48th Division (Imperial Japanese Army)
| 48th Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 30 November 1943 – 15 August 1945 |
| Country |
 Japan |
| Branch |
 Imperial Japanese Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | 25,000 |
| Garrison/HQ | Taiwan |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Disbanded | 15 August 1945 |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Yuichi Tsuchihashi |
The 48th Division (第48師団 Dai-yonjūhachi Shidan) was an infantry division of the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call sign was the Sea Division (海兵団 Umi Heidan)
The 48th Division was formed 30 November 1943 in Hainan. The division was composed from 27th independent mixed brigade (Taiwan mixed brigade) and the 47th infantry regiment which has become available as the 6th division was converted to triangular format. The 48th division was initially assigned to 22nd army, before reassigned to Japanese Fourteenth Area Army 12 August 1941.
The division was based in Taipei city of Taiwan during the second half of 1941. The base in Taipei was subsequently reused in 1944 by 50th division.
The mechanization of the 48th division along with 5th division was complete by 6 November 1941. The 48th division have spearheaded the capture of Manila, but did not participate in Battle of Bataan. Instead, in January 1942 the division was transferred to 16th army. The 48th division has landed in eastern Java 1 March 1942, together with Sakaguchi detachment from 56th division, capturing Surabaya 7 March 1942.
Afterward, the 48th division was provided a garrison to Java until been transferred to 19th army in January 1945 and sent to Timor island. After the 19th army was abolished 28 February 1945, the 48th division was subordinated back to 16th army, but did not leave Timor until surrender of Japan 15 August 1945.
See also
Reference and further reading
- Madej, W. Victor. Japanese Armed Forces Order of Battle, 1937-1945 [2 vols] Allentown, PA: 1981