To be more specific, I'm looking for the locations of their units, and the equipment each unit had on - or near enough to - 1 January 1938. (i.e., something like: Taiyuan - 5th Division; 9th Infantry Brigade, 21st Infantry Brigade, 5th Mountain Artillery Regiment, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 5th Engineer Regiment, 5th Transport Regiment)
I probably shouldn't admit this, but I'm currently using Wikipedia, using such web pages as this one and this one
I imagine there have been similar requests before on this forum, and will continue scouring the threads after making this post.
Does anyone have information on the Japanese military at the start of 1938?
-
BobMarley81
- Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 16 May 2015, 23:53
- Location: Devon, UK
Re: Does anyone have information on the Japanese military at the start of 1938?
Hello BobMarley81,
This is taken from the Appendix of the U.S. Military History Section; Japanese Monograph No. 178, North China Area Operations Record July 1937 - May 1941, with a little editing and a few additions that may not be concurrent with the date suggested. The scope of your question is mind boggling but interesting. Beyond the HQ locations I've provided you're on your own in that respect. This is only one corner of Japan's war in Asia, perhaps the information will be generally useful to others as well.
hysteric
The North China Area Army
Order of Battle 31 August 1937
The North China Area Army: Commander: General Count Hisaichi Terauchi
The North China Area Army Headquarters: Beijing, Hebei Provonce
Wikipedia) Third iteration of the 1st Army (Initially for 1st Sino-Japanese War and again for Russo-Japanese War): The 1st Army was raised again on August 26, 1937 under the operational command of the Japanese Northern China Area Army. Its was involved in the North China Incident, Beiping–Hankou Railway Operation, and the Battle of Taiyuan.
1st Army
The 1st Army Commander: Lt Gen Kiyoshi Katsuki
Headquarters: Tiayuan, Shanshi Province
6th Division Kumamoto 1888
6th Division Headquarters
6th Division Communications Unit
6th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
6th Division Medical Unit
6th Division 1st Field Hospital
6th Division 2nd Field Hospital
6th Division 4th Field Hospital
6th Division Veterinary Unit
6th Division Cross Linked Materials Unit
Infantry Brigade
• 13th Infantry Regiment (Kumamoto)
• 23rd Infantry Regiment (Miyakonojo)
• 45th Infantry Regiment (Kagoshima)
6th Cavalry Regiment
6th Artillery Regiment
6th Engineer Regiment
6th Transport Regiment
14th Division Utsunomiya 1905
14th Division Headquarters
14th Division Communications Unit
14th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
14th Division Field Hospital
14th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
14th Division Rapid Firing Gun Unit
14th Division Infantry Group
• 2nd Infantry Regiment
• 15th Infantry Regiment
• 59th Infantry Regiment
18th Cavalry Regiment (to September 1940)
14th Reconnaissance Regiment (From Sept. 1940)
20th Artillery Regiment
14th Engineer Regiment
14th Transport Regiment
14th Division Tank Unit
14th Division Marine Convoy
20th Division Keijo 1915
20th Division Headquarters
20th Division Communications Unit
20th Division Medical Unit
20th Division 1st Field Hospital
20th Division 2nd Field Hospital
20th Division 4th Field Hospital
20th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
20th Division Veterinary Unit
39th Infantry Brigade
• 77th Infantry Regiment
• 78th Infantry Regiment
40th Infantry Brigade
• 79th Infantry Regiment
• 80th Infantry Regiment
20th Cavalry Regiment
26th Field Artillery Regiment
20th Engineer Regiment
20th Transport Regiment
(Wikipedia) Third iteration of the 2nd Army (Initially raised for 1st Sino-Japanese War and again for Russo-Japanese War): The 2nd Army was raised again on August 23, 1937. It participated in the North China Incident, Tianjin–Pukou Railway Operation, Battle of Xuzhou and Battle of Taierzhuang before being demobilized on December 15, 1938 (one further iteration later).
2nd Army
The 2nd Army Commander; Lt. General Toshizo Nishio
Headquarters locaton: ?
