The Chindit Society
You may not be aware, but sadly 2015 was the last year of the Chindit Old Comrades Association or COCA as it was more commonly known. This organisation has been in existence since the late 1940's and has kept the name and the legend of the Chindits alive ever since. The association was based in Wolverhampton and held an annual dinner in June, as well as organising other events for veterans and their families throughout the year.
Acting alongside COCA, there has been an organisation called 'The Friends of the Chindits'. The aim of the 'Friends' was to provide continuity and support for The Old Comrades, as it looked to maintain the legacy of the Chindit name and to promote their story to a wider audience. This spring (2016), both these organisations have been succeeded by the newly formed 'Chindit Society'.
The aims and objectives of the new Society are:
With this in mind, The Chindit Society warmly welcomes any families with Chindit, or possible Chindit connections to join our group. As well as carrying out the above objectives, we will be looking to produce at least two Society newsletters each year and publishing our own website with the aim of bringing together in one place, the story of the Chindits and their unique contribution to the Burma Campaign.
For more information about joining the Society, please contact: info@thechinditsociety.org.uk
Or alternatively download the membership form shown below.
Update 20/04/2017.
I am pleased to announce that the Chindit Society website is now on line: thechinditsociety.org.uk/about-chindits
You may not be aware, but sadly 2015 was the last year of the Chindit Old Comrades Association or COCA as it was more commonly known. This organisation has been in existence since the late 1940's and has kept the name and the legend of the Chindits alive ever since. The association was based in Wolverhampton and held an annual dinner in June, as well as organising other events for veterans and their families throughout the year.
Acting alongside COCA, there has been an organisation called 'The Friends of the Chindits'. The aim of the 'Friends' was to provide continuity and support for The Old Comrades, as it looked to maintain the legacy of the Chindit name and to promote their story to a wider audience. This spring (2016), both these organisations have been succeeded by the newly formed 'Chindit Society'.
The aims and objectives of the new Society are:
- To protect and maintain the legacy and good name of the Chindits and their great deeds during the Burma Campaign.
- To carry that name forward into the public domain, through presentations and education.
- To gather together and keep safe Chindit writings, memoirs and other treasures for the benefit of future generations.
- To assist families and other interested parties in seeking out the history of their Chindit relative or loved one.
- Wherever possible, to ensure the continued well being of all our Chindit veterans.
With this in mind, The Chindit Society warmly welcomes any families with Chindit, or possible Chindit connections to join our group. As well as carrying out the above objectives, we will be looking to produce at least two Society newsletters each year and publishing our own website with the aim of bringing together in one place, the story of the Chindits and their unique contribution to the Burma Campaign.
For more information about joining the Society, please contact: info@thechinditsociety.org.uk
Or alternatively download the membership form shown below.
Update 20/04/2017.
I am pleased to announce that the Chindit Society website is now on line: thechinditsociety.org.uk/about-chindits
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The Chindit Society Newsletter Archive
Please take the opportunity to download the back issues of the Chindit Society newsletter, The Chindit Column:
Please take the opportunity to download the back issues of the Chindit Society newsletter, The Chindit Column:
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The New 77th Brigade-The Cyber Chindits
A new Army unit, which will use psychology and social media to help Britain fight in the information age, has been created. The 77th Brigade began life in April 2015 and is made up of civilian personnel as well as regulars from all three services. One of its main objectives is to help defence forces operate in a smarter more modern way. Modeled on the spirit and innovation shown by Wingate’s Chindits during WW2, the new unit's focus will be on unconventional and non-lethal methods of engaging the enemy, such as shaping behaviours on-line through the use of propaganda and dynamic narratives.
The development is part of a major restructuring of the military under the Army 2020 plan. The Brigade is being created to draw together a host of existing and developing capabilities essential to meet the challenges of modern conflict and warfare. It recognises that on the cyber battlefield outcomes can be affected in ways that are not necessarily violent and it draws heavily on important lessons learned from our recent experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Brigade will be based at Hermitage in Berkshire and will operate across the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, as well as training and working with other nations counter-intelligence agencies and across UK government departments.
Seen below are two photographs taken during our Chindit veterans visit to meet the new Brigade on the 17th July 2015. The second image shows our own John Riggs congratulating one of the new members of 77th Brigade on receiving his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. To learn more about the new 77th Brigade, please click on the following link: www.army.mod.uk/structure/39492.aspx
A new Army unit, which will use psychology and social media to help Britain fight in the information age, has been created. The 77th Brigade began life in April 2015 and is made up of civilian personnel as well as regulars from all three services. One of its main objectives is to help defence forces operate in a smarter more modern way. Modeled on the spirit and innovation shown by Wingate’s Chindits during WW2, the new unit's focus will be on unconventional and non-lethal methods of engaging the enemy, such as shaping behaviours on-line through the use of propaganda and dynamic narratives.
The development is part of a major restructuring of the military under the Army 2020 plan. The Brigade is being created to draw together a host of existing and developing capabilities essential to meet the challenges of modern conflict and warfare. It recognises that on the cyber battlefield outcomes can be affected in ways that are not necessarily violent and it draws heavily on important lessons learned from our recent experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Brigade will be based at Hermitage in Berkshire and will operate across the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, as well as training and working with other nations counter-intelligence agencies and across UK government departments.
Seen below are two photographs taken during our Chindit veterans visit to meet the new Brigade on the 17th July 2015. The second image shows our own John Riggs congratulating one of the new members of 77th Brigade on receiving his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. To learn more about the new 77th Brigade, please click on the following link: www.army.mod.uk/structure/39492.aspx
On the 30th January 2017, a number of our Chindit veterans and their families were invited to the 77th Brigade Head Quarters, for a special lunch in the presence of HRH Prince Charles and the Viscount Slim.
On a rather damp and misty day, the various Chindits made their way to the Denison Barracks, a small Army encampment near the town of Thatcham in Berkshire and were greeted by the officers and NCO’s at the door of the Sergeant’s Mess building. All who attended enjoyed a wonderfully relaxed and informal afternoon, attentively hosted by all ranks from the Brigade.
There was an excellent display of decommissioned weaponry, made up of items used by the Chindits during the two Wingate expeditions. These included: a short magazine Lee Enfield rifle, a Bren gun, a Thompson submachine gun, a Vickers medium machine gun and an American M1 Semi-automatic rifle. Perhaps the only weapons missing from the display, were the trusted 3” mortar and the rather unreliable Sten gun. The was also a small audio-visual display set up showing photographs and video clips of the Brigade’s visit to Mawlu in March 2014. The soldiers chosen to deliver this display did so with great enthusiasm and had clearly been positively affected by their time in Burma.
Later in the afternoon, HRH Prince Charles arrived, sporting, I was pleased to see, his Chindit Old Comrades tie. As always, the Prince spoke to our veterans with both interest and understanding and equally, the Chindits responded with typically informative and witty replies. The Prince, who had come in the first instance to investigate the work of the newly raised ‘Cyber’ Chindit Brigade then addressed the room, thanking his hosts for their warm welcome and absorbing conversation. Commanding Officer, Brigadier Alastair Aitken then responded on behalf of 77th Brigade. I think I can safely say that a good time was had by all and I’m sure our Chindits in particular would like to do it all again soon.
Article by Steve Fogden. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
100-MILE MARCH IN HONOUR OF THE CHINDITS
Chindit veterans dodged the rain and the post-election media frenzy on Friday 9th June to welcome five members of the 21st Century 77th Brigade on the completion of their five-day, 100-mile march from Lichfield Cathedral to London’s Chindit memorial in Victoria Embankment Gardens. They arrived at noon and were greeted by Chindits John Hutchin, Peter Heppell and Bill Smyly, together with Mark Slim and Phil Crawley of the Burma Star Association, Chindit Society and family members, and Major Paul Corden and seven others from 77th Brigade, including the march support team.
At the start of the march on Monday 5 June the 77th Brigade march team members were waved off by Chindit Arthur Baker and his son, Tony. Lichfield Cathedral was chosen as the start point because the Colours of the South Staffordshire Regiment, proudly carrying the “Chindits 1944” and “Burma 1944” battle honours, now rest there. On the Wednesday Chindit Reg Salisbury and his supporter, Michael Smith, met the marchers at a suitable Rendezvous Point (the Cottage of Content pub!) at Bidford-on-Avon and cheered them on.
