By 4 February 1940, the 26th Division broke the Chinese opposing forces near Baotou, overrun Wuyuan and advanced to Linhe District.
With the situation in the Pacific War against the United States becoming critical, 1 July 1944, the 26th Division was transferred to the Japanese 14th Area Army based in Manila, Philippines.
The division had suffered heavy (about 7,000 men killed) losses en route to Manila as the Convoy Hi-71 was ambushed by the US submarines.
The 26th Division attacked US positions in the Battle of Shoestring Ridge 28 November 1944, resulting in tactical stalemate until 5 December 1944, when Japanese forces were withdrawn to between Palanas river and Tabgas River in Albuera, where the Japanese defences held for few more days.
The 26th Division was largely annihilated during the Battle of Leyte by 23 December 1944 and all contact with the central command was lost until early March, 1945.