34th Division (Imperial Japanese Army)

The 34th Division was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call sign was the Yoshida Division.

History

The 34th Division was formed on February 7, 1939, in Osaka, as a triangular division, simultaneously with the 32nd, 33rd, 35th, 36th and 37th divisions. The division's core personnel came from the IJA 4th Division.

The 34th Division was initially assigned to the China Expeditionary Army, specifically the 11th Army under the command of General Uichi Tsuchihashi. It participated in numerous campaigns in China, including the Battle of Wuhan, and subsequent operations aimed at controlling strategic areas and suppressing guerilla activity. It notably took part in the Battle of Zaoyang-Yichang in May 1940, and the Battle of South Henan in January 1941.

From July 1944, the division became a part of the Kwantung Army, reflecting the shifting strategic priorities of the Japanese military as the Pacific War intensified. It was stationed in the northeastern region of China, also known as Manchuria, as part of the 44th Army. Its main task was to defend the borders against a potential Soviet invasion.

The 34th Division surrendered to the Soviet Union in Manchuria in August 1945, following the Soviet invasion of Manchuria. Many of its personnel were taken as prisoners of war to the Soviet Union.

Organization

• 34th Infantry Brigade
  • 216th Infantry Regiment
  • 217th Infantry Regiment
  • 218th Infantry Regiment
• 34th Reconnaissance Regiment
• 34th Artillery Regiment
• 34th Engineer Regiment
• 34th Transport Regiment

Commanding Officers