After a photo session and a short Act of Remembrance ceremony at the Chindit memorial, with the 2-minute silence disturbed by the police helicopter providing top cover to Theresa May as she left Downing Street for her audience with Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace to form a new Government, the party moved off to Bill Slim’s statue on Whitehall for some more photos before boarding a minibus to take them to lunch at the London Scottish Drill Hall on Horseferry Road. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable event – the sun managed to shine throughout and, as ever, 77th Brigade were wonderful hosts.
The marchers reported no serious damage to their feet. They were not impressed to be told that, nearly 75 years ago, some Chindits found their boots more comfortable without socks!
Article by Tony Redding. Please click on any image to bring forward on the page.
Chindit veterans dodged the rain and the post-election media frenzy on Friday 9th June to welcome five members of the 21st Century 77th Brigade on the completion of their five-day, 100-mile march from Lichfield Cathedral to London’s Chindit memorial in Victoria Embankment Gardens. They arrived at noon and were greeted by Chindits John Hutchin, Peter Heppell and Bill Smyly, together with Mark Slim and Phil Crawley of the Burma Star Association, Chindit Society and family members, and Major Paul Corden and seven others from 77th Brigade, including the march support team.
At the start of the march on Monday 5 June the 77th Brigade march team members were waved off by Chindit Arthur Baker and his son, Tony. Lichfield Cathedral was chosen as the start point because the Colours of the South Staffordshire Regiment, proudly carrying the “Chindits 1944” and “Burma 1944” battle honours, now rest there. On the Wednesday Chindit Reg Salisbury and his supporter, Michael Smith, met the marchers at a suitable Rendezvous Point (the Cottage of Content pub!) at Bidford-on-Avon and cheered them on.
After a photo session and a short Act of Remembrance ceremony at the Chindit memorial, with the 2-minute silence disturbed by the police helicopter providing top cover to Theresa May as she left Downing Street for her audience with Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace to form a new Government, the party moved off to Bill Slim’s statue on Whitehall for some more photos before boarding a minibus to take them to lunch at the London Scottish Drill Hall on Horseferry Road. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable event – the sun managed to shine throughout and, as ever, 77th Brigade were wonderful hosts.
The marchers reported no serious damage to their feet. They were not impressed to be told that, nearly 75 years ago, some Chindits found their boots more comfortable without socks!
Article by Tony Redding. Please click on any image to bring forward on the page.
ROYAL VISIT TO 77th BRIGADE – WEDNESDAY 22nd NOVEMBER 2017
On Wednesday 22nd November last year HRH Prince Edward the Duke of Kent KG GCMG GCVO ADC (HM the Queen’s cousin and a Field Marshal) visited 77th Brigade at Denison Barracks, Hermitage. This gave another opportunity for Chindit and Burma Star veterans and their families/supporters, along with Chindit Society and Burma Star Association organisers, to visit the Brigade.
While HRH was given his royal tour of the Brigade in the morning, the veterans and their families/ supporters gathered at the Officers’ Mess.
After refreshments and a chance to look at the ever-popular Burma weapons collection and some display boards on the two Chindit operations, the veterans were given a presentation on today’s 77th Brigade by Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden, covering the Brigade’s organisation, role and capabilities. This highlighted that today’s 77th Brigade is concerned with Information Activities and Outreach at the non-lethal end of the spectrum of military operations, focusing on changing attitudes and behaviours of selected target audiences.
A group photo was set up for the arrival of HRH, who duly took his place on arrival in the Mess. HRH then looked at the weapons display, presented some replacement medals to the family of a deceased Burma Star veteran, and then joined the veterans for a lively chat over a glass of sherry, along with the Viscount Slim and Brigadier Chris Bell OBE, the Brigade Commander.
HRH, the veterans and their families/supporters then joined over sixty members of today’s Brigade at a convivial sit-down buffet lunch for a hundred people, following which HRH mingled with everyone in the Ante Room for a while before departing. As he left, HRH told the Brigadier that it was the most enjoyable visit he had been on for ages, with meeting the veterans being a very special highlight.
The veterans and their families/supporters were then shuttled by minibus to the Brigade Headquarters, where they were divided into three groups and went on a round-robin of three stands to meet some of today’s personnel and learn more about what they do.
In the Operations Centre they heard about various current operations the Brigade is supporting, including in Estonia, the Middle East and Africa.
In the Production area they met some of the highly creative specialists who use civilian artistic talents such as photography, film production, still and moving cartoon drawing and other creative design methods to get key messages across to selected target audiences, and they saw some fascinating examples of their products.
The Task Group explained their various skills that can be employed on the ground in operational areas by Information Warfare Teams (who conduct Information Activities, including Psychological Operations and gathering and disseminating information) and Tactical Engagement Teams (who conduct Outreach activities, including Civil-Military Co-operation and Stabilisation). Some personnel who had recently deployed to the Caribbean as part of the UK’s response to Hurricane Irma also explained how their skills can be used on disaster relief operations.
After the round-robin the visiting party returned to the Officers’ Mess for some final refreshments and then dispersed. It had been a full, varied, stimulating and fun day, with lots to take in, but the general consensus was that everyone now had a much better idea of what today’s 77th Brigade is all about.
Additionally, the veterans and their families/supporters seemed to be particularly impressed with the quality of all the people they had met, both socially in the Mess and during the round-robin in the afternoon. Their overall impression was that the 77th Brigade personnel they had met came across as bright, cheerful, personable, professional, buzzing with energy and all mutually reinforcing the Brigade’s key messages in an impressively joined-up way – perhaps a successful Information Activity effort in itself!
Article Lt-Colonel Paul Corden. Please click on any image to bring forward on the page.
On Wednesday 22nd November last year HRH Prince Edward the Duke of Kent KG GCMG GCVO ADC (HM the Queen’s cousin and a Field Marshal) visited 77th Brigade at Denison Barracks, Hermitage. This gave another opportunity for Chindit and Burma Star veterans and their families/supporters, along with Chindit Society and Burma Star Association organisers, to visit the Brigade.
While HRH was given his royal tour of the Brigade in the morning, the veterans and their families/ supporters gathered at the Officers’ Mess.
After refreshments and a chance to look at the ever-popular Burma weapons collection and some display boards on the two Chindit operations, the veterans were given a presentation on today’s 77th Brigade by Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden, covering the Brigade’s organisation, role and capabilities. This highlighted that today’s 77th Brigade is concerned with Information Activities and Outreach at the non-lethal end of the spectrum of military operations, focusing on changing attitudes and behaviours of selected target audiences.
A group photo was set up for the arrival of HRH, who duly took his place on arrival in the Mess. HRH then looked at the weapons display, presented some replacement medals to the family of a deceased Burma Star veteran, and then joined the veterans for a lively chat over a glass of sherry, along with the Viscount Slim and Brigadier Chris Bell OBE, the Brigade Commander.
HRH, the veterans and their families/supporters then joined over sixty members of today’s Brigade at a convivial sit-down buffet lunch for a hundred people, following which HRH mingled with everyone in the Ante Room for a while before departing. As he left, HRH told the Brigadier that it was the most enjoyable visit he had been on for ages, with meeting the veterans being a very special highlight.
The veterans and their families/supporters were then shuttled by minibus to the Brigade Headquarters, where they were divided into three groups and went on a round-robin of three stands to meet some of today’s personnel and learn more about what they do.
In the Operations Centre they heard about various current operations the Brigade is supporting, including in Estonia, the Middle East and Africa.
In the Production area they met some of the highly creative specialists who use civilian artistic talents such as photography, film production, still and moving cartoon drawing and other creative design methods to get key messages across to selected target audiences, and they saw some fascinating examples of their products.
The Task Group explained their various skills that can be employed on the ground in operational areas by Information Warfare Teams (who conduct Information Activities, including Psychological Operations and gathering and disseminating information) and Tactical Engagement Teams (who conduct Outreach activities, including Civil-Military Co-operation and Stabilisation). Some personnel who had recently deployed to the Caribbean as part of the UK’s response to Hurricane Irma also explained how their skills can be used on disaster relief operations.
After the round-robin the visiting party returned to the Officers’ Mess for some final refreshments and then dispersed. It had been a full, varied, stimulating and fun day, with lots to take in, but the general consensus was that everyone now had a much better idea of what today’s 77th Brigade is all about.
