Chindits Memorial

The Chindits Memorial, unveiled in 1990, commemorates the Chindit Special Forces, who served in Burma under Major General Wingate during the Second World War. The memorial is constructed from Portland stone, red granite, and bronze.

The memorial consists of a tall, 4-metre high Portland stone plinth, which tapers towards the top and supports a bronze Chinthe, a Burmese guardian temple beast. The plinth is set upon three red granite steps. Affixed to the front of the plinth is a roundel displaying the Chindit badge, the blue enamel crest of the Chindits Association. Below this is carved detailed lettering explaining the badge's significance and commemorating those who fought in the First and Second Expeditions into North Burma in 1943 and 1944. It details the origins of the Chindits, drawing personnel from the armed forces of the United Kingdom, Burma, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, West Africa, and the United States of America, and acknowledges the air support provided by the Royal Air Force, Ist Air Commando Group, United States Army Air Force, and 10th United States Army Air Force. The inscription highlights the daring exploits of the Chindits behind enemy lines and notes the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to four named individuals.

The sides of the plinth are inscribed with a list of units that participated in the Chindit campaigns from 1943 to 1944. On the rear of the plinth is a blue plaque portraying a portrait of Wingate, below which is inscribed a biographical note detailing his birth and death, his role as Commander of the Chindits, and his death on active service in Burma in 1944. A quote from Winston Churchill is included, alongside a note referencing Wingate's later influence on the creation of the Israel Defence Forces and the foundation of the State of Israel.