Chindits

Chindits (Long Range Penetration Groups)
A Chindit column crosses a river in Burma; men suffering from dysentery often went naked.
Active1942–1945
CountryBritish Raj British India
BranchArmy of India
TypeSpecial forces
RoleClose-quarters combat
Direct action
Forward observer
Jungle warfare
Long-range penetration
Raiding
Special operations
Special reconnaissance
Urban warfare
Size9,000 to 12,000
Garrison/HQJhansi, India
Motto(s)9 Gorkha ho ki hoina
EngagementsBurma Campaign of World War II
DecorationsFour members awarded the Victoria Cross
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Orde Wingate,
"Joe" Lentaigne
Insignia
Formation sign of the Chindits (also known as the 3rd Indian Infantry Division)[1]

The Chindits, officially known as Long Range Penetration Groups, were special operations units of the British and Indian armies which saw action in 1943–1944 during the Burma Campaign of World War II.

The British Army Brigadier Orde Wingate formed the Chindits for raiding operations against the Imperial Japanese Army, especially long-range penetration, attacking Japanese troops, facilities and lines of communication deep behind Japanese lines.

Their operations featured long marches through extremely difficult terrain, undertaken by underfed troops often weakened by diseases such as malaria and dysentery. Controversy persists over the extremely high casualty-rate and the debatable military value of the achievements of the Chindits.

  1. ^ Cole p. 77

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