Additionally, the veterans and their families/supporters seemed to be particularly impressed with the quality of all the people they had met, both socially in the Mess and during the round-robin in the afternoon. Their overall impression was that the 77th Brigade personnel they had met came across as bright, cheerful, personable, professional, buzzing with energy and all mutually reinforcing the Brigade’s key messages in an impressively joined-up way – perhaps a successful Information Activity effort in itself!
Article Lt-Colonel Paul Corden. Please click on any image to bring forward on the page.
THE 77th BRIGADE’S CHINDWIN DINNER – 27th JANUARY 2018
On Saturday 27th January this year 77th Brigade commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the start of Operation Longcloth. Chindit and Burma Star veterans and their families/supporters, as well as key Chindit Society members and other external guests, were invited to make the event even more special.
The Chindit veterans who attended along with their families/supporters were Bill Smyly (the only still active veteran who fought in both Chindit operations), Peter Heppell, Horace Howkins and Reg Salisbury. The Burma Star Association was represented by veteran John Giddings MBE, their Chairman.
Sadly, the Viscount Slim was unable to attend, but other guests included Holly and Alice Wingate (now Wingate Pearce, following her marriage last year to Ed Pearce, who also attended), George Fergusson (son of Bernard Fergusson, who commanded No 5 Column on Operation Longcloth and 16th Brigade on Operation Thursday), Lt Col (Retd) Tony Groves, ex-6th Gurkha Rifles (whose mother’s cousin was a Spitfire pilot shot down and killed at Broadway on 17th March 1944), and the Chindit Society committee members, led by the Chairman, Paul Shenton JP.
The event started with a series of presentations in the Brigade Lecture Theatre, with an introduction given by Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden of Brigade Headquarters, who explained what the event was all about, including the background to the formation of today’s 77th Brigade and why it was given the number “77” (to channel the spirit of experimentation and innovation of the original Chindits / 77th Indian Infantry Brigade), and the Brigade’s pride in its Chindit heritage – a unifying “back-story/ history”, with the Chinthe arm badge as a unifying symbol for the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who serve in it.
For the benefit of some of the 77th Brigade personnel in the audience, especially Reservists, who had not really met the veterans before, he then explained the Brigade’s links with the Chindit Society and Burma Star Association. He rounded off with a quick overview of the Brigade’s Battlefield Study trip to Burma in March 2016, including showing a video of the trip made by Levison Wood, the famous TV adventurer, who happens to be a Reservist Parachute Regiment Major serving with 77th Brigade.
Dr Simon Anglim, a Teaching Fellow in the Department of War Studies at King’s College, London, then gave a fascinating presentation on the origins and development of Orde Wingate’s Long Range Penetration theory, using his experiences in Sudan, Palestine and Ethiopia, culminating in him raising the original 77th Brigade in India in 1942.
Steve Fogden, the Chindit Society’s own Archivist, then gave an expert personal presentation on Operation Longcloth. His talk was full of interesting details, illustrated by some wonderful photos and always emphasising the human perspective; indeed, his own grandfather was captured during the operation, ultimately to die as a Prisoner of War in Rangoon Jail.
Everyone then changed for dinner and reassembled in the Officers’ Mess Ante Room for drinks. The room was a splendid mixture of scarlet, gold, black, yellow and even more exotic colours of Mess Kit, Dinner Jackets, Chindit blazers, medals, evening dresses and Peter Wall’s tie!
A key local dignitary joined at this stage in the form of the Rt Hon Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, himself a former Royal Greenjackets officer.
Holly and Alice Wingate, along with Bill Smyly, posed for photos with a new piece of silver obtained by 77th Brigade to mark the occasion: a statuette of Field Marshal Bill Slim, with a commemorative inscription plaque engraved with the original and new Chinthe badges, a real Burma Star medal attached on one side and a 14th Army badge on the other.
After a speech of welcome by Brigadier Chris Bell OBE, everyone took their places in the Dining Room, with the tables laden with silver, candles, glassware and napkins.
Inside the menu booklets on the tables was a wonderful surprise: Dame Vera Lynn had been invited but, unable to attend, she had sent a signed photo with the Chindit motto, the boldest measures are the safest, which was printed inside each booklet, along with a wonderful, personal message to everyone, and especially to the veterans “to whom we owe so much."
The buzz of lively conversation never ceased as the veterans and their families/supporters got to know their modern counterparts better over a delicious five-course meal.
Even after the meal the conversation never ceased, as everyone retired to the Ante Room for more war stories and liquid refreshment!
Eventually the numbers started to dwindle, but several veterans fought an impressively valiant rearguard action until well after midnight, and a hardcore group of 77th Brigade officers carried on the motion until after 5.30 in the morning!
All in all, it was a memorable event that seems to have been enjoyed by all, and made all the more special by the presence of the wonderful veterans. It can certainly be said that this year’s commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Operation Longcloth has well and truly started!
Article Lt-Colonel Paul Corden. Please click on any image to bring forward on the page.
On Saturday 27th January this year 77th Brigade commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the start of Operation Longcloth. Chindit and Burma Star veterans and their families/supporters, as well as key Chindit Society members and other external guests, were invited to make the event even more special.
The Chindit veterans who attended along with their families/supporters were Bill Smyly (the only still active veteran who fought in both Chindit operations), Peter Heppell, Horace Howkins and Reg Salisbury. The Burma Star Association was represented by veteran John Giddings MBE, their Chairman.
Sadly, the Viscount Slim was unable to attend, but other guests included Holly and Alice Wingate (now Wingate Pearce, following her marriage last year to Ed Pearce, who also attended), George Fergusson (son of Bernard Fergusson, who commanded No 5 Column on Operation Longcloth and 16th Brigade on Operation Thursday), Lt Col (Retd) Tony Groves, ex-6th Gurkha Rifles (whose mother’s cousin was a Spitfire pilot shot down and killed at Broadway on 17th March 1944), and the Chindit Society committee members, led by the Chairman, Paul Shenton JP.
The event started with a series of presentations in the Brigade Lecture Theatre, with an introduction given by Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden of Brigade Headquarters, who explained what the event was all about, including the background to the formation of today’s 77th Brigade and why it was given the number “77” (to channel the spirit of experimentation and innovation of the original Chindits / 77th Indian Infantry Brigade), and the Brigade’s pride in its Chindit heritage – a unifying “back-story/ history”, with the Chinthe arm badge as a unifying symbol for the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who serve in it.
For the benefit of some of the 77th Brigade personnel in the audience, especially Reservists, who had not really met the veterans before, he then explained the Brigade’s links with the Chindit Society and Burma Star Association. He rounded off with a quick overview of the Brigade’s Battlefield Study trip to Burma in March 2016, including showing a video of the trip made by Levison Wood, the famous TV adventurer, who happens to be a Reservist Parachute Regiment Major serving with 77th Brigade.
Dr Simon Anglim, a Teaching Fellow in the Department of War Studies at King’s College, London, then gave a fascinating presentation on the origins and development of Orde Wingate’s Long Range Penetration theory, using his experiences in Sudan, Palestine and Ethiopia, culminating in him raising the original 77th Brigade in India in 1942.
Steve Fogden, the Chindit Society’s own Archivist, then gave an expert personal presentation on Operation Longcloth. His talk was full of interesting details, illustrated by some wonderful photos and always emphasising the human perspective; indeed, his own grandfather was captured during the operation, ultimately to die as a Prisoner of War in Rangoon Jail.
Everyone then changed for dinner and reassembled in the Officers’ Mess Ante Room for drinks. The room was a splendid mixture of scarlet, gold, black, yellow and even more exotic colours of Mess Kit, Dinner Jackets, Chindit blazers, medals, evening dresses and Peter Wall’s tie!
A key local dignitary joined at this stage in the form of the Rt Hon Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, himself a former Royal Greenjackets officer.
Holly and Alice Wingate, along with Bill Smyly, posed for photos with a new piece of silver obtained by 77th Brigade to mark the occasion: a statuette of Field Marshal Bill Slim, with a commemorative inscription plaque engraved with the original and new Chinthe badges, a real Burma Star medal attached on one side and a 14th Army badge on the other.
After a speech of welcome by Brigadier Chris Bell OBE, everyone took their places in the Dining Room, with the tables laden with silver, candles, glassware and napkins.
