Chindit, Operation Thursday, Burma, 1944

[@TheLoachman]

I thank you for this, Simon. My father's older brother was killed in Burma on 20 May 1944. We do not know the circumstances. My father maintained that he joined the Royal West Kent Regiment, which made sense as my grandparents lived in Beckenham (as we did as well prior to moving to Canada in 1965), however Uncle Bobby is listed as being a member of the King's Regiment on the Rangoon Virtual War Memorial site. I presume that he was posted from one regiment to the other while in Burma. We have no details regarding his service or death. My father said that, shortly after the war's end, some of Bobby's friends visited and described what happened, but he could not remember. My grandmother destroyed all records and threw his medals away. His death hurt her badly for the rest of her life, and she often referred to me as "Bobby" during conversations.

[@johngrieve3432]

You didn’t mention the walking stick. An important part of marching kit for those in the columns. Much of the operation was in mountainous areas and it was needed to try and keep your footing on steep and often muddy slopes.

[@markwilkie3677]

My grandfather took part in this operation. He was an RSM in The Black Watch and was flown into a jungle airstrip named Aberdeen, and survived. 1945 saw the end of his 25 years service in the British Army, having signed up as a 16 year old in 1920. He served in North Africa, in the defence and subsequent evacuation of Crete and the relief and breakout of Tobruk, before being sent to Burma.

[@Splodge542]

Your grandmother referring to you as Bobby strikes a chord with me. My grandmother had a superb carer who uncannily resembled her daughter who had died, and she thought that June was Milly, her lost daughter.

[@stevethomas5849]

The forgotten army, remembered.

[@stuartbennett7614]

As a former infantry soldier it's interesting to see what our forefathers carried less weight but obviously not as good quality webbing and bergan, but I'm surprised they didn't blouse up their trousers to deter creepy crawlies.

[@mattgibbs73]

Nice to see 👍. My gt uncles was in Yorks & Lancs on 2nd Chindit Op and never made it home.

[@matthewbishop9342]

KZbin decided I needed to watch your video, so glad it did because it was outstanding! Just got yourself another subscriber 👍👍

[@RiflemanMoore]

Thanks Matthew!

[@matthewbishop9342]

@@RiflemanMoore you're most welcome. I love reminiscing over my old kit from the eighties, so much so I bought one of the new 24hr ration packs a while back to compare it to what we used to eat. I was expecting a yorkie bar but got a packet of cola bottles and a bloody energy drink !! Oh how times change

[@wmsollenberger8706]

Outstanding! Most informative, would love a bit more on what was carried in the '44 backpack!

[@robyuill6945]

Look forward to the follow on episode, putting this kit together. We'll done, excellent as always.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

Steve 1989 reviewed a British 24 hour tropical ration ca 1944. Did any find their way to Chindits, or was it too late too little? If so, did they see use later in Malaya? Ditto the Australian 24 hr ration. Both were in metal cans not boxes and seem perfect for air drops. The tropical even floats!

[@Codex70]

I have a collection from a chindit. He was in the Royal signals and part of the 81st West african division (3rd West African Brigade)

[@lib556]

Great recreation. I know this isn't meant to be a history of the Chindits, but, a few fun facts are worth mentioning: a. the first Chindit op (Longcloth) was only of brigade strength. While Op Thursday was a division consisting of 3 bdes; b. while it's true that most of the div was delivered by air, one of the bdes completed the entire mission on foot. I can't recall if that was Calvert's or Fergusson's bde... I think the latter. Both had been battalion commanders on the first op. c. the 'father' of the Chindits, Brigadier (later MGen) Orde Wingate was killed very early in a plane crash during Op Thursday. Keep your eye on your email. I'll be sending you a few pics I just took (not related to this).

[@nathansaunders2576]

Do you think they had the short puttees worn around the top of the boot under the loose trouser cuff? For ankle support and keeping stones, mud, grit, leaches etc out as much as possible?

[@cujimmy1366]

Was surprised in the type of weapon they where using.

[@lib556]

Australians and Indian army used it throughout the war. To the best of my knowledge, they never were issued the No 4.

[@seanlander9321]

Why is it that the British have such appalling jungle uniforms compared with Australians? Honestly, what a rag-tag army.

[@Broski1318]

When some Austrian guy invades Poland, so you, an Indian, have to fight against the Japanese in Burma:

[@chrisholland7367]

Brilliant 👍, the Far East campaign doesn't get enough coverage.