10th Division Himeiji 1898
10th Division Headquarters
10th Division Communications Unit
10th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
10th Division 1st Field Hospital
10th Division 2nd Field Hospital
10th Division 3rd Field Hospital
10th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
10th Division System Poison Unit
10th Division Veterinary Unit
8th Infantry Brigade Group
• 10th Infantry Regiment (Okayama)
• 39th Infantry Regiment (Himeji)
• 63rd Infantry Regiment (Matsue)
10th Cavalry Regiment
10th Field Artillery Regiment
10th Engineer Regiment
10th Transport Regiment
16th Division Kyoto 1905
16th Division Headquarters
16th Division Communications Unit
16th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
16th Division Medical Unit
16th Division 1st Field Hospital
16th Division 2nd Field Hospital
16th Division 3rd Field Hospital
16th Division 4th Field Hospital
16th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
16th Division Systems Poison Unit
16th Division Veterinary Unit
Infantry Brigade Group
• 9th Infantry Regiment
• 20th Infantry Regiment
• 33rd Infantry Regiment
16th Cavalry Regiment
22nd Field Artillery Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
16th Transport Regiment
108th Division Hirosaki 1937
108th Division Headquarters
108th Division Communications Unit
108th Division Medical Unit
108th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
108th Division Supply Unit
108th Division Raiding Unit
Infantry Brigade Group
• 240th Infantry Regiment
• 241st Infantry Regiment
• 242nd Infantry Regiment
171st Cavalry Regiment
108th Field Artillery Regiment
108th Engineer Regiment
Under North China Area Army Direct Control
Antiaircraft Unit directly attached to the North China Area Army
1st Independent Heavy Siege Artillery Battalion (28cm Howitzer)
2d Independent Heavy Siege Artillery Battalion (28cm Howitzer)
3d Tractor Unit (Type B)
North China Area Army Signal Unit (see Appended Table 3)
6th Radio Intelligence Unit
7th Radio Intelligence Unit
1st Field Meteorological Unit (mobile)
2d Field Meteorological Unit (fixed)
lst Field Survey Unit
3d Field Survey Unit
North China Area Army Railway Unit
1st Field Chemical Warfare Experiment Unit
Line of Communications Unit directly attached to the North China Area Army
China Garrison Military Police Unit
China Garrison Mixed Brigade
China Garrison Mixed Brigade Headquarters
No information at this time on composite units.
5th Division Hiroshima 1888
5th Division Headquarters
5th Division Communications Unit
5th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
5th Division Medical Unit
5th Division 2nd Field Hospital
45h Division 4th Field Hospital
9th Infantry Brigade
• 11th Infantry Regiment
• 41st Infantry Regiment
21st Infantry Brigade
• 21st Infantry Regiment
• 42nd Infantry Regiment
5th Cavalry Regiment
5th Heavy Artillery Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
5th Transport Regiment
I only have the 1944 iteration for the 109th Division but here it is anyway.
109th Division Kofu 1937.
109th Division Headquarters
100th Division Flak (A.A,) Battalion
1st Infantry Brigade
• ? No information at this time.
2nd Infantry Brigade
• 303rd Independent Infantry Battalion
• 304th Independent Infantry Battalion
• 305th Independent Infantry Battalion
• 306th Independent Infantry Battalion
• 307th Independent Infantry Battalion
• 308th Independent Infantry Battalion
Field Artillery Regiment
109th Engineer Regiment
1st Independent Artillery Battalion
2nd Independent Artillery Battalion
North China Provisional Air Corps
The Provisional Air Corps Commander: Lt Gen Baron Yoshitoshi Tokugawa
Provisional Air Corps Headquarters
1st Air Brigade Headquarters
1st Air Battalion (Reconnaissance)
2d Air Battalion (Reconnaissance)
3d Air Battalion (Fighter)
8th Air Battalion (Fighter)
5th Air Battalion (Light bomber)
9th Air Battalion (Light bomber)
6th Air Battalion (Heavy bomber)
4th Independent Air Squadron (Reconnaissance)
6th Independent Air Squadron (Reconnaissance)
9th Independent Air Squadron (Fighter)
3d Independent Air Squadron (Heavy bomber)
Antiaircraft Units directly attached to the North China Area Army
7th Field Antiaircraft Artillery Unit of the Guards Division (fixed)
8th Field AAA Unit of the Guards Division (fixed)
9th Field AAA Unit of the Guards Division (fixed)
5th Field AAA Unit of the 1st Division (fixed)
6th Field AAA Unit of the l4th Division (fixed)
7th Field AAA Unit of the 1st Division (fixed)
8th Field AAA Unit of the 1st Division (fixed)
1st Field AAA Unit of the 4th Division (fixed)
2d Field AAA Unit of the 4th Division (fixed)
3d Field AAA Unit of the 4th Division (fixed)*
4th Field AA Unit of the 4th Division (fixed)
1st Field AAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
2d Field AA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
3d Field AAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
4th Field MAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
5th Field AAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
6th Field AAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
7th Field A Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
8th Field AAA Unit of the 12th Division (fixed)
1st Field AA Unit of the 20th Division (fixed)
2d Field AAA Unit of the 20th Division (fixed)
5th Field Searchlight Unit of the Guards Division
6th Field Searchlight Unit of the Guards Division
1st Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
2d Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
3d Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
4th Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
5th Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
6th Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
North China area Army Signal Unit Organization
China Garrison Signal Unit
22d Field Wire Communication Company
23d Field Wire Communication Company
2d Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
8th Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
9th Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
13th Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
53d Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
3d Fixed Radio Communications Unit
9th Fixed Radio Communications Unit
