A lot has been said and written about the 2nd Chindit expedition (Thursday), when the role of the columns expanded from a mere experimental deep-penetration raid to an strategically important operation, designed to mess up the LoC's of the Japanese forces fighting against Stilwell in his race for Mytkyina. Among all this information, the fact that there were two very clearly defined phases, before and after Wingate's death, stands out, and it is here that the question comes to my mind: Which was the real reason for the second stage, when the shameful episodes of Blackpool and Mogaung happened? The death of Wingate, or the designation of Lentaigne as CO? I know both are closely related and somehow interdependent, but I still manage, for the time being, to see them as separate situations.
To add to the mix, there is a fascinating file held at the National Archives: CAB 106/177, 'The Quarrels between Stilwell and Lentaigne'. The National Archives | Search results:cab106/177 Hebridean Chindit will have a more in depth view on this document and the question as a whole. I have always thought that Lentaigne was chosen by the powers that be, in order for a more conventional leadership to be placed over the Chindit force. The perceived 'bullying' by Stilwell then began. After reading the file, it doesn't seem so clear-cut, but these things never are.
It has been written that Slim chose Lentaigne over Symes (2iC!!!), Calvert, and the lot, because he was a Gurkha officer like himself; conventionally minded and at odds with much of Wingate's style and ideas; and well worn out after long months of behind-the-lines operations (courtesy of Longcloth), to the point of being incapable of putting up much resistance in defense of Chinthe's sons. Here is what Allen in "Burma: The Longest War", has to say about the subject:
In another of the general histories covering the Burma Campaign, I think it may have been James Lunt's book, Lentaigne seems to have been involved with LRP practices even before Wingate set foot in Burma. He also took over command of Chindit 2 training for a short time in 1943, so perhaps he was always destined for the job when the time came in March 1944. See attached image.
To add to the mix, there is a fascinating file held at the National Archives: CAB 106/177, 'The Quarrels between Stilwell and Lentaigne'. The National Archives | Search results:cab106/177 Hebridean Chindit will have a more in depth view on this document and the question as a whole. I have always thought that Lentaigne was chosen by the powers that be, in order for a more conventional leadership to be placed over the Chindit force. The perceived 'bullying' by Stilwell then began. After reading the file, it doesn't seem so clear-cut, but these things never are. I think I'll have a go at ordering that file.
I think I'll have a go at ordering that file. Bummer, I'm lost in that system. Anybody want to help me out? Compensations of various types can be discussed.
Two ways to get it, OP. Go to | The National Archives Click on "Order a Copy". TNA will get back to you within 7 days with an estimate for copying fees and postage. For some reason they insist on using 11x17 paper. Price is one pound sterling per page. Or you get either Andy (drew5322) or Lee (psywar.org) on this forum to take jpgs for you for 10p a page: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/sale-trade/33777-anyone-require-war-diaries-other-files-national-archives.html Arcre - Document Copy Service A no-brainer really. Regards, Dave
Third way, an angel swoops in: http://ibiblio.org/hyperwar/CBI/StillwellLentaigne/Stillwell-Lentaigne.pdf Thanks to bamboo43 for the images.
A very interesting document. It gets away from the personalities for once and brings it right down to military specifics. The essential problems are clear. Special Force lacked sufficient numbers and heavy armament to undertake some of the missions Stillwell gave it, and it was so exhausted that it could not move at the pace Stillwell set. None of that was Lentaigne's fault.
