Terms

Terms

Terms




Military units:
In the British & other armies, including colonial forces, of the time there were basic units approximetely standard in established orgranization and size. The infantry squad, or section, made up of from 8-12 men was the smallest fighting unit. 3 of these made up a platoon, commanded by a junior officer. 3 to 4 platoons comprised a rifle company of some 120-150 men. 3-4 companies constituted an infantry battalion. A brigade usually consisted of 3 to 4 such battalions (3,000 to 5,000) with attached engineering and artillery support. A division had under its command usually 3 such brigades, and also commaned its own organic artillery, engineering and other combat and non-combat supporting arms. An army corp would comprise several such divisions, while the field army commanded several such corp.

For the Chindit units, Wingate re-organized the standard infanty units. 4 infantry platoons, a heavy weapons platoon, & one engineering and recon platoon comprised the main units of each column. Attached were specialists in medicine, re-trained animal handlers, communications and Air Force liason personal. In esence a Chindit brigade was comprised of from 6 to 8 such columns, a battalion furnishing approx. 2 columns.