The ‘Chindit’ forces were those officially known as the the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, later becoming ‘Special Force’ incorporating a wider formation. They were long range penetration groups that were sent behind the Japanese lines during the Burma campaign of 1943 and 1944.
They were organised into groups known as ‘Columns’ rather than the traditional Infantry Brigade or Divisional structure. This formation provided a self-sufficient and sustainable force with its own support elements within the Column.
Each Column had three Infantry Platoons, a Support Platoon with mortars and Vickers machine guns and a Commando Platoon of sappers and infantry, for demolition tasks.
Operation LONGCLOTH
The first Chindit operation was LONGCLOTH, which took place in February 1943. The only higher-level formation involved was 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. It was structured into two groups and a separate Battalion. The formation was then formed into Columns numbering 1 to 8, with No. 6 being broken up during training to provide reinforcements for other columns. No. 1 Group (Southern) was formed from the 3/2nd Gurkha Rifles, with No. 2 Group (Northern) was formed from 1st Bn, King’s (Liverpool) Regiment. The third battalion in the Brigade was the 2nd Bn, Burma Rifles, but this was not formed into Columns.
Operation THURSDAY
By this time, the ‘Chindits’ concept of Long Range Penetration had gained additional support and resources. The formation was as shown in the Table below. It now included a greater number of British formations from the 70th Infantry Division.
| 3 (West African) Brigade | |
| Headquarters | 10 Column |
| 6th Bn, Nigeria Regiment | 39 and 66 Columns |
| 7th Bn, Nigeria Regiment | 29 and 35 Columns |
| 12th Bn, Nigeria Regiment | 12 and 43 Columns |
| 14 Infantry Brigade | |
| Headquarters | 59 Column |
| 1st Bn, Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment | 16 and 61 Columns |
| 7th Bn, Royal Leicestershire Regiment | 47 and 74 Columns |
| 2nd Bn, Black Watch | 42 and 73 Columns |
| 2nd Bn, York and Lancaster Regiment | 65 and 84 Columns |
| 54th Field Company, Royal Engineers | Support |
| 16 Infantry Brigade | |
| Headquarters | 99 Column |
| 51st/69th Field Regiments, Royal Artillery (as infantry) | 51 and 69 Columns |
| 2nd Bn, Queen’s Royal Regiment | 21 and 22 Columns |
| 2nd Bn, Royal Leicestershire Regiment | 17 and 71 Columns |
| 45th Regt, Reconnaissance Corps (as infantry) | 45 and 54 Columns |
| 2nd Field Company, Royal Engineers | Support |
| 23 Infantry Brigade | |
| Headquarters | 32 Column |
| 60th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery (as infantry) | 60 and 68 Columns |
| 2nd Bn, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment | 33 and 76 Columns |
| 4th Bn, Border Regiment | 34 and 55 Columns |
| 1st Bn, Essex Regiment | 44 and 56 Columns |
| 12th Field Company, Royal Engineers | Support |
| 77 Indian Infantry Brigade | |
| Headquarters | 25 Column |
| 1st Bn, King’s (Liverpool) Regiment (moved to 111 Bde in May) | 81 and 82 Columns |
| 1st Bn, Lancashire Fusiliers | 20 and 50 Columns |
| 1st Bn, South Staffordshire Regiment | 38 and 80 Columns |
| 3rd Bn, 6th Gurkha Rifles | 36 and 63 Columns |
| 3rd Bn, 9th Gurkha Rifles (moved to 111 Brigade in May) | 57 and 93 Columns |
| Mixed Field Company, Royal Engineers / Royal Indian Engineers | Support |
| 142 Company, Hong Kong Volunteers | Support |
| 111 Indian Infantry Brigade | |
| Headquarters | 48 Column |
| 2nd Bn, King’s Own Royal Regiment | 41 and 46 Columns |
| 1st Bn, Cameronians | 26 and 90 Columns |
| 3rd Bn, 4th Gurkha Rifles | 30 Column |
| Mixed Field Company, Royal Engineers / Royal Indian Engineers | Support |
| Morris Force | |
| 4th Bn, 9th Gurkha Rifles | 49 and 94 Columns |
| 3rd Bn, 4th Gurkha Rifles | 40 Column |
There were a number of other units attached; however, these did not form Columns and, therefore, would not have been equipped with the Vickers.
