you missed this opportunity to say your own farewell.

When did you take the photo shown above? I must say it is one of the best of John I have seen of late.

Cheers now

Steve

 

Hi.
Gutted I missed the announcement. That photo was late 2018 I think. I think I said “a nice cup of Tobruk tea” he replied “I’ll drink to that and smiled”
John was amazing in giving me details about Tobruk as I didn’t get the chance to ask my Grandad.
i must’ve posted that pic on this forum before then?

Alex

 

If the family release any photos of his funeral I will post them here.

 

An interesting group Steve, one I’m sure you’re familiar with:

South Staffordshire Pre War and WW2 Chindit Medal Group consisting King George VI GSM with bar "P

(I have no connection with the seller nor the auction house)

 

Thanks Martin, I know only that he was originally from East London and that he went through the entire campaign in 1944 without being evacuated.

 

Cheers Steve.

 

The latest issue of the Chindit Society (Spring 2022) newsletter is available now for download from the CS website, here:

The Chindit Column - The Chindit Society

 

It is my sad duty to announce the death of another Chindit veteran.

Flight Lieutenant John Marett Knowles passed away at his home in Cyprus on the 20th February 2022 aged 99. John, who was born in Brooklyn, USA and became a Canadian national in 1945 and later worked for the United Nations. He was a RAF Liaison officer on Operation Thursday, serving with No. 22 Column (2nd Queens Royal Regiment) part of 16th Brigade.

 

The Chindit Society's July reunion event has had to be cancelled almost at the very last minute. It was due to be held at the barracks of today's 77 Brigade on July 23rd, but due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the sensitive nature of 77 Brigade's work, no civilian access is currently allowed on this site.

The Society is currently re-organising a replacement event at the National Arboretum (Alrewas) hopefully to coincide with the VJ Day commemorations on Saturday the 13th August.

 

Thank You.
77 Bgde very close to my heart!

 

Very sad to report the death of one of our Chindit stalwarts, Peter Heppell, who passed away on the 7th August aged 102. Peter served on Operation Thursday with the Royal Engineers attached to the 1st King's Regiment, part of 77 Brigade.

 

Another sad loss, very sorry to hear this

 

Thanks Martin. Peter was one of our ever-presents over the last few years. It is a huge loss to us at the Society.