Chindits & Maj Gen O C Wingate DSO

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Reference WMO/112243

Address:

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Victoria Embankment

Charing Cross

Westminster

London

SW1A 2JL

England

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War Memorials Trust case: War Memorials Trust needs to avoid Contributors changing location/description details as we help to protect and conserve this war memorial through our casework. You can still add photographs, update condition and use the tabs below. If you believe any of the information you cannot edit is wrong or information is missing, please make a note of the reference number and include it in your email when you contact us.

Status: On original site
Type: Freestanding
Location: External
Setting: Within a garden/park/churchyard/enclosure/Marketplace
Description: Allegory (eg: Victory)
Conflicts:
  • Second World War (1939-1945)
About the memorial: UK/Indian Armed Forces:The memorial is dedicated to the memory of Chindit fighters who undertook operations behind Japanese lines in Burma in 1943 and 1944. The memorial is sited in Victoria Embankment Gardens section between Richmond Terrace and Horse Guards Avenue. Technically, the Chindits of 1943 were the 77th Indian Infantry Division and in 1944 the Indian 3rd infantry Division. Sculptor: Frank Foster -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Westminster Walk: “Chindit” is a corrupted name of the Burmese mythical beast , ,“Chinthay” (half lion, half flying griffin) statues of which guarded Buddist Temples. It was formed from many nations including British, Burmese, Hong Kong, Gurkhas and West African servicemen. Its operation was behind enemy lines in North Burma in the war against Japan. There were two Chindit expeditions, the first in February 1943 called “Operation Longcloth” consisting of 3000 men, the second, “Operation Thursday” was an airbourne invasion of 20,000 men in March 1944. They were commanded by General Wingate DSO who was killed shortly after this latter operation began. This last campaign was successful in starting the decline and surrender of the Japanese. But the force suffered a lot of casualties, terrible illnesses and being taken prisoner. The blue Chindit badge shows a Chinthe, a mythical beast half lion/half griffin, who was the symbolic guardian of Burmese Temples. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Route: Now exit the gardens, cross the road and find the impressive Battle of Britain memorial. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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THE BOLDEST MEASURES/ ARE THE SAFEST IN MEMORY OF ALL WHO FOUGHT ON THE/ FIRST AND SECOND EXPEDITIONS INTO/ NORTH BURMA 1943 AND 1944/ WITH THE CHINDIT SPECIAL FORCE

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Grade II (England)

https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1470017

1470017

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Department of Culture, Media and Sport

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