24th Division (Imperial Japanese Army)

24th Division (Imperial Japanese Army). The 24th Division was an infantry division of the Imperial Japanese Army. It was activated in 1939 in Manchukuo and served primarily in the Second Sino-Japanese War before being redeployed to the Pacific War. The division was largely destroyed during the Battle of Leyte in the Philippines campaign.

History

The 24th Division was formed in June 1939 as part of the Kwantung Army's expansion in Manchukuo, with its headquarters established in the city of Harbin. Its initial role was to serve as a garrison force and to participate in anti-partisan operations against Chinese resistance fighters in the region. The division remained stationed in Manchukuo for several years, conducting security duties and training. In 1944, as the strategic situation deteriorated for Japan, the division was selected for transfer to the Southern Expeditionary Army Group to reinforce the defenses of the Philippines. It arrived in the Philippines in August 1944, just prior to the Battle of Leyte.

Organization

The 24th Division was a triangular division, a standard organization for Imperial Japanese Army infantry units during this period. Its core infantry regiments were the 22nd Infantry Regiment, the 32nd Infantry Regiment, and the 89th Infantry Regiment. The division also included the 24th Mountain Artillery Regiment, the 24th Engineer Regiment, and the 24th Transport Regiment. Supporting units comprised a signals company, a sanitation unit, and a field hospital. Upon its deployment to the Philippines, the division was augmented with additional artillery and support elements from other units within the Fourteenth Area Army.

Commanding officers

The division's first commander was Lieutenant General Yuitsu Tsuchihashi, an officer with extensive experience in Manchuria and China. He led the division from its activation until 1941. He was succeeded by Lieutenant General Shizuo Yokoyama, who commanded during its continued garrison duties in Manchukuo. The final and most notable commander was Lieutenant General Yoshio Tachibana, who assumed command in 1944 and led the division during the Battle of Leyte. Other key officers included Major General Kenjiro Matsuki, who served as chief of staff during the Philippines campaign.

Actions and campaigns

The division's first major combat deployment was during the Second Sino-Japanese War, where it participated in various operations in Manchuria and northern China, including the Battle of South Shanxi. After years of relative inactivity, it was urgently shipped to Leyte in late 1944. Upon arrival, it was placed under the 35th Army and tasked with defending the central mountain passes, particularly around Jaro and the Orquoc River. It engaged in fierce fighting against the United States Army's X Corps, including the 1st Cavalry Division and the 24th Infantry Division. The division was systematically destroyed in the brutal fighting around Breakneck Ridge and Kilay Ridge. Remnants continued a guerrilla-style resistance until the end of the Battle of Leyte.

See also

* List of Japanese Infantry Divisions * Battle of Leyte * Kwantung Army * Fourteenth Area Army * Japanese occupation of the Philippines

Category:Infantry divisions of the Imperial Japanese Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1939 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1945