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Chindits
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2022) |
| Chindits (Long Range Penetration Groups) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1942–1945 |
| Country |  British India |
| Branch | Army of India |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Direct action Jungle warfare Long-range penetration Raiding Special operations Special reconnaissance |
| Size | 9,000 to 12,000 |
| Garrison/HQ | Jhansi, India |
| Motto(s) | 9 Gorkha ho ki hoina |
| Engagements | Burma Campaign of World War II |
| Decorations | Four 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. Brigadier Orde Wingate formed them for long-range penetration operations against the Imperial Japanese Army, especially attacking lines of communication deep behind Japanese lines.
The name Chindits is a corrupted form of Chinthe (Burmese: ခြင်္သေ့),[2][3] Burmese word for "lion".[4][5]
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.
- ^ Cole p. 77
- ^ Brayley 2002, p. 18.
- ^ "History and Overview". Chindit Chasing, Operation Longcloth 1943.
- ^ Myanmar–English Official Dictionary. Yangon, Burma: Department of the Myanmar Language Commission. 1993. p. 79.
- ^ United States, Congress (1945). Hearings. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 3.
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