10th Fixed Radio Communications Unit
11th Fixed Radio Communications Unit
17th Field Carrier Pigeon Platoon
North China Area Army Railway Unit Organization
1st Railway Inspectorate
1st Railway Regiment
2d Railway Regiment
1st Railroad Stores Depot
42d Railway Station Headquarters
43d Railway Station Headquarters
44th Railway Station Headquarters
45th Railway Station Headquarters
46th Railway Station Headquarters
47th Railway Station Headquarters
48th Railway Station Headquarters
4th Land Duty Unit of the 3d Division
5th Land Duty Unit of the 3d Division
1st Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
2d Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
3d Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
4th Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
5th Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
1st Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
2d Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
3d Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
4th Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
5th Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
2d Construction Duty Unit of the Guards Division
1st Construction Duty Unit of the 11th Division
2d Construction Duty Unit of the 11th Division
Line of Communications Units Directly Attached to the North China Area Army
1st Line of Communications Command of the North China Area Army
2d Line of Communications Command of the North China Area Army
3d Line of Communications Command of the North China Area Army
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the Guards Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the Guards Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 2d Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the 2d Division
1st-Line of Communications Headquarters of the 2d Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the 3d Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 5th Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the 5th Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 7th Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 9th Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 12th Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the 12th Division
1st Line of Communications Signal Unit Headquarters of the North China Area Army
2d Line of Communications Signal Unit Headquarters of the North China Area Army
3d Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
4th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
7th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
9th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
12th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
15th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
1st Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
2d Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
5th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
6th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
7th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
8th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
11th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
12th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Line of Communications Transport Companies of the 2d Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Line of Communications Transport Companies of the 3d Division
1st and 2d Line of Communications Transport Companies of the4th Division
3d and 4th Line of Communications Transport Companies of the7th Division
1st and 2d Line of Communications Transport Companies of the8th Division
1st and 2d Line of Communications Transport Companies of the9th Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Line of Communications Transport Companies of the 11th Division
3d and 4th Line of Communications Transport Companies of the12th Division
3d and 4th Line of Communications Transport Companies of the14th Division
3d and 4th Line of Communications Transport Companies of the16th Division
1st Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
2d Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit-Headquarters
3d Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
4th Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
5th Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
6th Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
2d Line of Communications Motor Transport Company
15th to the 19th (inclusive) Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
33d to the 37th (inclusive) plus the 39th Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
44th to the 49th (inclusive) Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
50th to the 58th (inclusive) Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
71st and 72d Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
78th and 79th Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
80th and the 87th to the 89th (inclusive) Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
Transport Observation Unit of the 90th and 91st Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
7th and $th Transport Observation Units of the 2d Division
1st to the 6th (inclusive) Transport Observation Units of the 4th Division
7th to the 9th (inclusive) Transport Observation Units of the 9th Division
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Transport Observation Units of the 10th Division
1st to the 3d (inclusive) plus the 7th and 8th Transport Observation Units of the 12th Division
7th and 8th Transport Observation Units of the 14th Division
1st and 2d Reserve Mount Depots of the North China Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Field Artillery Depots of the North China Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Field Engineer Depots of the North China Area Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Field Motor Transport Depots of the North China Area Army
1st and the 2d Field Gas Depots of the North China Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Field Rations and Clothing Depots of the North China Area Army
1st and 2d Field Reserve Hospital Headquarters of the North China Area Army
7th Section of the Field Reserve Hospital
10th, 11th and 19th Sections of the Field Reserve Hospital
