The 9th Indian Infantry Division was formed on 15 September 1940 at Quetta, India before being transferred to Malaya.

[2] The 3/17th Dogra Regiment from the 9th Division was the first British Commonwealth Army unit to see action against the Japanese at the Battle of Kota Bharu on 8 December 1941.

[3] The 9th Indian Division fought a relatively successful defensive retreat down Malaya's east coast until the 22nd Brigade was cut off from the rest of the division at a demolished railway bridge near the village of Layang Layang in the state of Johore.

Major-General Barstow was killed crossing the bridge, while attempting to contact the brigade.

8th Indian Infantry Brigade – Brigadier Berthold Wells (Billy) Key 22nd Indian Infantry Brigade – Brigadier George Painter