Chindit - Battalion "Air Base" - what was its role?

Discussion in 'Burma & India' started by Rothy, Oct 19, 2015.

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  1. Rothy

    Rothy Well-Known Member

    In the war diary of the 2nd KORR is described the formation of a battalion "Air Base", formed from the "Battalion 'A' and 'Q' Branches", prior to the start of the 2nd Chindit Operation.

    The "Air Base", made up of the administrative and supply personnel of the Battalion, remained in India, presumably at or near the airfields supplying the Chindits inside Burma.

    The possible role of this detachment is suggested by its make up. Does anyone have any further information on the role of such an "Air Base"?

    Having not consulted the diaries of other battalions involved, is it safe to assume that they all had their own "Air Base" detachment?

    Steve
     
  2. Jedburgh22

    Jedburgh22 Very Senior Member

    I would imagine its roll would be in the preparation of supply drops to the columns and ensuring the correct paperwork was prepared - Armies are an accountants dream in the amount of paper involved
     
  3. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi Steve,

    As you say, self-explanatory in one respect. I was talking to an ex 194 Squadron 'kicker-out' at one of the Chindit Old Comrade dinners a few years back. He told me he was involved with supplying Fergusson's 16th Brigade in 1944 and that each soldier on the ground had a replica kit waiting back at base in case he ever needed replacements boots, shirts etc etc. It is possible that these Battalion Air Bases were part of this structure as you would need to separate such stores by unit I would imagine.

    Cheers

    Steve
     
  4. Rothy

    Rothy Well-Known Member

    Thank you both

    Steve
     

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