Inside the menu booklets on the tables was a wonderful surprise: Dame Vera Lynn had been invited but, unable to attend, she had sent a signed photo with the Chindit motto, the boldest measures are the safest, which was printed inside each booklet, along with a wonderful, personal message to everyone, and especially to the veterans “to whom we owe so much."
The buzz of lively conversation never ceased as the veterans and their families/supporters got to know their modern counterparts better over a delicious five-course meal.
Even after the meal the conversation never ceased, as everyone retired to the Ante Room for more war stories and liquid refreshment!
Eventually the numbers started to dwindle, but several veterans fought an impressively valiant rearguard action until well after midnight, and a hardcore group of 77th Brigade officers carried on the motion until after 5.30 in the morning!
All in all, it was a memorable event that seems to have been enjoyed by all, and made all the more special by the presence of the wonderful veterans. It can certainly be said that this year’s commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Operation Longcloth has well and truly started!
Article Lt-Colonel Paul Corden. Please click on any image to bring forward on the page.
Commemoration Dinner for Operation Thursday
With the huge success of the 77th Brigade Officers’ Mess Chindwin Dinner to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the start of Operation Longcloth, which occurred in January 2018, and was attended by some very distinguished guests, Holly and Alice Wingate, not to mention George Fergusson (son of Bernard Fergusson who commanded No. 5 Column on Operation Longcloth), the Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess held a dinner on Friday 20th April, to commemorate Operation Thursday which began so many years ago on the 5th March 1944.
The 75th Anniversary to celebrate the start of Operation Thursday will be 2019 next year, and so the Mess could not achieve such a array of guests to support our evening, however we were honoured with the attendance of John Hutchin and Peter Heppell, sadly with the unhappy news of Bill Smyly succumbing to illness and so unable to be with us for the evening. The Station Commander (Lt Col Humphreys) along with the Brigade Commander (Brigadier Bell) graced the top table along with our Chindit veterans. Also invited was an Officer from the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, which has been formed through the amalgamation of what was the ‘South Stafford’s’, including many other regiments that fought so gallantly throughout the Burma Campaign.
The evening started with the younger members of the Mess, meeting and sharing their present day exploits with both John and his wife Ann and Peter, with his daughter Sally (see photographs below), on the patio over a glass or two of wine before the obligatory Mess photo, which because of the superb spring weather on the evening came out exceptionally well. It was decided that because of the constant influx of new and ever younger members to 77 Brigade, the evening should be run along the lines of personal ‘bio-pics’ of our Chindit veterans and their experiences through this particular phase of the Second Chindit expedition.
The call to dinner was played by a member of the Rifles Regiment Band, who very kindly supported the evening with other members of the regiment that made up the quartet. With the first course completed, this was the signal to concentrate on our guests with a series of presentations enhanced by both audio and large screen visual aids. With both John and Peter’s acceptance, selected members of the Mess set the scene of what they had both endured during the first few hours, in the deliverance of this historic Chindit operation so many years ago. It was a privilege to understand the hardships that they both endured through this period, which impacted on them and their families.
Bringing the evening to a close we asked John Hutchin to remember those nearest and dearest currently away from us on operations from within 77th Brigade and to our fallen comrades, but the evening didn’t finish there. As you would expect a dinner night would never be a dinner night without the sound of regimental music that covers the Brigade’s numerous cap badges from all the different regiments and services such as the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines that we have serving with us.
Retiring into the bar gave us all a chance to get better acquainted and to reflect on what we had learnt about what John and Peter had gone through whilst in the jungle in 1944. The younger members of the Mess took it upon themselves to really interact and make our distinguished veterans feel welcomed.
This was a memorable occasion for all those that attended and we as a Mess were honoured to be in the presence of such humble and exceptional men. We look forward to 2019, which will enable us to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Operation Thursday to the fullest.
Article by WO2 Kevin Carter, 77 Brigade. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
With the huge success of the 77th Brigade Officers’ Mess Chindwin Dinner to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the start of Operation Longcloth, which occurred in January 2018, and was attended by some very distinguished guests, Holly and Alice Wingate, not to mention George Fergusson (son of Bernard Fergusson who commanded No. 5 Column on Operation Longcloth), the Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess held a dinner on Friday 20th April, to commemorate Operation Thursday which began so many years ago on the 5th March 1944.
The 75th Anniversary to celebrate the start of Operation Thursday will be 2019 next year, and so the Mess could not achieve such a array of guests to support our evening, however we were honoured with the attendance of John Hutchin and Peter Heppell, sadly with the unhappy news of Bill Smyly succumbing to illness and so unable to be with us for the evening. The Station Commander (Lt Col Humphreys) along with the Brigade Commander (Brigadier Bell) graced the top table along with our Chindit veterans. Also invited was an Officer from the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, which has been formed through the amalgamation of what was the ‘South Stafford’s’, including many other regiments that fought so gallantly throughout the Burma Campaign.
The evening started with the younger members of the Mess, meeting and sharing their present day exploits with both John and his wife Ann and Peter, with his daughter Sally (see photographs below), on the patio over a glass or two of wine before the obligatory Mess photo, which because of the superb spring weather on the evening came out exceptionally well. It was decided that because of the constant influx of new and ever younger members to 77 Brigade, the evening should be run along the lines of personal ‘bio-pics’ of our Chindit veterans and their experiences through this particular phase of the Second Chindit expedition.
The call to dinner was played by a member of the Rifles Regiment Band, who very kindly supported the evening with other members of the regiment that made up the quartet. With the first course completed, this was the signal to concentrate on our guests with a series of presentations enhanced by both audio and large screen visual aids. With both John and Peter’s acceptance, selected members of the Mess set the scene of what they had both endured during the first few hours, in the deliverance of this historic Chindit operation so many years ago. It was a privilege to understand the hardships that they both endured through this period, which impacted on them and their families.
Bringing the evening to a close we asked John Hutchin to remember those nearest and dearest currently away from us on operations from within 77th Brigade and to our fallen comrades, but the evening didn’t finish there. As you would expect a dinner night would never be a dinner night without the sound of regimental music that covers the Brigade’s numerous cap badges from all the different regiments and services such as the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines that we have serving with us.
Retiring into the bar gave us all a chance to get better acquainted and to reflect on what we had learnt about what John and Peter had gone through whilst in the jungle in 1944. The younger members of the Mess took it upon themselves to really interact and make our distinguished veterans feel welcomed.
This was a memorable occasion for all those that attended and we as a Mess were honoured to be in the presence of such humble and exceptional men. We look forward to 2019, which will enable us to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Operation Thursday to the fullest.
Article by WO2 Kevin Carter, 77 Brigade. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
CHINDIT ANNUAL REUNION 8-10 JUNE 2018
This year’s Chindit Annual Reunion over the weekend 8-10 June was a key event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Operation Longcloth, the first Chindit operation in 1943.
The first wave of participants established a stronghold at the Village Hotel, Walsall on Friday 8 June. After a relaxed and informal evening, and fortified by a hearty breakfast, they gathered on the Saturday morning to hear Tony Redding interviewing three Chindit veterans: Jim Clark, John Hutchin and Peter Heppell. Tony skilfully probed the veterans to draw out some special, personal reminiscences of their time as Chindits. Their answers were fascinating, moving and full of wonderful insights, and all present felt privileged just to be there listening in.
The focus then switched to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, near Lichfield. Over a hundred people gathered there over lunchtime, with the RV sensibly being the cafeteria – much simpler than a supply drop! Veterans and their families and supporters mixed with uniformed members of today’s 77th Brigade in a happy throng, until at 2.20pm a smart Gurkha piper summoned everyone to the Memorial Chapel with the skirl of bagpipes. The Chapel quickly filled up with families and supporters, then the veterans proudly entered, accompanied by the 77th Brigade contingent, and filled the front pew with an impressive row of uniforms, medals and Chindit badges.
The Revd. Alex Battey, 77th Brigade’s Padre, then conducted a wonderfully moving memorial service, with hymns and prayers interspersed with Wingate’s Order of the Day (Steve Fogden), Orde Wingate’s favourite reading from Ecclesiastes (Paul Shenton), the Chindit Prayer (Mandy Walsh), the Chindits’ Sonnet (Sally Lockhart), the 77th Brigade Collect (Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden) and a fascinating and very personal address by Tony Redding.
