The Chindit Society

My sister has just come back from India. She did not manage to get to any of the places frequented by my grandfather in 1942, but had a wonderful trip. I'm still hoping to go back to Burma again one day, but as you say, this is almost impossible at the moment. I want to go up into the Shan State and retrace my grandfather's last steps before he became a prisoner of war.

 

The Chindit Society took part in the Cenotaph march past at Whitehall last Sunday. There was sadly very little coverage of our group on television. However, the Chindit party led by Chindits, Robbie Robertson and Sid Machin (in wheelchairs) can be viewed on the video below. We come into view from an aerial shot at approximately 1 hour, 49 minutes and 35 seconds.

 

The Society recently became aware of the sad passing of Kulbahadur Gurung MM at his home in Kathmandu. This soldier served with 3/6th Gurkha Rifles on Operation Thursday as part of 77 Brigade. More about the service and military career of Kulbahadur can be seen below:

 

So very Brave.

 

The Society is pleased to announce that we are currently involved with the US based 12 KP Historical Re-enactment group in commemorating the 80th anniversary of Operation Longcloth this year. They are planning a sponsored march through the Cumberland Scenic Trails, Tennessee in early June. To learn more, please click on the following link:

FAR EAST IMMERSION MARCH

 

Kudos to those guys; especially if they go in kit. I've been to Tennessee and can tell you that the reenactors won't get all those jungle diseases everyone had from being in Burma. It won't be as hot either.

 

Thanks for your post riter. The Chindit Society is extremely honoured that 12KP have taken on this commemorative march in June. As you may have read already, they are intending to deliver the march using kit and uniforms as close as they can get to those used on Longcloth. We wish them every success and offer up our full support in this endeavour.

 

A shout out to the 12KP Historical Re-enactment group, who began their four-day march commemorating Operation Longcloth today, through the Cumberland Scenic Trails, Tennessee. Good health to all the participants and enjoy!

 

Pen & Sword have re-released Philip Stibbe's, Return via Rangoon, acknowledging the 80th anniversary of Operation Longcloth: Return via Rangoon

 

A party of 20 plus from the Chindit Society marched at the Cenotaph yesterday (Sunday 12th November), including my sister and brother. Seen below some captures from television coverage. Later, at the Chindit Memorial on the Victorian Embankment we had in excess of 150 members attend a shorter service of our own. Lovely day with no interference, thankfully. Chindit veterans present were: Robbie Robertson, 16th Brigade Air Liaison and Sid Machin, 1st King's Liverpool.

 

The usual post-Remembrance surge of new family enquiries is still coming in thick & fast. So far I've responded to 32 emails, 15 of which I was able to identify the soldiers Chindit unit, if not actual column. That is a much higher percentage than normally occurs (35%).

 

The 80th Anniversary of the opening of Operation Thursday is coming up soon. 16 Brigade under the command of Brigadier Bernard Fergusson began their march into Burma on the 5th February or their abouts, followed by the more recognised airborne invasion by 77 Brigade on the 5th March 1944. The Chindit Society is planning one or two events to commemorate the anniversary and hopes to have at least two Chindit veterans present at these gatherings.

 

Pleased to place up on the forum, an article for the Chindit Society's recent visit to the home of the 352nd Special Operations Wing USAF at RAF Mildenhall:

The 352nd Special Operations Wing hosts Chindit veterans and families in celebration of Air Commando Heritage

 

Just bringing this to the attention of the forum. The Chindit Society were in some small way involved in the recent Burma Campaign Society's peace and reconciliation trip to Japan:

Former Enemies Now Friends: 97-Year-Old British Soldier Who Fought in the Battle of Imphal Tours Japan

 

Hi guys,

Ive just come across this forum when Ive started working on my family tree.

From what I can tell, my great grandfather (grandads father) fought in Burma during WW2, his name was Robert W (assuming William) Black born 20/05/1899. Story goes he charged a machine gun post and was shot in the legs.
Living relatives seem to confirm at least part of this story as they say he returned home to Liverpool emaciated and in a wheel chair.

I'm trying to search for him but am not having much joy.
I can see the 13th Battalion Kings regiment, Liverpool took part in Operation Longcloth. But im drawing a blank.

Any suggestions how I can find more info??

 

Firstly, a hearty welcome to you Daniel.

Secondly, a very wise expert is going to be along very, very soon, I’m sure .

The one thing I can advise you doing, if you’ve not already done so, is apply for his service records. It can take a while to receive them, but it will be well worth the wait:

Get a copy of military records of service

You’ll receive plenty of help with those too once you have them, I’m sure.

Best of luck with your research, you’re in the best place.

 

Welcome to the forum Daniel. I'm afraid that the Chindit Society have no details for Robert in our files. Both the 1st and 13th battalions of the King's Regiment served in Burma, but it was not always the case that a soldier would be placed into his home town regiment. I think Martin's advice as posted above, is the best way forward.

Steve

 

When I read Daniel’s description of his having returned home “emaciated”, the thought did cross my mind as to whether he maybe spent time as a POW? I entered his name onto the COFEPOW site as a general search (I’m not a member, which, I think, allows you to search their database more thoroughly?), but nothing showed up for him.

That said, doubtless a whole variety of tropical diseases that so many picked up out there could take a heavy toll on a man’s appearance.

Charging a machine gun post might potentially have earned a medal or MiD…all guesswork at this stage, of course, his records would be a great help.

 

Nothing shows up in terms of Chindits and being a POW. To have received such a debilitating wound on Operation Longcloth, would have almost certainly resulted in the casualty being left behind. But, all we are really doing here is guesswork and conjecture.