22d plus the 27th to the 30th (inclusive) Sections of the Field Reserve Hospital
1st and 2d Casualty Clearing Units Headquarters of the North China Area Army
7th Section of the Casualty Clearing Unit
10th, 11th, 16th and 18th Sections of the Casualty Clearing Unit
21st and the 26th to the 28th (inclusive') plus the 30thSections of the Casualty Clearing Unit
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Line of Communications Hospitals of the North China Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Line of Communications Veterinary Depots of the North China Area Army
5th Second Reserve Infantry Battalion of the Guards Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) 2d Reserve Infantry Battalions of the 6th Division
1st to the 6th (inclusive) 2d Reserve Infantry Battalions of the 7th Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) 2d Reserve Infantry Battalions of the 11th Division
3d and 4th, 2d Reserve Cavalry Companies of the Guards Division
1st and 2d, Zd Reserve Field Artillery Batteries of the6th Division
1st and 2d, 2d Reserve Field Artillery Batteries of the8th Division
1st and 2d, 2d Reserve Mountain Artillery Batteries of the 2d Division
1st, 2d Reserve Mountain Artillery Battery of the 11th Division
let, 2d Reserve Engineer Company of the Guards Division
1st and 2d, 2d Reserve Engineer Companies of the 2d Division
1st, 2d Reserve Engineer Company of the 7th Division
1st, 2d Reserve Engineer Company of the 12th Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Hand-car Railway Units
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 3d Division
1st to the 5th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 4th Division
3d and 4th Land Duty Units of the 5th Division
1st Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 8thDivision
1st and the 2d plus the 6th to the 10th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 9th Division
2d plus the 6th to the 9th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 10th Division
1st to the 5th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 11th Division
2d to the 4th (inclusive) Sea Duty Units of the 2d Division
1st and the 2d Sea Duty Units of the 8th Division
1st Sea Duty Unit of the 9th Division
1st and 2d Sea Duty Units of the 14th Division
1st and 2d Sea Duty Units of the 16th Division
1st Construction Duty Unit of the Guards Division
1st and 2d Construction Duty Units of the 2d Division
1st Construction Duty Unit of the 7th Division
1st and 2d Construction Duty Units of the 8th-Division
2d Construction Duty Unit of the 9th Division
1st to the 3d (inclusive) plus the 6th and 7th Field Road Construction Units
1st Field Well Construction Unit Headquarters
4th Field Well Construction Unit Headquarters
1st and 2d, plus the 12th to the 15th (inclusive) Field Well Construction Companies
2d Field Construction Headquarters
1st Material Collecting Headquarters
1st Field Purification Unit (A)
2d to the 4th (inclusive) Field Purification Units (B)
China Garrison Army Warehouse
China Garrison Army Hospital
This is taken from the Appendix of the U.S. Military History Section; Japanese Monograph No. 178, North China Area Operations Record July 1937 - May 1941, with a little editing and a few additions that may not be concurrent with the date suggested. The scope of your question is mind boggling but interesting. Beyond the HQ locations I've provided you're on your own in that respect. This is only one corner of Japan's war in Asia, perhaps the information will be generally useful to others as well.
hysteric
The North China Area Army
Order of Battle 31 August 1937
The North China Area Army: Commander: General Count Hisaichi Terauchi
The North China Area Army Headquarters: Beijing, Hebei Provonce
Wikipedia) Third iteration of the 1st Army (Initially for 1st Sino-Japanese War and again for Russo-Japanese War): The 1st Army was raised again on August 26, 1937 under the operational command of the Japanese Northern China Area Army. Its was involved in the North China Incident, Beiping–Hankou Railway Operation, and the Battle of Taiyuan.
1st Army
The 1st Army Commander: Lt Gen Kiyoshi Katsuki
Headquarters: Tiayuan, Shanshi Province
6th Division Kumamoto 1888
6th Division Headquarters
6th Division Communications Unit
6th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
6th Division Medical Unit
6th Division 1st Field Hospital
6th Division 2nd Field Hospital
6th Division 4th Field Hospital
6th Division Veterinary Unit
6th Division Cross Linked Materials Unit
Infantry Brigade
• 13th Infantry Regiment (Kumamoto)
• 23rd Infantry Regiment (Miyakonojo)
• 45th Infantry Regiment (Kagoshima)
6th Cavalry Regiment
6th Artillery Regiment
6th Engineer Regiment
6th Transport Regiment
14th Division Utsunomiya 1905
14th Division Headquarters
14th Division Communications Unit
14th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
14th Division Field Hospital
14th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
14th Division Rapid Firing Gun Unit
14th Division Infantry Group
• 2nd Infantry Regiment
• 15th Infantry Regiment
• 59th Infantry Regiment
18th Cavalry Regiment (to September 1940)
14th Reconnaissance Regiment (From Sept. 1940)
20th Artillery Regiment
14th Engineer Regiment
14th Transport Regiment
14th Division Tank Unit
14th Division Marine Convoy
20th Division Keijo 1915
20th Division Headquarters
20th Division Communications Unit
20th Division Medical Unit
20th Division 1st Field Hospital
20th Division 2nd Field Hospital
20th Division 4th Field Hospital
20th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
20th Division Veterinary Unit
39th Infantry Brigade
• 77th Infantry Regiment
• 78th Infantry Regiment
40th Infantry Brigade
• 79th Infantry Regiment
• 80th Infantry Regiment
20th Cavalry Regiment
26th Field Artillery Regiment
20th Engineer Regiment
20th Transport Regiment
(Wikipedia) Third iteration of the 2nd Army (Initially raised for 1st Sino-Japanese War and again for Russo-Japanese War): The 2nd Army was raised again on August 23, 1937. It participated in the North China Incident, Tianjin–Pukou Railway Operation, Battle of Xuzhou and Battle of Taierzhuang before being demobilized on December 15, 1938 (one further iteration later).
