The 4th or Yodo was a division that served during World War II under Japan. It was originally formed in 1871 as the garrison defending Osaka. It consisted largely of recruits from the area and its headquarters changed location several times while a brand new building was being constructed. It served until being disbanded in 1945.
Commanders[]
The first World War II era commander of the division was Imai Kiyoshi who served from August of 1936 to March 1937. Replacing him would be Matsui Life who himself would serve from 1937 to 1938.
Next was Sawada Shigeru who served from 1938 to late 1939. Succeeding would be Tomoyuki Yamashita who would retain his command until 1940. The last four commanders each served for at least a year except Lt. General Kitano Kenzo and Lt. General Kimura Mstsujiro who served two.
Structure[]
The 4th Division was of a Square Division type and as such, it consisted of the 7th and 32nd infantry brigades as well as its supporting elements. These were the 4th field artillery, engineer, transport, and military police regiments. Later in the war, the division became a Triangular type and thus had the 8th, 37th, and 61st infantry regiments as its basic units.
Troops of the 4th Imperial Division engage Chinese troops in 1941
Unit History[]
The 4th Imperial Division following its formation notably served in the first Sino-Japanese War as well as the Russo-Japanese War. Its first combat experience in World War II however was in China where it remained in combat until 1941. At that point, the division was reassigned and moved to Luzon and served until the island was secure.[1] Following the campaign, the division was sent back to Japan for rest before being sent out once more to Sumatra to act as a garrison.
In the meantime, sections of the division were sent out to fight Commonwealth troops stationed in Burma. By 1945, the division was relocated to Thailand where it stayed until the war ended.
References[]
- ↑ Rottman L. Gordon. Japanese Army in World War II: 1941-1942. Osprey Publishing (2005), Page 17