31st Division (Imperial Japanese Army)
The 31st Division was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army, formed in July 1938 in Hiroshima. Its call sign was the Kikusui Division (菊水兵団, Kikusui Heidan).
History:
The 31st Division was formed as a mobilization division, meaning it was composed of reservists and intended for short-term deployments. Its initial organization consisted of the 55th Infantry Brigade (122nd and 123rd Infantry Regiments) and the 66th Infantry Brigade (146th and 151st Infantry Regiments). The division was assigned to the 21st Army and saw action in the Second Sino-Japanese War, participating in the Canton Operation and subsequent occupation duties in Southern China.
In late 1941, the 31st Division was reassigned to the 15th Army and took part in the invasion of Burma, playing a significant role in the capture of Rangoon. It subsequently advanced north, engaging in fierce fighting in the Arakan region and later in the Imphal offensive. The division suffered heavy casualties during the Imphal offensive in 1944, and was significantly weakened.
Following the failure of the Imphal offensive, the 31st Division remained in Burma, conducting defensive operations against Allied counter-offensives. It was gradually pushed back as Allied forces advanced, and was eventually encircled and largely destroyed in the central Burma area during 1945. The remnants of the division surrendered at the end of the war.
Organization:
- 55th Infantry Brigade
- 122nd Infantry Regiment
- 123rd Infantry Regiment
- 66th Infantry Brigade
- 146th Infantry Regiment
- 151st Infantry Regiment
- 31st Reconnaissance Regiment
- 31st Artillery Regiment
- 31st Engineer Regiment
- 31st Transport Regiment
- 31st Signal Unit
- 31st Medical Unit
Commanding Officers:
- Lt. Gen. Toshitaro Kawaguchi (July 15, 1938 - November 9, 1939)
- Lt. Gen. Shiro Teshima (November 9, 1939 - March 1, 1941)
- Lt. Gen. Renya Mutaguchi (March 1, 1941 - March 8, 1943)
- Lt. Gen. Kotoku Sato (March 8, 1943 - November 23, 1944)
- Lt. Gen. Kazuo Tanaka (November 23, 1944 - End of War)