2nd Army
The 2nd Army Commander; Lt. General Toshizo Nishio
Headquarters locaton: ?
10th Division Himeiji 1898
10th Division Headquarters
10th Division Communications Unit
10th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
10th Division 1st Field Hospital
10th Division 2nd Field Hospital
10th Division 3rd Field Hospital
10th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
10th Division System Poison Unit
10th Division Veterinary Unit
8th Infantry Brigade Group
• 10th Infantry Regiment (Okayama)
• 39th Infantry Regiment (Himeji)
• 63rd Infantry Regiment (Matsue)
10th Cavalry Regiment
10th Field Artillery Regiment
10th Engineer Regiment
10th Transport Regiment
16th Division Kyoto 1905
16th Division Headquarters
16th Division Communications Unit
16th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
16th Division Medical Unit
16th Division 1st Field Hospital
16th Division 2nd Field Hospital
16th Division 3rd Field Hospital
16th Division 4th Field Hospital
16th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
16th Division Systems Poison Unit
16th Division Veterinary Unit
Infantry Brigade Group
• 9th Infantry Regiment
• 20th Infantry Regiment
• 33rd Infantry Regiment
16th Cavalry Regiment
22nd Field Artillery Regiment
16th Engineer Regiment
16th Transport Regiment
108th Division Hirosaki 1937
108th Division Headquarters
108th Division Communications Unit
108th Division Medical Unit
108th Division Disease and Water Purification Unit
108th Division Supply Unit
108th Division Raiding Unit
Infantry Brigade Group
• 240th Infantry Regiment
• 241st Infantry Regiment
• 242nd Infantry Regiment
171st Cavalry Regiment
108th Field Artillery Regiment
108th Engineer Regiment
Under North China Area Army Direct Control
Antiaircraft Unit directly attached to the North China Area Army
1st Independent Heavy Siege Artillery Battalion (28cm Howitzer)
2d Independent Heavy Siege Artillery Battalion (28cm Howitzer)
3d Tractor Unit (Type B)
North China Area Army Signal Unit (see Appended Table 3)
6th Radio Intelligence Unit
7th Radio Intelligence Unit
1st Field Meteorological Unit (mobile)
2d Field Meteorological Unit (fixed)
lst Field Survey Unit
3d Field Survey Unit
North China Area Army Railway Unit
1st Field Chemical Warfare Experiment Unit
Line of Communications Unit directly attached to the North China Area Army
China Garrison Military Police Unit
China Garrison Mixed Brigade
China Garrison Mixed Brigade Headquarters
No information at this time on composite units.
5th Division Hiroshima 1888
5th Division Headquarters
5th Division Communications Unit
5th Division Ordinance Duty Unit
5th Division Medical Unit
5th Division 2nd Field Hospital
45h Division 4th Field Hospital
9th Infantry Brigade
• 11th Infantry Regiment
• 41st Infantry Regiment
21st Infantry Brigade
• 21st Infantry Regiment
• 42nd Infantry Regiment
5th Cavalry Regiment
5th Heavy Artillery Regiment
5th Engineer Regiment
5th Transport Regiment
I only have the 1944 iteration for the 109th Division but here it is anyway.
109th Division Kofu 1937.
109th Division Headquarters
100th Division Flak (A.A,) Battalion
1st Infantry Brigade
• ? No information at this time.
