Indian 9th Infantry Division | |
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Active | 15 September 1940 - 15 February 1942 (Surrendered) |
Country | India |
Allegiance | British Indian Army |
Branch | Army |
Type | Infantry |
Engagements | Battle of Malaya Battle of Kota Bharu |
Commanders | |
Current commander |
Arthur Edward Barstow |
The 9th Indian Infantry Division was an Indian division which formed part of Indian III Corps in the Malaya Command of the Indian Army during World War II during the Battle of Malaya. It was commanded by Major-General Barstow.
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The 9th Indian Infantry Division was formed on September 15, 1940 at Quetta, India before being transferred to Malaya. On September 15, 1940 the three original brigades of the division were the 15th, 20th, and 21st Indian Infantry Brigades.[1] The 3/17th Dogra Regiment from the 9th Division was the first British Commonwealth Army unit to see action against the Japanese at the Battle of Kota Bharu on December 8, 1941.[2] The 9th Indian Division fought a relatively successful defensive retreat down Malaya's east coast until the 22nd Brigade was cut off from the rest of the division at a demolished railway bridge near the village of Layang Layang in the state of Johore. Major-General Barstow was killed crossing the bridge, while attempting to contact the brigade. The 22nd Brigade was destroyed whilst trying to find another way to Singapore.[2]
What was left of the division was amalgamated with the 11th Indian Division.
8th Indian Infantry Brigade - Brigadier Berthold Wells (Billy) Key
22nd Indian Infantry Brigade - Brigadier George Painter
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