28th Division (Imperial Japanese Army)

The 28th Division (第28師団, Dai-nijūhachi Shidan) was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call sign was the Abundant Division (豊兵団, Toyo Heidan). The 28th Division of the Kwantung Army was formed on 10 July 1940, in Manchukuo capital - Changchun.

28th Division
Active1940–1945
CountryEmpire of Japan
BranchImperial Japanese Army
TypeInfantry
Rolegarrison
Garrison/HQShinkyō, Manchukuo
Nickname(s)Abundant Division
EngagementsBattle of Okinawa
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Teizo Ishiguro

History edit

The 28th Division was tasked with the defense of the Manchukuo capital, and the neighboring areas of Harbin and Qiqihar under direct control of Kwantung Army.

With the start of the Battle of Saipan 15 June 1944, its 36th Infantry Regiment was sent to Saipan, but returned to division soon as Saipan was lost before 36th regiment could arrive. Simultaneously, the 28th Division was reassigned to the 32nd Army in June, 1944 and reassigned to the Ryukyu Islands, specifically to Miyakojima (where it based its headquarters) and Ishigaki archipelago. Its former garrison and some left-over troops were incorporated into 112th division.

In the Battle of Okinawa, the 28th Division main positions were never invaded, but were heavily bombed and subject to coastal bombardment. As all higher-ranking officers of the 32nd Army were killed, Naumi Toshiro, commander of the 28th Division, signed a surrender document for the 32nd Army after the surrender of Japan. The division was disbanded 13 December 1945.

 
 
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Independent Mixed Brigade
 
Infantry Division (including guard divisions)
 
Independent Armored Brigade
 
Armored division
Japanese infantry and armored units in Home Islands, 15 August 1945

See also edit

Reference and further reading edit

  • Madej, W. Victor. Japanese Armed Forces Order of Battle, 1937-1945 [2 vols]

Allentown, PA: 1981