2nd Infantry Brigade
• 303rd Independent Infantry Battalion
• 304th Independent Infantry Battalion
• 305th Independent Infantry Battalion
• 306th Independent Infantry Battalion
• 307th Independent Infantry Battalion
• 308th Independent Infantry Battalion
Field Artillery Regiment
109th Engineer Regiment
1st Independent Artillery Battalion
2nd Independent Artillery Battalion
North China Provisional Air Corps
The Provisional Air Corps Commander: Lt Gen Baron Yoshitoshi Tokugawa
Provisional Air Corps Headquarters
1st Air Brigade Headquarters
1st Air Battalion (Reconnaissance)
2d Air Battalion (Reconnaissance)
3d Air Battalion (Fighter)
8th Air Battalion (Fighter)
5th Air Battalion (Light bomber)
9th Air Battalion (Light bomber)
6th Air Battalion (Heavy bomber)
4th Independent Air Squadron (Reconnaissance)
6th Independent Air Squadron (Reconnaissance)
9th Independent Air Squadron (Fighter)
3d Independent Air Squadron (Heavy bomber)
Antiaircraft Units directly attached to the North China Area Army
7th Field Antiaircraft Artillery Unit of the Guards Division (fixed)
8th Field AAA Unit of the Guards Division (fixed)
9th Field AAA Unit of the Guards Division (fixed)
5th Field AAA Unit of the 1st Division (fixed)
6th Field AAA Unit of the l4th Division (fixed)
7th Field AAA Unit of the 1st Division (fixed)
8th Field AAA Unit of the 1st Division (fixed)
1st Field AAA Unit of the 4th Division (fixed)
2d Field AAA Unit of the 4th Division (fixed)
3d Field AAA Unit of the 4th Division (fixed)*
4th Field AA Unit of the 4th Division (fixed)
1st Field AAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
2d Field AA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
3d Field AAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
4th Field MAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
5th Field AAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
6th Field AAA Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
7th Field A Unit of the 5th Division (fixed)
8th Field AAA Unit of the 12th Division (fixed)
1st Field AA Unit of the 20th Division (fixed)
2d Field AAA Unit of the 20th Division (fixed)
5th Field Searchlight Unit of the Guards Division
6th Field Searchlight Unit of the Guards Division
1st Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
2d Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
3d Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
4th Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
5th Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
6th Field Searchlight Unit of the 3d Division
North China area Army Signal Unit Organization
China Garrison Signal Unit
22d Field Wire Communication Company
23d Field Wire Communication Company
2d Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
8th Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
9th Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
13th Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
53d Radio Communications Platoon (motorized)
3d Fixed Radio Communications Unit
9th Fixed Radio Communications Unit
10th Fixed Radio Communications Unit
11th Fixed Radio Communications Unit
17th Field Carrier Pigeon Platoon
North China Area Army Railway Unit Organization
1st Railway Inspectorate
1st Railway Regiment
2d Railway Regiment
1st Railroad Stores Depot
42d Railway Station Headquarters
43d Railway Station Headquarters
44th Railway Station Headquarters
45th Railway Station Headquarters
46th Railway Station Headquarters
47th Railway Station Headquarters
48th Railway Station Headquarters
4th Land Duty Unit of the 3d Division
5th Land Duty Unit of the 3d Division
1st Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
2d Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
3d Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
4th Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
5th Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
1st Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
2d Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
3d Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
4th Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
5th Land Duty Unit of the 12th Division
2d Construction Duty Unit of the Guards Division
1st Construction Duty Unit of the 11th Division
2d Construction Duty Unit of the 11th Division
Line of Communications Units Directly Attached to the North China Area Army
1st Line of Communications Command of the North China Area Army
2d Line of Communications Command of the North China Area Army
3d Line of Communications Command of the North China Area Army
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the Guards Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the Guards Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 2d Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the 2d Division
1st-Line of Communications Headquarters of the 2d Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the 3d Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 5th Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the 5th Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 7th Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 9th Division
1st Line of Communications Headquarters of the 12th Division
2d Line of Communications Headquarters of the 12th Division
1st Line of Communications Signal Unit Headquarters of the North China Area Army
2d Line of Communications Signal Unit Headquarters of the North China Area Army
3d Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
4th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
7th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
9th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
12th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
15th Line of Communications' Wire Communication Company
1st Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
2d Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
5th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
6th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
7th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
8th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
11th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
12th Line of Communications Transport Battalion Headquarters
