93rd Division (Imperial Japanese Army)

The 93rd Division was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call sign was the Shield Division (盾兵団, Tate Heidan).

History

The 93rd Division was formed on February 28, 1944, in Kumamoto as part of the 8th division creation wave, intended to bolster Japan's defenses against the anticipated Allied invasion. The division was initially placed under the command of the Western District Army.

Organizationally, the 93rd Division followed the standard late-war Japanese infantry division model. It consisted of the 266th, 267th and 268th Infantry Regiments, and the 93rd Artillery Regiment. Other supporting units included the 93rd Engineer Regiment, the 93rd Transport Regiment, and a signal unit.

Initially, the 93rd Division was tasked with garrison duty and training in the southern Kyushu region. In late 1944, it was reassigned to the 57th Army, still in Kyushu. With the increasing threat of invasion, the division was mobilized and deployed to the coastal defenses of Kagoshima Prefecture.

The 93rd Division prepared for Operation Ketsu-Go, the Japanese plan to defend the home islands against Allied invasion. Its primary mission was to defend designated beachheads and delay the Allied advance. As part of these preparations, the division constructed fortifications, emplaced artillery, and participated in anti-landing drills.

The Allied invasion of Japan never materialized, and the 93rd Division remained in place until the end of the war in August 1945. Following the surrender of Japan, the division was demobilized and dissolved.

See also

• List of Japanese Infantry Divisions