23rd Indian Infantry Division

The Badge of this unit was a red fighting cock on a light yellow circle, it was designed by Maj/Gen RA Savory (CB DSO MC) it was designed to symbolise both British and Indian Troops without  being offensive to either Muslim  or Hindu religion.

In 1942 the Division covered the withdrawal of General Alexander's Army through Imphal, and later fought with distinction around Shenam, Pelal and Tamu, this was during the Japanese offensive against Imphal in 1944.

In September 1945 the Division took part in ""Operation Zipper"" which was the Invasion of Malaya, in the same month it moved on to Java where it's main task was the evacuation of Internees and restoration of Law and Order during the Civil disturbance that took place at that time.

They were commanded by Maj/Gen O Roberts (DSO)

Structure of the Division

Divisional Commander Maj/Gen O Roberts (DSO)

Headquarters Brigade

5th Btn 5th Punjab Regt

8th Btn Punjab Regt (M/Gun)

2nd Btn 10th Hyderabad Regt

Divisional Artillery

158th 179th Field Regt (Royal Artillery

38th Light A/A Regt (Royal Artillery)

3rd Indian Field Regt (Indian Artillery)

28th Indian Mountain Regt (Indian Artillery)

2nd Indian A/Tank Regt (Indian Artillery)

1st Indian Infantry Brigade

1st Btn Seaforth Highlanders

1st Btn 16th Punjab Regt

1st Btn The Assam Regt

1st Btn Patiala Infantry Regt (State Forces)

Commanded by Brig. A King

37th Indian Infantry Brigade

3rd Btn 3rd QAO Gurkha Rifles

3rd Btn 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles

3rd Btn 10th Gurkha Rifles

Commanded by Brig. H Maradin

49th Indian Infantry Brigade

4th Btn 5th Mahratta Light Infantry

6th Btn 9th Rajputana Rifles

6th Btn 5th Mahratta Light Infantry

Commanded by Brig. F Esse

Royal Indian Army Service Corps

21st 24th 50th 61st Animal Trt Coys

121st 122nd 123rd GP Trt Coy's

12th 13th 14th 15th Composite Unit's

Medical Services

I.MC R.A.MC I.M.D. I.H.C. I.A.MC

 24th 47th 49th Indian Field Ambulances

23rd Indian Division Provost Unit

23rd Indian Division Signals Unit

Indian Army Ordnance Corps

23rd Ordnance Field Park

Indian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

38th 61st Infantry W/Shop Coy's

23rd Indian Division Recovery Coy

Indian Engineers Sappers and Miners

69th 71st Field Coy's (KGO Bengal Lancers)

91st Field Coy (Royal Bombay)

305th 323rd Field Park Coy's (QVO Madras)