A Powerful New Memorial Planned for Formby As a Lasting Tribute to the Chindits

Formby is set to honour a remarkable chapter of its wartime history with plans for a new memorial dedicated to the legendary Chindits who trained in the town during the Second World War.

Formby Parish Council has confirmed it is supporting the project to create a permanent monument commemorating the soldiers who prepared for one of the most daring and dangerous campaigns of the war while stationed at Harington Barracks in Formby.

During the Second World War, Harington Barracks played a crucial role in training soldiers from The King’s Regiment (Liverpool) before they were sent overseas. Two battalions, numbering more than 2,000 men, trained in Formby before travelling to India and Burma, where they would become part of the famous Chindit operations fighting deep behind enemy lines against the Japanese Army.

The Chindits were a highly specialised long-range penetration force that operated in extremely hostile jungle conditions. Their missions involved travelling deep into enemy territory, often cut off from conventional supply lines, relying on endurance, innovation and sheer determination to survive and carry out their operations.

Operating under some of the most brutal conditions of the war, the Chindits fought in the dense jungles of Burma where disease, exhaustion and enemy attacks were constant threats. Their bravery, resilience and sacrifice became legendary, but tragically many of the men who trained here in Formby never returned home.

Now, more than 80 years later, the town is preparing to ensure their story is never forgotten.

Formby Parish Council has been working alongside The Chindit Society, Sefton Council and other supporters to develop plans for a fitting tribute that recognises both the bravery of these soldiers and Formby’s important connection to this chapter of wartime history.

Planning permission for the memorial has now been granted. The monument is proposed to be located near the Harington Road shops, close to where the parade ground of the former Harington Barracks once stood. Subject to final permissions from the landowner, it is hoped the memorial will be installed in the coming months.

The current plaque which is in Proctor Road in Formby for the Chindits

The plaque says:

13th KINGS REGT WERE STATIONED HERE, BEFORE MOVING TO INDIA IN 1942 THEY MARCHED INTO BURMA IN 1943, WITH BURMESE, GURKHA AND BRITISH UNITS SUPPORTED BY R.A.F

Ist KINGS REGT. WERE FLOWN INTO BURMA IN 1944, WITH INDIAN, NIGERIAN, GURKHA & BRITISH UNITS SUPPORTED BY RAF & USAA.F

THE CHINDITS

MAYANMAR (BURMA)

MCMXLIII MCMXLIV

THE BOLDEST MEASURES ARE THE BEST.

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Speaking about the project, Councillor Dave Irving of Formby Parish Council said the memorial will provide an important and lasting reminder of the town’s wartime role and the sacrifice made by the soldiers who trained here.

He explained that Harington Barracks was a key training ground before these men were sent thousands of miles away to fight in one of the most demanding campaigns of the war. The memorial will ensure that the connection between Formby and the Chindits is remembered for generations to come.

Councillor Irving said the monument will stand not only as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Chindits, but also as an opportunity for local people and future generations to understand the role Formby played in preparing these soldiers for their extraordinary service.

For many residents, the story of the barracks and the men who trained there remains a powerful part of the town’s heritage. The new memorial will help preserve that history and provide a place where people can reflect on the bravery of those who served.

Once completed, the monument will become a permanent feature in the community, ensuring the story of the Chindits and their connection to Formby is never forgotten.