50th Division (Imperial Japanese Army)

The 50th Division (第50師団, Dai-gojū Shidan) was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call sign was the Rai Division (雷兵団, Rai Heidan).

History

The 50th Division was formed on December 16, 1941, in Formosa (Taiwan), simultaneously with the 48th, 49th, and 51st divisions, as part of a strategic expansion of the Imperial Japanese Army following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The division's core personnel were drawn from the 6th Independent Garrison Unit.

Initially, the 50th Division was placed under the command of the Taiwan Army. Its primary role during the early part of World War II was garrison duty in Taiwan. In April 1944, the division was transferred to the command of the 32nd Army and deployed to Okinawa to bolster its defenses against the anticipated Allied invasion.

During the Battle of Okinawa, which began in April 1945, the 50th Division fought fiercely against the American forces. The division was positioned in the Shuri Line, a heavily fortified network of defensive positions. The 50th Division suffered heavy casualties during the battle, and like other Japanese units, they were hampered by a lack of supplies and effective air support.

Despite putting up strong resistance, the 50th Division was eventually overwhelmed by the superior firepower and resources of the American forces. The division was effectively destroyed by the end of the battle in June 1945. The surviving remnants surrendered with the rest of the Japanese forces on Okinawa.

Organization

• 50th Infantry Division HQ
• 211th Infantry Regiment
• 212th Infantry Regiment
• 213th Infantry Regiment
• 50th Mountain Artillery Regiment
• 50th Engineer Regiment
• 50th Transport Regiment
• 50th Signal Unit

Commanding Officers