Irrawaddy River
The Division was rebuilt to a strength of about 10,000. When the Allies launched their offensive (Battle of Meiktila and Mandalay) into Central Burma, the Japanese withdrew behind the Irrawaddy River. A rearguard from "33rd Division" took heavy losses defending the river port of Monywa on the Chindwin River. During opening stages of the Battle of Pokoku and Irrawaddy River operations in February - March 1945 after the Allies crossed the Irrawaddy River, "33rd Division" defended the vital river port of Myingyan. It was not directly attacked, as the Allied bridgeheads were east and west of their positions. The division held Myingyan until most of 15th army were already in full retreat. The "33rd division" suffered further casualties while retreating southward.