List of Japanese military detachments in World War II


Detachments were particular military formations of the Japanese Imperial Army. Detachments were a force of infantry, artillery, armor, and other support units which were temporarily assigned for independent action and had a special mission. Generally such units were named after a leader, for example the Ichiki Detachment was named after Kiyonao Ichiki, and the Yasuoka Detachment was named after Masaomi Yasuoka. Some were named after a location, such as the Aoba Detachment. These designations also often referred to the core or main force under personal command of its operative chief within a division or another Army unit.
The Japanese Imperial Navy also used such formations in special assignments.

Infantry detachments

These units grouped not only infantry units, but usually included artillery, cavalry or armor, engineer and other support units as well.
These could be armored sections of infantry detachments or completely independent armor units.
Refers to Army airborne/paratroop detachments and units.