From the Chapel, everyone was then lured by the Gurkha piper to a nearby marquee for tea and cake (shades of the Pied Piper!), rounded off by the veterans ceremonially cutting a magnificent commemorative cake exquisitely decorated with the Chindit badge. Huge thanks to John and Pat Pearce for organising the cake, and to Amanda of Cakes by Design, St Ives, for her excellent baking and icing!
From the marquee, everyone then moved to the Chindit Memorial, passing through the beautifully tended grounds of the Arboretum, with everything in full bloom and looking wonderful in the glorious sunshine that we were blessed with. A couple of large golf-buggies carried those who needed a lift, including some of those who had marched hundreds of miles back in the war and didn’t need to prove themselves again! Once more, the Gurkha piper played as everyone gathered. Testament to the large attendance, there were not enough chairs and several people had to stand.
Alex Battey then conducted a short but moving ceremony at the Chindit Memorial. After an opening prayer, veteran John Hutchin gave the Exhortation. The Gurkha bugler, who had silently accompanied the piper throughout, then finally had his moment, playing the Last Post and Reveille either side of the 2-minute silence, his haunting bugle notes mixing beautifully with the background birdsong. Peter Heppell then gave the Kohima Epitaph, and the Gurkha piper then played a lament as wreaths were laid by Peter Heppell, Joe Cowley, Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden of 77th Brigade, and Chris Titmuss of the Help for Forgotten Allies (H4FA) charity.
At the end of the ceremony Paul Shenton addressed the gathering, then the veterans were seated in front of the Chindit Memorial for a series of photos with various groups added to them, such as the Chindit Society Committee, families and 77th Brigade, flanked by the Gurkha piper and bugler, whose presence added so much to the day, reflecting the large part that Gurkhas played in both Chindit operations.
After the photos people reluctantly started to disperse from the Arboretum, after what had been a wonderful event. Some had to return home, but the majority headed to the Village Hotel stronghold for the next phase of the operation: the Reunion Dinner. After some much-needed rehydration in the bar, seventy-three sat down for the dinner in a private room, with the veterans sprinkled around, carefully rationed at one per table: Peter Heppell, John Hutchin, Ian Niven, Jim Clark, Robbie Robertson and Horace Howkins. A delicious meal was enjoyed by all, amidst loud and convivial conversation. Throughout, a fascinating sequence of photos of Chindits was projected onto large screens in the background – several showing veterans present in the room, or relatives of others present, which clearly struck a chord whenever a familiar face appeared. There were a number of toasts and speeches, with the keynote address being given by Geordie Fergusson, until recently the Governor of Bermuda but, more importantly, the son of Bernard Fergusson, who commanded No 5 Column, 77th Brigade on Operation Longcloth and then 16th Brigade on Operation Thursday – a real privilege to hear him, mainly using the words of his father.
With raffle prizes distributed, the formal dinner proceedings drew to a close, and tables broke down into dispersal groups to make their way back to the bar. Several veterans fought valiant rearguard actions in the bar, supported by family and friends, before eventually retiring to their rooms, with quite a few keeping going until well after midnight – no names, no pack-drill, but we know who we are!
The following morning there was another 'interview with a veteran' session, this one conducted by Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden of 77th Brigade. Two of the veterans were the same – Peter Heppell and Jim Clark – but the third was new and added a different dimension: Squadron Leader (Retd) Robbie Robertson, who was in the RAF Liaison Team with No 22 Column, 16th Brigade, and who helped call in air resupply and close air support for them on the ground. Paul’s questions were different to Tony Redding’s the day before, so everyone present heard some completely new personal insights and vignettes from the veterans – another memorable privilege. This was the final event of a very full and enjoyable weekend, and the remaining participants then dispersed.
In closing, congratulations and a huge “thank you” have to go to all those involved in organising the various elements of the whole weekend, but especially to Paul Shenton, who masterminded the overall organisation and did so much to make it the resounding success that it was. Despite having to deal with a variety of crises and problems throughout the weekend, he maintained his composure like the proverbial swan (all serene on the surface, but with the legs paddling madly below!) and ensured that everyone had the most wonderful time, especially our magnificent veterans, to whom we all owe so much.
Article by Lt-Colonel Paul Corden. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
This year’s Chindit Annual Reunion over the weekend 8-10 June was a key event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Operation Longcloth, the first Chindit operation in 1943.
The first wave of participants established a stronghold at the Village Hotel, Walsall on Friday 8 June. After a relaxed and informal evening, and fortified by a hearty breakfast, they gathered on the Saturday morning to hear Tony Redding interviewing three Chindit veterans: Jim Clark, John Hutchin and Peter Heppell. Tony skilfully probed the veterans to draw out some special, personal reminiscences of their time as Chindits. Their answers were fascinating, moving and full of wonderful insights, and all present felt privileged just to be there listening in.
The focus then switched to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, near Lichfield. Over a hundred people gathered there over lunchtime, with the RV sensibly being the cafeteria – much simpler than a supply drop! Veterans and their families and supporters mixed with uniformed members of today’s 77th Brigade in a happy throng, until at 2.20pm a smart Gurkha piper summoned everyone to the Memorial Chapel with the skirl of bagpipes. The Chapel quickly filled up with families and supporters, then the veterans proudly entered, accompanied by the 77th Brigade contingent, and filled the front pew with an impressive row of uniforms, medals and Chindit badges.
The Revd. Alex Battey, 77th Brigade’s Padre, then conducted a wonderfully moving memorial service, with hymns and prayers interspersed with Wingate’s Order of the Day (Steve Fogden), Orde Wingate’s favourite reading from Ecclesiastes (Paul Shenton), the Chindit Prayer (Mandy Walsh), the Chindits’ Sonnet (Sally Lockhart), the 77th Brigade Collect (Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden) and a fascinating and very personal address by Tony Redding.
From the Chapel, everyone was then lured by the Gurkha piper to a nearby marquee for tea and cake (shades of the Pied Piper!), rounded off by the veterans ceremonially cutting a magnificent commemorative cake exquisitely decorated with the Chindit badge. Huge thanks to John and Pat Pearce for organising the cake, and to Amanda of Cakes by Design, St Ives, for her excellent baking and icing!
From the marquee, everyone then moved to the Chindit Memorial, passing through the beautifully tended grounds of the Arboretum, with everything in full bloom and looking wonderful in the glorious sunshine that we were blessed with. A couple of large golf-buggies carried those who needed a lift, including some of those who had marched hundreds of miles back in the war and didn’t need to prove themselves again! Once more, the Gurkha piper played as everyone gathered. Testament to the large attendance, there were not enough chairs and several people had to stand.
Alex Battey then conducted a short but moving ceremony at the Chindit Memorial. After an opening prayer, veteran John Hutchin gave the Exhortation. The Gurkha bugler, who had silently accompanied the piper throughout, then finally had his moment, playing the Last Post and Reveille either side of the 2-minute silence, his haunting bugle notes mixing beautifully with the background birdsong. Peter Heppell then gave the Kohima Epitaph, and the Gurkha piper then played a lament as wreaths were laid by Peter Heppell, Joe Cowley, Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden of 77th Brigade, and Chris Titmuss of the Help for Forgotten Allies (H4FA) charity.
At the end of the ceremony Paul Shenton addressed the gathering, then the veterans were seated in front of the Chindit Memorial for a series of photos with various groups added to them, such as the Chindit Society Committee, families and 77th Brigade, flanked by the Gurkha piper and bugler, whose presence added so much to the day, reflecting the large part that Gurkhas played in both Chindit operations.
After the photos people reluctantly started to disperse from the Arboretum, after what had been a wonderful event. Some had to return home, but the majority headed to the Village Hotel stronghold for the next phase of the operation: the Reunion Dinner. After some much-needed rehydration in the bar, seventy-three sat down for the dinner in a private room, with the veterans sprinkled around, carefully rationed at one per table: Peter Heppell, John Hutchin, Ian Niven, Jim Clark, Robbie Robertson and Horace Howkins. A delicious meal was enjoyed by all, amidst loud and convivial conversation. Throughout, a fascinating sequence of photos of Chindits was projected onto large screens in the background – several showing veterans present in the room, or relatives of others present, which clearly struck a chord whenever a familiar face appeared. There were a number of toasts and speeches, with the keynote address being given by Geordie Fergusson, until recently the Governor of Bermuda but, more importantly, the son of Bernard Fergusson, who commanded No 5 Column, 77th Brigade on Operation Longcloth and then 16th Brigade on Operation Thursday – a real privilege to hear him, mainly using the words of his father.
