For much of its early history, the Corps was stationed in Southern India, preparing troops for several planned amphibious operations against the Japanese in the Indian Ocean.

On 22 June 1944, troops from XXXIII Corps met Indian forces advancing north from Imphal, relieving the siege.

The Corps then undertook the elimination of Japanese forces around Ukhrul, and the administration of several divisions resting after the battles.

During April, the corps (now consisting of the Indian 7th and 20th Divisions) advanced south down the Irrawaddy River valley.

The Headquarters of XXXIII Corps was transformed into that of British Twelfth Army with Stopford promoted to the new command, with responsibility for further operations in Burma including the defeat of the Japanese breakout attempt in the Pegu Yomas in July and August 1945.