33rd Division (Imperial Japanese Army)
The 33rd Division was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army, formed on February 7, 1939, in Kurume. Its call sign was the Arrow Division.
History
The 33rd Division was initially assigned to the China Expeditionary Army as part of the 21st Army. The division participated in the invasion of Guangxi and subsequently engaged in operations during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Notable actions included involvement in the Battle of Zaoyang-Yichang in 1939 and the Hundred Regiments Offensive in 1940.
In 1942, the 33rd Division was transferred to Burma as part of the Japanese Fifteenth Army under the command of Lieutenant General Shōzō Sakurai. It was a key component of the forces engaged in the Burma Campaign, participating in operations against British and Commonwealth forces.
The division played a significant role in the Battle of Imphal and the subsequent Battle of Kohima in 1944, suffering heavy losses due to disease, starvation, and combat. Its performance during these battles was severely hampered by logistical difficulties and determined Allied resistance.
Following the Imphal-Kohima campaign, the severely depleted 33rd Division was reorganized and continued to fight in Burma until the end of World War II. It was present during the Allied reconquest of Burma and eventually surrendered to Allied forces.
Organization
- 56th Infantry Brigade
- 213th Infantry Regiment
- 214th Infantry Regiment
- 33rd Reconnaissance Regiment
- 33rd Artillery Regiment
- 33rd Engineer Regiment
- 33rd Transport Regiment
- 33rd Signal Unit
Commanding Officers
- Lieutenant General Ryutaro Asanuma (February 7, 1939 - December 2, 1940)
- Lieutenant General Gan Kuraishi (December 2, 1940 - March 1, 1943)
- Lieutenant General Motoso Yamauchi (March 1, 1943 - April 6, 1945)
- Lieutenant General Tanji Hori (April 6, 1945 - Surrender)
See Also
- List of Japanese Infantry Divisions