Chindits were the Special Operations Unit of British and Indian armies which saw action in 1943–1944 during the Burma Campaign of World War II. Their name was derived from the Burmese word Chinthes which are mythical creatures, half lion, half dragon guarding Burmese pagodas and temples.
Also known as Long Range Penetration Groups, they made operations against the Imperial Japanese Army, especially attacking lines of communication deep behind Japanese lines.
Chindit units were supported by Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers - REME personnel providing servicing and repairs toweapons, radio and any other equipment required. This included the design andmanufacture of special equipment for carrying on the backs on men and mules,given the lack of vehicle support to the columns.
First kit of the series B6-35155 Chindits (1) includes two 1/35 scale, resin cast figures sculpted by Vladimir Demchenko.
Both figures are sculpted on walking poses with seperate heads, arms, weapons and some field gear parts.
They wore a varied combination of Indian and UK made JG - jungle green clothing depending on what they could get issued. JG Jungle Green uniform consists of a front buttoned shirt with two large breast pockets and shoulder boards, trousers with a small shell dressing pocket to the upper right, map pocket to the front upper left leg and a pocket to the right rear. Cloth folds and wrinkles are well defined on both figures. Both figures have British Army boots and Figure -A has 37 pattern cloth anklets over his boots.
Over the uniform, 1937 pattern waist belt, X- strap webbing, large general purpose pouches on both sides and haversack on left side are cast on the figures.
Figures wear slouch hats and facial details, beards and moustaches are well sculpted.
Other parts;
Figure - A
- Left arm with wrist watch
- P37 Large Chindit version Expeditionary Backpack and straped waterproof ground sheet
- Gurkha Kukri knife in scabbard
- MK VII Water bottle
- Right arm with Thompson M1A1 submachine gun
Figure - B
- Right and left arms to carry rifles.
- Lee Enfield No.5 Mk I Rifle, known as Jungle carbine - 2 pieces
- P37 Large Chindit version Expeditionary Backpack and straped waterproof ground sheet
- Bayonet
- MK VII Water bottle
- Machete
Conclusion :
I remember some companies like Lead Sled and Andrea had some 54 mm metal Chindit figures but I don't remember a 1/35 scale resin figure on market. I think Vladimir did a great job to sculpt a series of Chindit figures for World War II Pacific era modelers.
B6-35155 is a very nice kit with two nicely sculpted and cast figures. Rare subject, ease on cleaning and assembly with less parts, correct and life-like body postures and proportions , well defined uniform , field gear , weapons and facial features make it a Recommended kit.
It can be displayed alone and will make very nice scenes when used with other Chindits series kits from BRAVO*6.