Wingate's Lost Brigade: The First Chindit Operations, 1943

Philip D. Chinnery

Jun 2010 · Casemate Publishers

About this eBook

With the Japanese seemingly unbeatable after their conquest of Malaya, Singapore, Thailand and much of Burma, Orde Wingates plans to conduct long range deep penetration operations behind Japanese lines in Burma were audacious to say the least. His Chindit operations (so called after Chindwin River) were hugely demanding on those taking part who suffered terrible deprivation in the harsh climatic and jungle conditions. While costly in terms of lives lost, the operations inflicted damage to the Japanese and raised Allied morale. The author has compiled a fascinating account of Wingates 77 Brigade using the personal accounts of survivors, as well as Wingates own report and post-war interrogation of Japanese generals. A remarkable story emerges of survival, courage and extreme hardship. The author evaluates the successes and failures of the mission.

About the author

Philip Chinnery is the chairman of the National Ex-Prisoner of War Association and has carried out extensive research into the life of prisoners of the First World War in German hands. A prolific writer, he has published almost 20 books on military and aviation subjects including three on the Korean war for Pen & Sword. He also writes articles for Flypast and Aeroplane Monthly magazines and has recently produced two specials for Key Publishing on the Vietnam and Korean air wars. He is currently working on a second volume on the First World War describing the escapes carried out by desperate and determined prisoners of the Kaiser.