Formation badge, 23rd Indian Division, 1942 (c)

The division was raised on 1 January 1942, at Jhansi in Central India. Its badge was a red fighting cock on a yellow circle. The 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. In May 1942 the division was moved to Manpiur where it fought against the Japanese. In March 1944, after a period in reserve it returned to Manipur, taking part in the Battle of Imphal. After the end of the battle, the division was withdrawn to India. After recuperating, it began training for future operations in Malaya.