Chindit Insignia
The Origins of the Name Chindit
The name Chindit is derived from the Burmese word Chinthe.
The Chinthe is a mythical winged creature, part lion, part dragon. They are guardians of Burmese pagodas, and their statues stand outside the entrances of pagodas in Burma. Chinthe is also the Burmese word for lion.[2]
During the preparation for the 1st Chindit expedition, Wingate was seeking a name for his brigade, and he conferred with his two Burma experts, Sao Man Hpa and Aung Thin, who were both officers in the Burma Rifles. Wingate asked for the Burmese name of a supreme jungle animal, and Sao Man Hpa suggested Chinthe. Wingate then enquired about the griffin-like statues outside pagodas. Aung Thin told him what he knew and their Burmese name, Chinthe.[3]
Wingate had originally chosen the name Chinthe, but mispronounced it Chindit when he spoke to the press, and the name stuck[3]. The name Chindits appeared in newspapers for the first time on 21st May 1943. [The Telegraph 21st May 1943]
The Chindit Emblem
The Chindit emblem[4] features a Chinthe statue on a plinth with a pagoda in the background[5]. Wingate considered that the winged beast symbolised the close co-operation between ground and air forces, which was a feature of Chindit operations[6][7].
Chindit Badges
The Chindit shoulder badge features a yellow Chinthe and a small yellow pagoda against a blue or black background. It comes in either yellow cotton or gold bullion.
Some examples of the varieties of Chindit badges (select badge to enlarge) -
Examples of scarcer varieties, 1. printed version, and 2. with 'Chindit' embroidered.
"This is YOUR badge"
This is YOUR badge. It means that you are a member of SPECIAL FORCE. You are proud of SPECIAL FORCE. All ranks SPECIAL FORCE are proud of you.
After their return from Burma in 1944 and before being sent on leave, troops were issued with their Chindit badges along with this letter from Major General Lentaigne, Commander Special Force.[8]
In the letter, the troops received praise for their achievements and a reminder about the need for secrecy regarding their mission.
References and Sources
1. N. Greenwood, Guide to Burma
2. "Chinthe" Wikipedia, The Free Encycopedia3. C. Sykes, Orde Wingate
4. Brig Michael Calvert, Prisoners of Hope, 1952 edition
5.The National Archives; CAB 44/211 First Chindit Expedition 1943 by Brig M.Henry
6.The National Archives; CAB 44/182 First Wingate Expedition 1943 by Lt-Col J.E.B.Barton
7. Maj Gen S. Woodburn Kirby et al, The War Against Japan Vol II
8. S. Cochrane, Chindit, Special Force, Burma 1944