1. Masao Baba was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army, commanding the Japanese ground forces of the Borneo Campaign of 1945 in the closing months of the war.
12 Facts About Masao Baba
1. 2.
Masao Baba attended military preparatory schools from childhood, starting with the Army Cadet School in Hiroshima, whose curriculum was based on Prussian models.
3.
Masao Baba graduated from the 24th class of the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in December 1912, specializing in cavalry.
4.
Masao Baba studied as part of the 33rd class of the Army War College, graduating in November 1921.
5.
Masao Baba remained in the cavalry throughout his career, and was attached to the Inspectorate of Cavalry from 1933 to 1935, where he served as an instructor at the cavalry school.
6.
In 1935, Masao Baba was promoted to colonel and subsequently given command of the IJA 2nd Cavalry Regiment from 1935 to 1938.
7.
In July 1938, Masao Baba was promoted to major general, and served as commanding officer of the IJA 3rd Cavalry Brigade to 1939.
8.
Masao Baba became the commander-in-chief of all cavalry operations from 2 December 1940 to 1 October 1941.
9.
Masao Baba subsequently became commander in chief of the IJA 37th Army based in Borneo.
10.
Masao Baba was military governor of Sabah from 26 December 1944 until 10 September 1945.
11.
Masao Baba was officially discharged from the Imperial Japanese Army in April 1946.
12.
Masao Baba was arrested in January 1947 on suspicion of involvement in war crimes and brought to Rabaul for trial.