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Line of Communications Transport Companies of the 2d Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Line of Communications Transport Companies of the 3d Division
1st and 2d Line of Communications Transport Companies of the4th Division
3d and 4th Line of Communications Transport Companies of the7th Division
1st and 2d Line of Communications Transport Companies of the8th Division
1st and 2d Line of Communications Transport Companies of the9th Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Line of Communications Transport Companies of the 11th Division
3d and 4th Line of Communications Transport Companies of the12th Division
3d and 4th Line of Communications Transport Companies of the14th Division
3d and 4th Line of Communications Transport Companies of the16th Division
1st Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
2d Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit-Headquarters
3d Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
4th Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
5th Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
6th Line of Communications Motor Transport Unit Headquarters
2d Line of Communications Motor Transport Company
15th to the 19th (inclusive) Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
33d to the 37th (inclusive) plus the 39th Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
44th to the 49th (inclusive) Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
50th to the 58th (inclusive) Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
71st and 72d Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
78th and 79th Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
80th and the 87th to the 89th (inclusive) Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
Transport Observation Unit of the 90th and 91st Line of Communications Motor Transport Companies
7th and $th Transport Observation Units of the 2d Division
1st to the 6th (inclusive) Transport Observation Units of the 4th Division
7th to the 9th (inclusive) Transport Observation Units of the 9th Division
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Transport Observation Units of the 10th Division
1st to the 3d (inclusive) plus the 7th and 8th Transport Observation Units of the 12th Division
7th and 8th Transport Observation Units of the 14th Division
1st and 2d Reserve Mount Depots of the North China Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Field Artillery Depots of the North China Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Field Engineer Depots of the North China Area Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Field Motor Transport Depots of the North China Area Army
1st and the 2d Field Gas Depots of the North China Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Field Rations and Clothing Depots of the North China Area Army
1st and 2d Field Reserve Hospital Headquarters of the North China Area Army
7th Section of the Field Reserve Hospital
10th, 11th and 19th Sections of the Field Reserve Hospital
22d plus the 27th to the 30th (inclusive) Sections of the Field Reserve Hospital
1st and 2d Casualty Clearing Units Headquarters of the North China Area Army
7th Section of the Casualty Clearing Unit
10th, 11th, 16th and 18th Sections of the Casualty Clearing Unit
21st and the 26th to the 28th (inclusive') plus the 30thSections of the Casualty Clearing Unit
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Line of Communications Hospitals of the North China Area Army
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Line of Communications Veterinary Depots of the North China Area Army
5th Second Reserve Infantry Battalion of the Guards Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) 2d Reserve Infantry Battalions of the 6th Division
1st to the 6th (inclusive) 2d Reserve Infantry Battalions of the 7th Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) 2d Reserve Infantry Battalions of the 11th Division
3d and 4th, 2d Reserve Cavalry Companies of the Guards Division
1st and 2d, Zd Reserve Field Artillery Batteries of the6th Division
1st and 2d, 2d Reserve Field Artillery Batteries of the8th Division
1st and 2d, 2d Reserve Mountain Artillery Batteries of the 2d Division
1st, 2d Reserve Mountain Artillery Battery of the 11th Division
let, 2d Reserve Engineer Company of the Guards Division
1st and 2d, 2d Reserve Engineer Companies of the 2d Division
1st, 2d Reserve Engineer Company of the 7th Division
1st, 2d Reserve Engineer Company of the 12th Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Hand-car Railway Units
1st to the 3d (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 3d Division
1st to the 5th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 4th Division
3d and 4th Land Duty Units of the 5th Division
1st Land Duty Unit of the 7th Division
1st to the 4th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 8thDivision
1st and the 2d plus the 6th to the 10th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 9th Division
2d plus the 6th to the 9th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 10th Division
1st to the 5th (inclusive) Land Duty Units of the 11th Division
2d to the 4th (inclusive) Sea Duty Units of the 2d Division
1st and the 2d Sea Duty Units of the 8th Division
1st Sea Duty Unit of the 9th Division
1st and 2d Sea Duty Units of the 14th Division
1st and 2d Sea Duty Units of the 16th Division
1st Construction Duty Unit of the Guards Division
1st and 2d Construction Duty Units of the 2d Division
1st Construction Duty Unit of the 7th Division
1st and 2d Construction Duty Units of the 8th-Division
2d Construction Duty Unit of the 9th Division
1st to the 3d (inclusive) plus the 6th and 7th Field Road Construction Units
1st Field Well Construction Unit Headquarters
4th Field Well Construction Unit Headquarters
1st and 2d, plus the 12th to the 15th (inclusive) Field Well Construction Companies
2d Field Construction Headquarters
1st Material Collecting Headquarters
1st Field Purification Unit (A)
2d to the 4th (inclusive) Field Purification Units (B)
China Garrison Army Warehouse
China Garrison Army Hospital
Re: Does anyone have information on the Japanese military at the start of 1938?
