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Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II / the Violent Century: Weapons Book #34
Chindits - Long Range Penetration
One of the Ballantine Series, this volume covers the special force 'Chindits' introduced into the Burma Campaign of WWII. Operating behind the Japanese lines, the Chindits were supplied by air and ushered in a new type of conducting war. Heavily illustrated with photos and maps. 159 pages
159 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 21, 2023
The soldiers in the CBI theater faced the most harsh conditions , comparable to any others in any war, in my opinion. They were constantly battling weather and disease as well as the enemy. Every one of these men were ultimate warriors and heroes to be remembered and commended, including the author of this book, Michael ('Mad Mike') Calvert.
However and unfortunately, the book needed a co-writer. There is no narrative at all in the book that can possibly be followed by the average reader.
As an alternative to this book about the Chindits, there is 'The Marauders', by Charlton Ogburn. If you have interest in CBI, Ogburn's book is quite good and rewarding.
However and unfortunately, the book needed a co-writer. There is no narrative at all in the book that can possibly be followed by the average reader.
As an alternative to this book about the Chindits, there is 'The Marauders', by Charlton Ogburn. If you have interest in CBI, Ogburn's book is quite good and rewarding.
September 28, 2026
Amazing account of the second Chindits operation in Burma.
Author is “Mad Mike” Calvert - enough said!
Four understrength Brigades airlifted behind Japanese lines in order to blow bridges, mine roads, cut communication lines and generally to interdict everything. This was successful as long as Wingate was alive., and directing them. When he died (March 1944), the Chindits were treated as regular infantry and not as Long Range Penetration. This resulted in their virtual destruction at the battles of Myitkyina and Mogaung as they suffered losses of 50-75% due to combat, disease & weather.
Although the Japanese were able to penetrate to Imphal and Kohima in India, their supply lines were extremely vulnerable. And the Chindits were extremely successful in exploiting that vulnerability.
Of interest was the revelation that there was so much Indian (political) support for a Japanese victory. This impacted the military and political decisions of the 14th Army and higher commands.
Recommended.
Author is “Mad Mike” Calvert - enough said!
Four understrength Brigades airlifted behind Japanese lines in order to blow bridges, mine roads, cut communication lines and generally to interdict everything. This was successful as long as Wingate was alive., and directing them. When he died (March 1944), the Chindits were treated as regular infantry and not as Long Range Penetration. This resulted in their virtual destruction at the battles of Myitkyina and Mogaung as they suffered losses of 50-75% due to combat, disease & weather.
Although the Japanese were able to penetrate to Imphal and Kohima in India, their supply lines were extremely vulnerable. And the Chindits were extremely successful in exploiting that vulnerability.
Of interest was the revelation that there was so much Indian (political) support for a Japanese victory. This impacted the military and political decisions of the 14th Army and higher commands.
Recommended.
May 31, 2021
Accurate aside from leaving out important names and missions. Operation Thursday wasn't even mentioned and US gliders carried in british chindits into Burma in this conflict. Not sure why all of this is skipped over. Cochran and Alison are also not mentioned. Historically accurate information from what I can tell.
March 21, 2022
Merrill Marauders
July 20, 2025
another good Ballantine book
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews