The division's formation sign was two interlinked rings, one white and one red, on a black square background.

It was intended that part of the division was to launch an amphibious assault on Akyab Island, but this operation was cancelled.

Units of the division captured the vital eastern railway tunnel linking the Kalapanzin valley with the port of Maungdaw.

[4] Early in July 1944, the division started to fly into Myitkyina airfield in North Burma, with 72nd Brigade being the first formation to land.

[6] The division, having linked up with the main body of Lieutenant General William "Bill" Slim's British Fourteenth Army, crossed the Irrawaddy River and advanced independently down the eastern side of the river.