Outline Order of Battle, Imperial Japanese Army - October, 1938 (Showa 13)
Imperial General Headquarters, Army Section
--North China Area Army
----21st Division
----110th Division
----114th Division
----5th Independent Mixed Brigade
----Cavalry Group (1st and 4th Cavalry Brigades)
----First Army
------14th Division
------20th Division
------108th Division
------109th Division
------3rd Independent Mixed Brigade
------4th Independent Mixed Brigade
------2nd Heavy Artillery Brigade
----Mongolia Garrison Army
------26th Division
------2nd Independent Mixed Brigade
--Central China Army
----15th Division
----17th Division
----22nd Division
----116th Division
----Air Group (1st and 3rd Air Brigades)
----2nd Army
------3rd Division
------10th Division
------13th Division
------16th Division
------5th Heavy Artillery Brigade
----11th Army
------6th Division
------9th Division
------27th Division
------101th Division
------106th Division
------Hada Detachment
------6th Heavy Artillery Brigade
--21st Army
-----5th Division
-----18th Division
-----104th Division
-----1st Heavy Artillery Brigade
-----4th Air Brigade
--Kwantung Army
-----4th Division
-----7th Division
-----11th Division
-----23rd Division
-----Hunchun Garrison Unit
-----1st through 5th Independent Garrison Units
-----1st through 8th Border Garrison Units
-----1st Tank Unit
-----Kwantung Army Artillery Unit
-----2nd Air Group (7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th Air Brigades)
-----3rd Army
-------2nd Division
-------8th Division
-------12th Division
-----4th Army
-------1st Division
--Korea Army
-----19th Division
-----20th Depot Division
--Formosa Army
-----Formosa Garrison Unit
Forces stationed in Japan
--Eastern Defense Headquarters
--Central Defense Headquarters
--Western Defense Headquarters
--Imperial Guards Division
--1st Depot Division
--2nd Depot Division
--3rd Depot Division
--4th Depot Division
--5th Depot Division
--6th Depot Division
--7th Depot Division
--8th Depot Division
--9th Depot Division
--10th Depot Division
--11th Depot Division
--12th Depot Division
--14th Depot Division
--16th Depot Division
--1st Air Group (2nd Air Brigade)
--Chief of the General Staff – 1st Shipping Transport Command
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Senshi Sosho Vol 102
Thanks to Fontessa for clarifying some points.
For those interested in additional detail (e.g. names of senior commanders and a breakdown of IGHQ and the War Ministry), I highly recommend Volume 1 of The Rising Sun in Arms, 1937-1945 by our stalwart contributor Sr. Joan Pinyol.
Imperial General Headquarters, Army Section
--North China Area Army
----21st Division
----110th Division
----114th Division
----5th Independent Mixed Brigade
----Cavalry Group (1st and 4th Cavalry Brigades)
----First Army
------14th Division
------20th Division
------108th Division
------109th Division
------3rd Independent Mixed Brigade
------4th Independent Mixed Brigade
------2nd Heavy Artillery Brigade
----Mongolia Garrison Army
------26th Division
------2nd Independent Mixed Brigade
--Central China Army
----15th Division
----17th Division
----22nd Division
----116th Division
----Air Group (1st and 3rd Air Brigades)
----2nd Army
------3rd Division
------10th Division
------13th Division
------16th Division
------5th Heavy Artillery Brigade
----11th Army
------6th Division
------9th Division
------27th Division
------101th Division
------106th Division
------Hada Detachment
------6th Heavy Artillery Brigade
--21st Army
-----5th Division
-----18th Division
-----104th Division
-----1st Heavy Artillery Brigade
-----4th Air Brigade
--Kwantung Army
-----4th Division
-----7th Division
-----11th Division
-----23rd Division
-----Hunchun Garrison Unit
-----1st through 5th Independent Garrison Units
-----1st through 8th Border Garrison Units
-----1st Tank Unit
-----Kwantung Army Artillery Unit
-----2nd Air Group (7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th Air Brigades)
-----3rd Army
-------2nd Division
-------8th Division
-------12th Division
-----4th Army
-------1st Division
--Korea Army
-----19th Division
-----20th Depot Division
--Formosa Army
-----Formosa Garrison Unit
Forces stationed in Japan
--Eastern Defense Headquarters
--Central Defense Headquarters
--Western Defense Headquarters
--Imperial Guards Division
--1st Depot Division
--2nd Depot Division
--3rd Depot Division
--4th Depot Division
--5th Depot Division
--6th Depot Division
--7th Depot Division
--8th Depot Division
--9th Depot Division
--10th Depot Division
--11th Depot Division
--12th Depot Division
--14th Depot Division
--16th Depot Division
--1st Air Group (2nd Air Brigade)
--Chief of the General Staff – 1st Shipping Transport Command
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Senshi Sosho Vol 102
Thanks to Fontessa for clarifying some points.
For those interested in additional detail (e.g. names of senior commanders and a breakdown of IGHQ and the War Ministry), I highly recommend Volume 1 of The Rising Sun in Arms, 1937-1945 by our stalwart contributor Sr. Joan Pinyol.
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