Divisional badge of 23rd Indian Division, 1942-1947

The division was raised in January 1942 at Jhansi in Central India. Its badge was a red fighting cock. This animal was chosen by Major General Reginald Savory, the division's first commander, as one which would offend neither the Moslem nor Hindu soldiers of the division. During the campaign in the Far East the division saw much service in Burma and Manipur, including the Battle of Imphal (1944).