Chindits' bravery honoured
They are renowned for their bravery, determination and perseverance in the face of terror, and now the Chindits have had their place in modern history cemented with the unveiling of a permanent memorial. They are renowned for their bravery, determination and perseverance in the face of terror, and now the Chindits have had their place in modern history cemented with the unveiling of a permanent memorial. More than 150 people gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, near Lichfield, yesterday to watch the emotional ceremony. The Chindits were the largest of the allied Special Forces of the Second World War, operating deep behind enemy lines in North Burma in the war against Japan. For many months they lived in and fought the enemy in the jungles of Japanese-occupied Burma, totally relying on air drops for their supplies. There were many casualties but the survivors fought on and eventually undermined the enemy. Many former Chindits are based in the Black Country, and the Chindits Old Comrades Association headquarters is in Wolverhampton. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
More than 150 people gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, near Lichfield, yesterday to watch the emotional ceremony.
The Chindits were the largest of the allied Special Forces of the Second World War, operating deep behind enemy lines in North Burma in the war against Japan.
For many months they lived in and fought the enemy in the jungles of Japanese-occupied Burma, totally relying on air drops for their supplies. There were many casualties but the survivors fought on and eventually undermined the enemy.
Many former Chindits are based in the Black Country, and the Chindits Old Comrades Association headquarters is in Wolverhampton.
Yesterday, servicemen travelled from all over the UK and beyond to mark the occasion. John Knowles, aged 84, flew over from his home in Cyprus. He originates from Canada, and as a teenage airforce pilot was seconded to the Chindits. He said he would never have missed the ceremony and that he would often travel around the world to meet up with his old comrades.
George Main, aged 85 and a private with the Chindits, travelled from Liverpool with his family to watch the unveiling.
For Peter Heppell, 87, from East Grinstead, Sussex, yesterday was just another part of his ongoing journey back in time to the days he fought behind enemy lines. He has recently returned from Burma, where along with three generations of his family he went back to where they had landed more than 60 years ago.
Mr Heppell said: "It was just amazing. The place seemed so much bigger than I'd remembered, and it was so peaceful as it had been left untouched after all these years."
Relatives of Major General Orde Wingate DSO, who formed and led the Chindits before his tragic death, weeks into the operation, helped to unveil the obelisk. Engraved on the memorial is the motto of the Chindits: "The boldest measures are the safest".
At the top lies a wooden Chinthe, the mythical beast after which the Chindits were named. It was created by Birmingham man Roger Neal, whose father is a Burma Star veteran. It was only the second item he had carved in his life.
He said it was an honour to be asked to help mark such an important part of British history.
He said: "People keep telling me I have done a brilliant job with the Chinthe, but it is nothing compared to what these men did and those who lost their lives. I am truly honoured to have been asked. It is my way of saying thank you."
