Chindit Memorial, London
A striking tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the WWII Chindit special forces and their legendary leader, Major General Orde Wingate.
The Chindit Memorial in London honors the extraordinary bravery of the Chindit special forces who operated deep behind Japanese lines in Burma during World War II. Erected in 1990 in Victoria Embankment Gardens near the Ministry of Defence, the memorial features a 4-meter Portland stone pillar topped with a bronze Chinthe, a mythical Burmese temple guardian. It commemorates the soldiers and their leader, Major General Orde Wingate, and became a Grade II listed building in 2020.
A brief summary to Chindit Memorial
- Chindit Memorial, London, SW1A 2JL, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed inscriptions and the bronze Chinthe sculpture atop the memorial.
- Combine your visit with nearby war memorials in Victoria Embankment Gardens for a comprehensive reflection on military history.
- Look for the Victoria Cross recipients’ names inscribed on the memorial to learn about the individual acts of valor.
- Pause at the rear plaque to read Winston Churchill’s tribute to Major General Orde Wingate and reflect on his legacy.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Embankment Station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the memorial through Victoria Embankment Gardens. Frequent service runs on the Circle, District, Northern, and Bakerloo lines. Tickets cost £2.50–£6.00 depending on zones and time.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Victoria Embankment Gardens, including routes 11, 24, and 148. Journey times vary from 15 to 30 minutes from central London, with fares around £1.75 using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
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Walking
From Westminster or Trafalgar Square, a 15-20 minute walk along the Thames Path offers scenic views and easy terrain, suitable for most visitors. The route is wheelchair accessible with paved paths.
Chindit Memorial location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Chindit Memorial
Origins and Purpose of the Chindit Memorial
The Chindit Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the Chindits, a unique British-Indian special forces unit formed during World War II. Created under the leadership of Major General Orde Wingate, these soldiers conducted daring long-range penetration operations behind Japanese lines in the Burma Campaign of 1943 and 1944. The memorial honors their courage, sacrifice, and the strategic impact they had on the Allied war effort in Southeast Asia. It also commemorates Wingate himself, who died on active service in Burma in 1944.Design and Symbolism
Designed by architect David Price and unveiled in October 1990 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the memorial features a tapering 4-meter (13-foot) pillar of Portland stone resting on three red granite steps. Atop the pillar is a bronze sculpture of the Chinthe, a mythical guardian lion from Burmese temple lore, symbolizing protection and vigilance. The Chinthe emblem was adopted as the badge of the Chindit forces, linking the memorial’s design deeply to their identity.Inscriptions and Honored Heroes
The front of the memorial bears an inscription commemorating all who served in the Chindit expeditions, alongside the Chindit badge on a blue enamel background and their motto, “The boldest measures are the safest.” The monument lists the four Chindit soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross—the highest British military honor for valor—namely Major Frank Blaker, Captain Michael Allmand, Lieutenant George Albert Cairns, and Rifleman Tulbahadur Pun. The sides of the memorial enumerate the various army units that took part in the campaigns.Tribute to Major General Orde Wingate
The rear face of the memorial is dedicated exclusively to Major General Wingate. It features a blue plaque with his portrait and a famous quote by Winston Churchill describing him as “A man of genius who might well have become a man of destiny.” The inscription also references Wingate’s influential role in the formation of the Israel Defence Forces, stemming from his earlier service in the British Mandate of Palestine.Location and Historical Recognition
Situated in Victoria Embankment Gardens near the Ministry of Defence headquarters, the Chindit Memorial occupies a prominent position among London’s war memorials. In August 2020, marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day and just before the memorial’s 30th anniversary, it was designated a Grade II listed building, recognizing its historical and cultural significance and ensuring its preservation.Legacy and Wider Commemoration
Beyond London, the Chindits are remembered at other sites, including a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in England and one at Hurlburt Field in Florida, USA, which celebrates their cooperation with the US 1st Air Commando Group. The London memorial remains a poignant reminder of the harsh jungle warfare, extraordinary endurance, and strategic daring that defined the Chindit campaigns during World War II.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chindit Memorial
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A solemn tribute in London honoring the daring Chindit special forces and their leader Major General Orde Wingate’s legacy.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
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For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Child Friendly
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- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
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- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