With raffle prizes distributed, the formal dinner proceedings drew to a close, and tables broke down into dispersal groups to make their way back to the bar. Several veterans fought valiant rearguard actions in the bar, supported by family and friends, before eventually retiring to their rooms, with quite a few keeping going until well after midnight – no names, no pack-drill, but we know who we are!
The following morning there was another 'interview with a veteran' session, this one conducted by Lt Col (Retd) Paul Corden of 77th Brigade. Two of the veterans were the same – Peter Heppell and Jim Clark – but the third was new and added a different dimension: Squadron Leader (Retd) Robbie Robertson, who was in the RAF Liaison Team with No 22 Column, 16th Brigade, and who helped call in air resupply and close air support for them on the ground. Paul’s questions were different to Tony Redding’s the day before, so everyone present heard some completely new personal insights and vignettes from the veterans – another memorable privilege. This was the final event of a very full and enjoyable weekend, and the remaining participants then dispersed.
In closing, congratulations and a huge “thank you” have to go to all those involved in organising the various elements of the whole weekend, but especially to Paul Shenton, who masterminded the overall organisation and did so much to make it the resounding success that it was. Despite having to deal with a variety of crises and problems throughout the weekend, he maintained his composure like the proverbial swan (all serene on the surface, but with the legs paddling madly below!) and ensured that everyone had the most wonderful time, especially our magnificent veterans, to whom we all owe so much.
Article by Lt-Colonel Paul Corden. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Bill Smyly, Lichfield Cathedral 2009.
A Fond Farewell to Bill Smyly
The funeral service for Chindit veteran Bill Smyly, who died in May aged 95, took place at St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford on 25 June.
A guard of honour was formed by representatives of 77th Brigade, the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Royal British Legion, including ten RBL standard-bearers. The church was packed, with attendees including: Colonel Colin Mason OBE TD DL MPhil, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire; a delegation from the Japanese Embassy in London, reflecting Bill’s efforts towards reconciliation; Major (Retd) Nigel Wylie Carrick MBE, representing the Sirmoor Rifles Association (Bill’s regiment was the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)); and Geordie Fergusson, the son of Bernard Fergusson, who was Bill’s commander on both Chindit operations.
The Revd. James Reveley gave a wonderful tribute, covering Bill’s life from his birth in China in 1922, where his parents were missionary doctors, through his wartime service as a 2nd Gurkha Rifles officer with the Chindits (he took part in both Operation Longcloth and Operation Thursday), to his amazingly varied and well-travelled post-war life as a journalist, first in the UK and then in Hong Kong (driving out there overland in a Standard 8 car!), then as a teacher in Hong Kong (where he met his wife, Diana), then, after further study, working for the British Council in Thailand and Saudi Arabia, then a spell in the UK as Education Officer at Bedford Prison (until their daughter, Eleanor, finished school and went up to university), then another stint with the British Council in China, before finally returning to the UK and retiring – although he was anything but idle in his retirement, with his interests including music, art, drama and ballet. A committed Christian, he also devoted considerable time to the church. He was also a keen participant in the many Chindit veteran activities of recent years, including attending several events with 77th Brigade at Hermitage and at the Field of Remembrance and other ceremonies in London and elsewhere.
Bill’s Chindit service was extraordinary, even by Chindit standards. On Operation Longcloth in 1943 he was Animal Transport Officer in charge of the mules for No 5 Column, 77th Brigade, under the command of the then Major Bernard Fergusson. After a long march into Burma, crossing the Chindwin and Irrawaddy rivers along the way, they blew up bridges and railway lines on the Japanese supply routes until they were cornered by the Japanese Imperial Army in the Shweli “bag”. When they dispersed and tried to make their way back to India, Bill, suffering from beriberi, got separated from his comrades. Living off the land and helped by local Burmese villagers, Bill hobbled on on his own for three months, covering hundreds of miles to Fort Hertz, an intelligence post and airstrip in northern Burma, from where he was eventually flown back to India.
He missed the start of Operation Thursday in 1944, but was eventually flown out to join 16th Brigade, under command of the now Brigadier Bernard Fergusson, thereby being fortunate to miss marching into Burma for the second time. When the exhausted 16th Brigade was then evacuated by air, Bill, still fresh, had himself transferred to 3/9 Gurkha Rifles, part of 77th Brigade guarding Broadway. When Broadway was closed, 3/9 GR were then ordered to join 111th Brigade at their precarious Blackpool blocking position near Hopin, under the command of Jack Masters. Bill was involved in heavy fighting as the Blackpool position was inexorably worn down by heavily armed front-line Japanese troops. With the monsoon rains preventing air resupply, close air support and casualty evacuation, the position became untenable and was abandoned on the night of 25/26 May, with the Japanese in close pursuit. The most severely wounded, who would not have survived evacuation by stretcher anyway, were shot to avoid them falling alive into Japanese hands, with Bill himself having to shoot one horribly wounded man during the retreat. Bill always wondered how they managed to, but most of 111th Brigade did get away that awful night. Bill was subsequently awarded a Mention in Despatches for his heroic actions at Blackpool.
After being resupplied near Lake Indawgyi, Bill and his Gurkhas were involved in more heavy fighting around Point 2171 between Mokso Sakan and Mogaung. With Operation Thursday coming to an end, 111th Brigade were finally evacuated by air from Myitkyina on 30 July. After some well-deserved leave, Bill rejoined the Chindits, ostensibly as Assault Company Commander in Brig Mike Calvert’s 77th Brigade, but then the Chindits were disbanded in early 1945 and he joined 5/1 Gurkha Rifles on the Northwest Frontier until he was demobbed in late 1945.
Rest in peace, Bill. Our sincere condolences go to his wife, Diana, and their daughter, Eleanor.
Article written by Lt-colonel Paul Corden, 77th Brigade. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
The funeral service for Chindit veteran Bill Smyly, who died in May aged 95, took place at St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford on 25 June.
A guard of honour was formed by representatives of 77th Brigade, the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Royal British Legion, including ten RBL standard-bearers. The church was packed, with attendees including: Colonel Colin Mason OBE TD DL MPhil, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire; a delegation from the Japanese Embassy in London, reflecting Bill’s efforts towards reconciliation; Major (Retd) Nigel Wylie Carrick MBE, representing the Sirmoor Rifles Association (Bill’s regiment was the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)); and Geordie Fergusson, the son of Bernard Fergusson, who was Bill’s commander on both Chindit operations.
The Revd. James Reveley gave a wonderful tribute, covering Bill’s life from his birth in China in 1922, where his parents were missionary doctors, through his wartime service as a 2nd Gurkha Rifles officer with the Chindits (he took part in both Operation Longcloth and Operation Thursday), to his amazingly varied and well-travelled post-war life as a journalist, first in the UK and then in Hong Kong (driving out there overland in a Standard 8 car!), then as a teacher in Hong Kong (where he met his wife, Diana), then, after further study, working for the British Council in Thailand and Saudi Arabia, then a spell in the UK as Education Officer at Bedford Prison (until their daughter, Eleanor, finished school and went up to university), then another stint with the British Council in China, before finally returning to the UK and retiring – although he was anything but idle in his retirement, with his interests including music, art, drama and ballet. A committed Christian, he also devoted considerable time to the church. He was also a keen participant in the many Chindit veteran activities of recent years, including attending several events with 77th Brigade at Hermitage and at the Field of Remembrance and other ceremonies in London and elsewhere.
Bill’s Chindit service was extraordinary, even by Chindit standards. On Operation Longcloth in 1943 he was Animal Transport Officer in charge of the mules for No 5 Column, 77th Brigade, under the command of the then Major Bernard Fergusson. After a long march into Burma, crossing the Chindwin and Irrawaddy rivers along the way, they blew up bridges and railway lines on the Japanese supply routes until they were cornered by the Japanese Imperial Army in the Shweli “bag”. When they dispersed and tried to make their way back to India, Bill, suffering from beriberi, got separated from his comrades. Living off the land and helped by local Burmese villagers, Bill hobbled on on his own for three months, covering hundreds of miles to Fort Hertz, an intelligence post and airstrip in northern Burma, from where he was eventually flown back to India.
