The Japanese Twenty-Fifth Army under General Tomoyuki Yamashita was given the task of conquering Malaya.
The Imperial Guards Division made its first appearance in the Malayan campaign during the Battle of Muar where it destroyed the 45th Indian Brigade and inflicted heavy casualties on the two supporting Australian infantry battalions.
The 5th Division faced the brunt of British defences throughout the Battle of Malaya and participated in the invasion of Singapore.
The 5th Division landed at Patani and Singora in Thailand on 7 December 1941 and then proceeded to attack down the west coast of Malaya.
The 18th Division attacked down the east coast of Malaya and participated in the Battle of Singapore especially at Bukit Timah.