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.
Fourth kit of the series B6-35158 Chindits (4) includes a 1/35 scale, resin cast figure and a heavy loaded mule sculpted by Vladimir Demchenko.
The figure is sculpted on a walking pose and comes in 8 parts.
- Body : He wears 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 the figure. He has British Army boots. Over his uniform, 1937 pattern waist belt, X- strap webbing and two large general purpose pouches on both sides are cast on the figures.
- Head : Figure wears a slouch hat and facial details are well sculpted.
- Left arm
- Right arm to hold the rope of mule
- Lee Enfield No.5 Mk I Rifle, known as Jungle carbine
- Bayonet in scabbard
- MK VII Water bottle
- Knife in scabbard
Mule comes in 5 parts ; body halves cast with saddle, head, ears, tail and 2 parts of saddle handle. Load of the mule is given as 4 parts.
Conclusion :
B6-35157 is very nice addition to other Chindits kits. Nice sculpt and cast, well detailed uniform and heavy loaded mule makes it great to display alone or will make a very nice jungle scene when used with other Chindits series kits from BRAVO*6.