He missed the start of Operation Thursday in 1944, but was eventually flown out to join 16th Brigade, under command of the now Brigadier Bernard Fergusson, thereby being fortunate to miss marching into Burma for the second time. When the exhausted 16th Brigade was then evacuated by air, Bill, still fresh, had himself transferred to 3/9 Gurkha Rifles, part of 77th Brigade guarding Broadway. When Broadway was closed, 3/9 GR were then ordered to join 111th Brigade at their precarious Blackpool blocking position near Hopin, under the command of Jack Masters. Bill was involved in heavy fighting as the Blackpool position was inexorably worn down by heavily armed front-line Japanese troops. With the monsoon rains preventing air resupply, close air support and casualty evacuation, the position became untenable and was abandoned on the night of 25/26 May, with the Japanese in close pursuit. The most severely wounded, who would not have survived evacuation by stretcher anyway, were shot to avoid them falling alive into Japanese hands, with Bill himself having to shoot one horribly wounded man during the retreat. Bill always wondered how they managed to, but most of 111th Brigade did get away that awful night. Bill was subsequently awarded a Mention in Despatches for his heroic actions at Blackpool.
After being resupplied near Lake Indawgyi, Bill and his Gurkhas were involved in more heavy fighting around Point 2171 between Mokso Sakan and Mogaung. With Operation Thursday coming to an end, 111th Brigade were finally evacuated by air from Myitkyina on 30 July. After some well-deserved leave, Bill rejoined the Chindits, ostensibly as Assault Company Commander in Brig Mike Calvert’s 77th Brigade, but then the Chindits were disbanded in early 1945 and he joined 5/1 Gurkha Rifles on the Northwest Frontier until he was demobbed in late 1945.
Rest in peace, Bill. Our sincere condolences go to his wife, Diana, and their daughter, Eleanor.
Article written by Lt-colonel Paul Corden, 77th Brigade. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
The Chindit Society Wreath.
Remembering General Wingate and the Chindits at the crash site.
An article by Yumnam Rajeshwor Singh
Floral Tribute paid to the Guerrilla General.
A commemoration and wreath laying ceremony was performed at the plane crash site of General Orde Charles Wingate on 10th February 2018. The site is located near the village of Thuilon in the Tamenglong district of Manipur State, India. The crash site is around 2km from the south western perimeter of the village.The coordinates measured by my GPS were N 24*59’17”and E 93*23’27”. The elevation reads 740 meters above sea level.
The commemoration party included myself, Yumnam Rajeshwor Singh and my team, plus Mr. Micah Panmei, the village Chairman and the villagers. The Village Chairman laid the wreath at the side of the crash crater. I then conducted the ceremony program and started with the Kohima Epitaph:
When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today. In the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them; the congregation then repeated: we will remember them. Everybody observed a one minute silence, followed by a prayer of condolence offered up by the Village Pastor.
An article by Yumnam Rajeshwor Singh
Floral Tribute paid to the Guerrilla General.
A commemoration and wreath laying ceremony was performed at the plane crash site of General Orde Charles Wingate on 10th February 2018. The site is located near the village of Thuilon in the Tamenglong district of Manipur State, India. The crash site is around 2km from the south western perimeter of the village.The coordinates measured by my GPS were N 24*59’17”and E 93*23’27”. The elevation reads 740 meters above sea level.
The commemoration party included myself, Yumnam Rajeshwor Singh and my team, plus Mr. Micah Panmei, the village Chairman and the villagers. The Village Chairman laid the wreath at the side of the crash crater. I then conducted the ceremony program and started with the Kohima Epitaph:
When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today. In the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them; the congregation then repeated: we will remember them. Everybody observed a one minute silence, followed by a prayer of condolence offered up by the Village Pastor.
Commemoration at the Crash site, 10th February 2018.
The Journey to the Crash Site
On 9th February 2018, we began our journey from Imphal at 8.00am, heading for Thuilon in Tamenglong district. Mr. N. Rabi was our driver. Also present was journalist, Mr. Borun Thokchom and his two assistants, Mr. James Oinam and Mr. Suresh Kiran Singh Khundrakpam.
Mr. Akhangpou Goimei a young university researcher whom I had met few days earlier was also with us. His father was born in the village of Thuilon and many years ago the family had moved to the town of Tamenglong. Mr. Akhangpou Goimei had informed the village authorities at Thuilon about our visit. I decided to hire a Maruti Gypsy vehicle. The advantage of this SUV vehicle being that it had good ground clearance and its large tyres could easily afford the poor roads encountered on the journey.
We reached Noneh, a small town on the main highway at around 9.30am. We had a heavy brunch at Noneh and then at 10.15am we continued our journey. We took a short cut road to Tamenglong from the highway. The track was freshly cut and has yet to be metalled and pebbled. The road twisted and curved, but gave a good view of the hills and the jungle. We reached Tamenglong at 1.00pm and were welcomed by the relatives of Mr. Akhangpou who gave us all a plate of noodles and warm water. While eating our noodles we charged our phone and camera batteries. At Tamenglong we were joined by Mr. Kenedy Goimei, the elder brother of Akhangpou.
Mr. Kenedy had already liaised with the villagers and he had been to the village a few months previously and was familiar with the road to Thuilon village. From Tamenglong town we started for Thuilon at 2.30pm. After crossing the town area, the road deteriorates badly and the vehicle cannot go beyond a speed of 20km per hour. From the town the road immediately bends like a snake on steep downward gradient towards the Barak River. A new hanging bridge on the Barak River had recently been built, with the old broken bridge lying next to it in the river.
After crossing the river, we came to Namthiram village. The road here bends with lots of twists and turns and would not be motorable for any normal car. It was getting dark when we saw the village lights of Saramba up ahead. Here we lost our way for a short time, but after asking a villager for directions to Thuilon we were on the right track again. After driving slowly for another 30 minutes on the dusty track we reached the outskirts of the village area. On reaching the Church, many elders came out to greet us and we were relieved to know that we had reached Thuilon.
Before dinner, I explained the motive of our visit, about my research and the commemoration ceremony we wished to perform the following day. The village elders asked if they might participate in the commemoration. After dinner, I showed everyone a BBC documentary about the Chindits which I had downloaded from YouTube. The villagers watched with great enthusiasm. While everyone was watching the documentary on my laptop, I noticed a radial engine in the adjacent room. I was excited seeing this, but felt a deep sense of remorse, thinking that it might be from that ill-fated B 25 Mitchell Bomber.
We were given sleeping accommodation at the church office. We fell asleep very quickly that first night as we were all tired from the day’s arduous journey. When we woke up, it was already 6.00am. We got ready quickly and while we were having our tea the villagers came in one after another. For the next 30 minutes, I recorded interviews with some of the village elders, after we began our trek to the crash site.
On 9th February 2018, we began our journey from Imphal at 8.00am, heading for Thuilon in Tamenglong district. Mr. N. Rabi was our driver. Also present was journalist, Mr. Borun Thokchom and his two assistants, Mr. James Oinam and Mr. Suresh Kiran Singh Khundrakpam.
Mr. Akhangpou Goimei a young university researcher whom I had met few days earlier was also with us. His father was born in the village of Thuilon and many years ago the family had moved to the town of Tamenglong. Mr. Akhangpou Goimei had informed the village authorities at Thuilon about our visit. I decided to hire a Maruti Gypsy vehicle. The advantage of this SUV vehicle being that it had good ground clearance and its large tyres could easily afford the poor roads encountered on the journey.
We reached Noneh, a small town on the main highway at around 9.30am. We had a heavy brunch at Noneh and then at 10.15am we continued our journey. We took a short cut road to Tamenglong from the highway. The track was freshly cut and has yet to be metalled and pebbled. The road twisted and curved, but gave a good view of the hills and the jungle. We reached Tamenglong at 1.00pm and were welcomed by the relatives of Mr. Akhangpou who gave us all a plate of noodles and warm water. While eating our noodles we charged our phone and camera batteries. At Tamenglong we were joined by Mr. Kenedy Goimei, the elder brother of Akhangpou.
Mr. Kenedy had already liaised with the villagers and he had been to the village a few months previously and was familiar with the road to Thuilon village. From Tamenglong town we started for Thuilon at 2.30pm. After crossing the town area, the road deteriorates badly and the vehicle cannot go beyond a speed of 20km per hour. From the town the road immediately bends like a snake on steep downward gradient towards the Barak River. A new hanging bridge on the Barak River had recently been built, with the old broken bridge lying next to it in the river.
