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Dzuiti TerauchiCount, Japanese military leader
Country:
 Japan |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Education
- Military Career
- Korea and Formosa
- Minister of War
- World War II
- Southeast Asian Campaign
- Post-War and Legacy
- Death
Early Life and Military Education
Terauchi Juichi was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1879, as the son of Prime Minister and Field Marshal Terauchi Masatake. He received his military education at the Imperial Japanese Army Academy, graduating in 1900.
Military Career
Russo-Japanese and World WarsTerauchi participated in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) and World War I. In 1919-22, he commanded the 3rd Guards Regiment, and subsequently served as Chief of Staff of the Imperial Guards Division (1922-24) and Commander of the 19th Brigade (1924).
Korea and Formosa
In 1927-29, Terauchi served as Chief of Staff of the Army in Korea. From 1930 to 1932, he commanded the 5th and 4th Divisions. In 1934, he was appointed Commander of the forces in Formosa (present-day Taiwan).
Minister of War
From March 1936 to January 1937, Terauchi served as Minister of War in the Hirota Cabinet. He subsequently rejoined the Supreme War Council and became Inspector-General of Military Training.
World War II
Supreme Commander of Southern Army GroupIn November 1941, Terauchi was appointed Supreme Commander of the Southern Army Group, which included the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 25th Armies. He was tasked with conquering all Allied territories in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asian Campaign
On December 8, 1941, Terauchi launched a massive military operation against Allied forces in Southeast Asia. His armies quickly achieved success, occupying Java ahead of schedule. However, the campaign also involved the construction of a 300-kilometer railway through Burma, resulting in the deaths of approximately 50,000 prisoners of war.
Post-War and Legacy
Opposition to SurrenderDespite the heavy losses suffered by his forces in 1944-45, Terauchi remained adamant in his belief that Japan should continue fighting and refused to surrender.
Death
In September 1945, Terauchi suffered a stroke and died shortly after. He was promoted to Marshal posthumously.
