Footage from the town of Imphal in Manipur, India after the return of British and Indian troops of 77th Indian Infantry Brigade (Brigadier Wingate's 'Chindits') from Operation Longcloth, their expedition behind Japanese lines in Burma.

Bulldozer approaching camera. Driver reversing (the bulldozer is marked ‘Caterpillar Diesel’ on the cowling. Jeeps pass the bulldozers. Men emerging from a mess building in high spirits; the first man, bearded and grinning, has his hands in the air and is swaying slightly as he walks. Man reading letter. Conversation between ‘a Major’ (Major Michael Calvert?) and a group of men, one of whom is wearing a bush hat marked with the badge of the King’s Liverpool Regiment. Laughing bearded soldier in floppy bush hat. Men enjoying a beer ration; a smiling hospital matron (probably Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service) is present. Section of test footage. Men bathing in tin baths. Man shaving. Gurkhas in pyjamas with piles of blankets and bedding; a building behind them is marked ‘19 CCS’ (Casualty Clearing Station). Cheerful Gurkha in pyjamas with floppy bush hat and a pipe in his mouth.

Notes

The dopesheet for this film does not explicitly identify the troops seen. It does however, refer to 'their campaign in the jungle' and 'worrying the Jap in Burma'. These details, coupled with the date, strongly suggest the first Chindit expedition. The King's Liverpool Regiment capbadge seen would therefore suggest 13th Battalion of that regiment. The Gurkha seen in close-up is probably of 3rd Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles, but could conceivably be from the 2nd Battalion Burma Rifles. The identification of Michael Calvert is tentative.

Series note: The MWY series of films is believed to be part of a ‘pool’ of film received by the Government of India from various sources, including South East Asia Command, the Indian Inter-Service Public Relations Directorate, the Ministry of Information, and from Allied governments. This footage would have been considered for editing and release through the Indian Newsreel Parade; see INR series.