The history of the Division has been documented, and is displayed at the "Ball of Fire" museum at Tenga in Assam. The museum was an effort of the Division to give the younger generation a glimpse of its rich history and its courage, camaraderie and sacrifices.

The Division, after its raising, was moved to Sudan in September 1940. It was here that the Division was baptised by fire and fought the Battle of Gallabat, seeing action in Sudan and Abyssinia. They pursued the enemy and fought major battles in Eritrea, Wahni and Kassala, forcing the Italians to surrender along with General Fongoli. It was here that 2/Lt PS Bhagat was awarded Victoria Cross for leading a relentless pursuit through extensive minefields. He was the first Indian to win the coveted Victoria Cross.

The Division then moved to Eritrea, where the Allied Forces were held up by the formidable defences of Keren. It was tasked to reinforce Fourth Division and smash a way through the defences. A bloody battle followed and the enemy launched eight counter-attacks to dislodge the attackers. Keren was ultimately captured, after 53 days of siege, on March 27, 1941. The Italians had employed a total of 39 battalions and 36 batteries in the operations. The Division then attacked Asmara which was surrendered on April 1, 1941.

In May 1942, the Division was tasked to guard Gazala front against Rommel's offensive. It took up defences based on extensive minefields and strong points at Gazala-Bir Hakein-El Adem and Tobruk. Though Tobruk fell after stiff resistance on June 20, 1942, they successfully blunted the German offensive by stubbornly holding onto their defences.

In June 1943, the Division moved to Chas, then in Bihar, where it underwent training for operations in jungle terrain. The Division was then placed under the command of 15 Corps, commanded by Lt Gen WJ Slim. It took part in the Battle of Arakans (Burma), capturing Maungdaw and establishing a bridgehead across Magyi Chaung. When 7 Infantry Division was trapped and cut off by the Japanese, this Division, after fierce fighting, successfully broke through the Japanese siege and linked up with them. This was the first time that a Japanese offensive was beaten back in the second World War.

In March 1944, the Division was relieved in Arakans and was airdashed to Kohima. The Japanese had cut off Imphal-Kohima road and launched two attacks in 14 days. In spite of that, the Division linked up with the troops under siege, and finally managed to relieve them four days later. The battle blasted the myth of Japanese invincibility as jungle fighter and converted Allied's defeat into victory, paving a way for the ultimate rout of the Japanese in Burma.

The Division pursued the Japanese to Manipur and further to Burma, fighting major battles and racing towards Rangoon. After Rangoon, they set sails for Singapore where they were tasked to disarm and interrogate the Japanese troops.

The Division was again called upon in November 1962 to move to the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, in the wake of Chinese aggression. The placing of this Division along with elements of armour effectively checked the advance. The Division remained in this sector since then, and was redesignated as a Mountain Division. At present, the Division has been looking after the sensitive border areas as well as participating in counter-insurgency operations.

The history of the Division has been chronicled at the "Ball of Fire" museum. The museum is a treasury of rare photographs and repertoire of weapons, equipment and other items that give an insight to the Indo-Chinese conflict. It speaks volumes of the gallantry of those soldiers who, though outnumbered and outgunned, fought till the last breath for their motherland. "Ball of Fire" museum is an ode to these gallant men who always remain as source of inspiration to the generations to come.