Chindit

by Richard Rhodes James

1943. Major-General Orde Wingate startles the military world by commanding a daring raid in the heart of Japanese-occupied Burma. But this was just the beginning.In the following year, Wingate spearheaded an even more ambitious operation, flying 10,000 men and 1,000 animals behind Japanese lines to disrupt communications and harass the Japanese forces. With close tactical support from Colonel Philip Cochran, Chindit was the name given to these operations and the men who made them happen. This is their story, told by one man who was at the heart of it all. Cipher officer Richard Rhodes James tells the story of the preparations in central India, the flights deep into enemy territory and the campaign of guerrilla operations that followed. Taking the reader through the remote wilds of the jungle, showing the parching heat and the relentless rain that these men experienced, Rhodes James paints a detailed portrait of a band of brothers fighting for survival.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, World War II

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gritty and no holes barred account of the brutal war waged by the Chindits behind the Japanese lines in Burma.
The author served as a signals officer in headquaters 111 Brigade and was present during during the second Chindit expedition, coming through the initial debacle when landing by glider at 'Broadway' and escaping by the skin of his teeth when ' Blackpool' was overrun.
The author goes into great detail about the frustrations of the campaign, the endless marching through the jungle and mud, the strain of being in the field for months without let up and the ignorance of their plight by the powers that be, in particular their misuse by the American General 'Vinegar' Joe Stilwell during the latter stages if the campaign.
All in all this is a classic account of World War Two and it is ashame it is not more widely known. The book certainly gets the imagination flowing, one can almost hear the squelch of mad and feel the weight of their packs digging into your shoulders.

[Matt Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting first hand account of life as a Chindit, albeit as an officer in brigade HQ. The author goes into impressive detail of both the training and operations carried out by the forgotten army. It is of it’s time in some of the descriptions, but well worth a read by anyone interested in military history.

[Todd Kehoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty story about the Chindits in the British Army fighting a war against the Japanese & the jungle itself as well as battling not the best allied leadership using the British jungle forces effectively at times. In some ways, it has a Vietnam feel to it.

Us Americans never really learned about the China/India/Burma theater too much outside of the Americans AVG Flying Tigers & the USAAF 23rd Fighter Group under Claire Chennault. I know a lot about the Second World War, but this theater is one that few of us know much about.

It was a fascinating book I listened to via # WeHaveWays WWII podcast. They occasionally read hard to find books as well as many more WWII topics.

Check them out.

[pierre bovington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible.com, thats the version I listened to. Al Murray, " The Pub Landlord" comedian did an excellent job.
Rhodes James was there. Over 2 years of trudging after the Imperial Japanese Army following the latters massacre of Chinese and Malay civilians.
Its in journal style, written in 1980, he doesnt apare his former bosses much critism, asside from the founder Ord Wingate.
Great read.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

NB: I listened to the version as read by Al Murray on the "We Have Ways of Making You Talk" podcast feed