IJA 26th Division
| 23rd Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1937 - 1945 |
| Country | Empire of Japan |
| Branch | Imperial Japanese Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Garrison/HQ | Manchukuo |
| Nickname(s) | "Spring Division" |
| Engagements |
1939–40 Winter Offensive Battle of Leyte |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Jun Ushiroku, Shigenori Kuroda |
The 26th Division (第26師団 Dai-nijūroku Shidan?) was an infantry division in the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call sign was the Spring Division (泉兵団 Izumi Heidan?). The 26th Division was raised 30 September 1937 out of the three independent infantry regiments from the original 11th Independent Mixed Brigade and reserve components various divisions based in Manchukuo. It has the distinction of being the first triangular division Japan formed.
Intended initially as a garrison force to provide security for central Manchukuo, on July 4, 1938 it was attached to the forming Mongolia Garrison Army in Inner Mongolia. The 26th division have participated in 1939–40 Winter Offensive. Stationed initially in Datong, first it was used to parry a Chinese attack on Xinyang 22 December 1939. Later the 26th division was used to relieve a besieged Baotou 28 January 1940. By 4 February 1940, the 26th division have broken the Chinese opposing forces near Baotou, overrun Wuyuan and advanced to Linhe District. The Chinese counterattack have resulted in Battle of Wuyuan from 16 March 1940, and 26th division has retreated to Baotou 30-31 March 1940.
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