The Chindit Society

Discussion in 'Burma & India' started by bamboo43, Mar 21, 2016.

  1. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi HC,

    There are around 40 Chindits on the Society books so to speak. Not all of these are in constant communication, so it is difficult to be sure of their health. As you mention, there will of course be some out there who have never attended reunions or were ever members of the BSA.

    We have 8 veterans who are the main stay of our cohort and who attend the various events and meetings, pandemic allowing. Our youngest veteran is currently 97 and will be marching I believe at this year's Cenotaph parade alongside some of his older comrades.
     
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  2. Hebridean Chindit

    Hebridean Chindit Lost in review... Patron

    Dad never joined the BSA... didn't feel up to meeting folks that may or may not have "been in", so to speak... his dad also received the Burma Star and the closest he got was sailing past... Mind you, he was in Singapore harbour delivering Hurricanes 3 days before it fell in a ship called the Sussex...
     
    Father Peter Clegg likes this.
  3. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    The Sussex was part of convoy WS12Z, departed Liverpool/Clyde November 12/13th 1941. Then detached on the 30th December to become part of DM.1 and headed for Singapore. But I'm sure you already knew that.

    WS12Z.jpg DM.1.jpg
     
  4. Hebridean Chindit

    Hebridean Chindit Lost in review... Patron

    No...! looks like it was slightly earlier than noted in the book... suspect a bit of artistic licence on behalf of the writer... lol
    Last time I did any research on him (granddad) was before I started the primary stuff on dad... o_O
     
  5. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Some images from the Chindit Society's Cenotaph involvement this year (2021). The usual amount of new family enquiries has begun to roll in, 27 and counting so far:

    Rem 2021 a copy.jpg Robbie 2 copy 2.jpg Robbie 5 98 in two weeks copy 2.jpg
     
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  6. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Sadly, we have lost another Chindit. He was Eric Dickinson who was an officer with the 1st South Staffordshire Regiment, part of 77 Brigade on Operation Thursday. Eric had only recently turned 100 years old and had enjoyed several of the Chindit Society events over the last few years.

    Dickinson E.jpg
     
  7. Wobbler

    Wobbler Well-Known Member

    Very sad to hear this. Rest in Peace, Sir :poppy: :poppy:
     
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  8. Hebridean Chindit

    Hebridean Chindit Lost in review... Patron

    The Battalion has another returned to his Column... rip... :poppy:
     
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  9. wtid45

    wtid45 Very Senior Member

    saw this on Facebook VJ Day
     
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  10. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

  11. Father Peter Clegg

    Father Peter Clegg Padre Peter D. Clegg

    Another great man to join all our other Brave Comrades who have gone before.
    May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
     
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  12. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    It is with much sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of yet another Chindit.

    John Riggs passed away this morning aged 101.

    John was the Recce Platoon Commander for No. 16 Column, 1st Battalion The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment part of 14th Brigade on Operation Thursday.

    26:04:2018 copy.jpeg
     
  13. Wobbler

    Wobbler Well-Known Member

    Awful couple of weeks Steve.
     
  14. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    It really is Martin. With their age it is of course inevitable. But it is still a shock when it happens.
     
  15. Father Peter Clegg

    Father Peter Clegg Padre Peter D. Clegg

    O Valiant Hearts who from their Labours Rest...
    PAX.
     
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  16. Hebridean Chindit

    Hebridean Chindit Lost in review... Patron

    The time of the Chindit's is drawing to a close, Gents... rip... :poppy:
     
  17. Father Peter Clegg

    Father Peter Clegg Padre Peter D. Clegg

    It matters not.
    Their names are enshrined for ever and will live long after this mortal coil comes to an end.
    Their heroism, their stotism knew no bounds and 'They died and never knew it'.
     
  18. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Sad to report another Chindit loss:

    Alf Cossins, who served with 51/69 Field Regiment RA as part of 16th Brigade on Operation Thursday, passed away on Christmas Eve aged 102.


    Alf Cossins 100.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2022
  19. Father Peter Clegg

    Father Peter Clegg Padre Peter D. Clegg

    O valiant hearts who to your glory came
    Through dust of conflict and through battle flame
    Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved
    Your memory hallowed in the land you loved...
    Splendid you passed, the great surrender made
    Into the light that nevermore shall fade
    Deep your contentment in that blest abode
    Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God...
     
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  20. Father Peter Clegg

    Father Peter Clegg Padre Peter D. Clegg

    Just sorting out my Father's War Diary.
    He writes about the non-stop Japanese assault on White City and the stench of death that hung in the air.
     

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