After crossing the river, we came to Namthiram village. The road here bends with lots of twists and turns and would not be motorable for any normal car. It was getting dark when we saw the village lights of Saramba up ahead. Here we lost our way for a short time, but after asking a villager for directions to Thuilon we were on the right track again. After driving slowly for another 30 minutes on the dusty track we reached the outskirts of the village area. On reaching the Church, many elders came out to greet us and we were relieved to know that we had reached Thuilon.
Before dinner, I explained the motive of our visit, about my research and the commemoration ceremony we wished to perform the following day. The village elders asked if they might participate in the commemoration. After dinner, I showed everyone a BBC documentary about the Chindits which I had downloaded from YouTube. The villagers watched with great enthusiasm. While everyone was watching the documentary on my laptop, I noticed a radial engine in the adjacent room. I was excited seeing this, but felt a deep sense of remorse, thinking that it might be from that ill-fated B 25 Mitchell Bomber.
We were given sleeping accommodation at the church office. We fell asleep very quickly that first night as we were all tired from the day’s arduous journey. When we woke up, it was already 6.00am. We got ready quickly and while we were having our tea the villagers came in one after another. For the next 30 minutes, I recorded interviews with some of the village elders, after we began our trek to the crash site.
The old broken bridge on the Barak River.
The Villagers account of the plane crash
On 24th March 1944, the Christian villagers of Thuilon village were having their evening prayer when they saw a ball of fire coming down from the sky. A plane had caught fire in the sky and was falling down on the western slopes of the mountain at Thuilon, some 2km from the village. Just after the crash, loud explosions were heard by the villagers. The pebbles and debris from the explosion reached the village houses. During the night there were several further explosions and the area was lit up with the fire from the crash.
The villagers explained, that next morning, on the 25th March 1944, a small plane landed adjacent to the crash site. From which there two pilots emerged. One had broken his leg on landing. The pilots told the villagers to collect up all the bodily remains from around the crash site. The villagers collected the bodies piece by piece and buried them in a temporary grave near the village. The villagers took the two pilots to their village and treated the injured pilot’s leg. Next day they were transported from the village by making a wooded palanquin.
The villagers of Thuilon took them to Npakang village; the Npakang villagers transported the two pilots to the next stage, which was Atengba village. The Atengba villagers took them to Chingkao village. The Chingkao villagers took them to Nungkao village. The Nungkao villagers took them to Oinamlon and from there a military vehicle picked them up and transported them back to Silchar.
Upon later research, it was discovered that the second plane was an L-5 Stinson and was piloted by Sergeant Lloyd Samp and co-piloted by Sergeant Bill Walters. It had been arranged by Colonel Cochran (1st Air Commando) to pick up the message pouch strung between two poles by Captain Barnes and his ground team who had been sent to investigate the crash site. The L-5 had lost power due to carburettor icing when flying at 5000ft. So the pilot decided to make a forced landing adjacent to the crash site.
Physical evidence:
Two engines were found at the crash site initially. One engine was taken by the 30th Assam Rifles from Thuilon village on 30th May 1989 and is now kept at the Assam Rifles office at Shillong. The other engine remained at the village church. This engine is broken into two pieces and the non-ferrous metals in the engine show signs of extreme heat exposure, whereas the engine with the Assam Rifles is in one piece and in good solid condition. It is highly likely that the engine kept at the village was damaged when the plane hit the ground.
The impact was so forceful that the iron body of the front landing gear was torn. It remains a possibility that the pilot of the B-25 decided to drop his landing gear before impact, in an attempt to land the plane. A crater measuring 15ft in diameter and 5ft deep is still visible at the crash site.
On 24th March 1944, the Christian villagers of Thuilon village were having their evening prayer when they saw a ball of fire coming down from the sky. A plane had caught fire in the sky and was falling down on the western slopes of the mountain at Thuilon, some 2km from the village. Just after the crash, loud explosions were heard by the villagers. The pebbles and debris from the explosion reached the village houses. During the night there were several further explosions and the area was lit up with the fire from the crash.
The villagers explained, that next morning, on the 25th March 1944, a small plane landed adjacent to the crash site. From which there two pilots emerged. One had broken his leg on landing. The pilots told the villagers to collect up all the bodily remains from around the crash site. The villagers collected the bodies piece by piece and buried them in a temporary grave near the village. The villagers took the two pilots to their village and treated the injured pilot’s leg. Next day they were transported from the village by making a wooded palanquin.
The villagers of Thuilon took them to Npakang village; the Npakang villagers transported the two pilots to the next stage, which was Atengba village. The Atengba villagers took them to Chingkao village. The Chingkao villagers took them to Nungkao village. The Nungkao villagers took them to Oinamlon and from there a military vehicle picked them up and transported them back to Silchar.
Upon later research, it was discovered that the second plane was an L-5 Stinson and was piloted by Sergeant Lloyd Samp and co-piloted by Sergeant Bill Walters. It had been arranged by Colonel Cochran (1st Air Commando) to pick up the message pouch strung between two poles by Captain Barnes and his ground team who had been sent to investigate the crash site. The L-5 had lost power due to carburettor icing when flying at 5000ft. So the pilot decided to make a forced landing adjacent to the crash site.
Physical evidence:
Two engines were found at the crash site initially. One engine was taken by the 30th Assam Rifles from Thuilon village on 30th May 1989 and is now kept at the Assam Rifles office at Shillong. The other engine remained at the village church. This engine is broken into two pieces and the non-ferrous metals in the engine show signs of extreme heat exposure, whereas the engine with the Assam Rifles is in one piece and in good solid condition. It is highly likely that the engine kept at the village was damaged when the plane hit the ground.
The impact was so forceful that the iron body of the front landing gear was torn. It remains a possibility that the pilot of the B-25 decided to drop his landing gear before impact, in an attempt to land the plane. A crater measuring 15ft in diameter and 5ft deep is still visible at the crash site.
The Radial Engine at Thuilon Village Church.
The Occupants of the B-25 Mitchell Bomber
The occupants of the ill-fated plane were:
In April 1947, some human remains from the crash site, weighing approximately three pounds were moved to a common grave within the British Military Cemetery at Imphal. On December 18th 1949, the grave was re-opened by the United States Army and the contents transferred to Manila in the Philipines pending final disposition. On November 10th 1950, all the remains collected were reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Future of the crash site:
The villagers of Thuilon have agreed and wish to commemorate the anniversary of General Charles Orde Wingate, on the 24th March each year. The road from Tamenglong to Thuilon is barely 40km, but due to the condition of the roads it can take over 4 hours to reach the village from Tamenglong HQ. There are promises, that in the near future the road from Tamenglong to Thuilon will be widened and a bitumen layer will be added. Once the road is developed, many tourists may be able to access the crash site. The villagers want a Wingate Memorial Park to be constructed at the crash location. The local elected member is trying to put this project together in conjunction with the Government.
The occupants of the ill-fated plane were:
- Major General Orde Charles Wingate, DSO.
- Captain George Henry Borrow, MC.
- Brian Floyd Hodges, 1st Lt. Air Corps.
- Stephen Albert Wanderer, 2nd Lt. Air Corps.
- Vernon A. McIninch, S. SGT. Air Corps.
- Frank Sadoski, T. SGT. Air Corps.
- James Walton Hickey, T. SGT. Air Corps.
- Stuart Emeny, War Correspondent, The News Chronicle.
- Stanley Wills, War Correspondent, The Daily Herald.
In April 1947, some human remains from the crash site, weighing approximately three pounds were moved to a common grave within the British Military Cemetery at Imphal. On December 18th 1949, the grave was re-opened by the United States Army and the contents transferred to Manila in the Philipines pending final disposition. On November 10th 1950, all the remains collected were reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Future of the crash site:
The villagers of Thuilon have agreed and wish to commemorate the anniversary of General Charles Orde Wingate, on the 24th March each year. The road from Tamenglong to Thuilon is barely 40km, but due to the condition of the roads it can take over 4 hours to reach the village from Tamenglong HQ. There are promises, that in the near future the road from Tamenglong to Thuilon will be widened and a bitumen layer will be added. Once the road is developed, many tourists may be able to access the crash site. The villagers want a Wingate Memorial Park to be constructed at the crash location. The local elected member is trying to put this project together in conjunction with the Government.
Seen below is a final gallery of images in relation to this article. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
