World War II: Soviet and Japanese Forces Battle at Khalkhin Gol

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Undaunted by previous failures, the Japanese tried again between July 23 and 25. After a preliminary barrage, Japanese infantry would infiltrate Russian positions at night. To give the barrage increased punch, the Japanese brought up six long-barreled, 150mm Type 89 guns and, from the Home Islands, 16 105mm Type 92 guns.

But the Japanese found themselves outranged and outweighed by long-barreled Soviet artillery. The 12 Soviet 150mm guns hit targets accurately at a range beyond the ability of the Japanese to reply. The 16 122mm Soviet model 1931 guns reached up to 20,870 meters, while the Japanese 105mm guns fell short at 18,300 meters. In the ensuing duel, the Japanese failed to silence the heavy Russian artillery.

With their artillery’s lack of effectiveness, the subsequent night attacks by the Japanese infantry units were stopped by formidable Russian defenses. In addition to working to improve his logistical position, Zhukov had worked diligently to prepare an organized defense in depth. Even when Japanese units were able to seize positions, when morning came, Soviet artillery, tanks and infantry recaptured the lost ground.

By the end of July, the Japanese were compelled, with great reluctance, to go on the defensive. Their energies were then devoted to building a system of field fortifications and bunkers. On August 10, Japanese forces fighting along Khalkhin Gol were organized as the Sixth Army. The army included 38,000 soldiers, 318 guns, 130 tanks and 225 warplanes. While the Japanese entrenched themselves, General Zhukov, now commanding the First Army Group, planned to launch an offensive of his own. He would use the 57,000 men, 542 artillery pieces, 498 tanks and 515 aircraft of his army group in a double envelopment of the Japanese.

Even while fending off Japanese attacks earlier in the summer, the Soviet commander had studied his opponents’ dispositions, discovering several fatal flaws. The Japanese flanks were covered by unreliable Manchukuoan cavalry and were vulnerable to encirclement. Nor did the Japanese possess a tactical mobile reserve. To cope with flank attacks, they would be compelled to focus on one flank at a time, and disengage forces from action in the center or the other flank. To secure operational surprise, Zhukov employed many varied deceptive measures. Radios broadcast false information and transmitted soundtracks of construction noise. Trucks and aircraft operated day and night to muffle the sound of unit deployment. Such measures convinced the Japanese that the Soviets were also digging in for the winter.

Poised to strike on August 20 were three major Soviet forces arrayed along a 45-mile front. On the Soviet left wing, facing east, were the 6th Mongolian Cavalry Division, the 7th Armored Brigade, the 601st Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Rifle Division and two battalions of the 11th Tank Brigade. In the center, entrusted with pinning the Japanese in place by a frontal assault, were the 36th Motorized Rifle Division, the 5th Machine Gun Brigade and the 82nd Rifle Division minus the 601st Infantry Regiment. On the right wing, facing north, were the 57th Rifle Division, two battalions of the 11th Tank Brigade, three battalions of the 6th Brigade and the 8th Mongolian Cavalry Division. Held in reserve was a powerful mobile force made up of the 9th Armored Brigade, one battalion of the 6th Tank Brigade and the 212th Airborne Brigade.

At 5:45 on the morning of August 20, Russian aircraft unleashed a hail of bombs on Japanese positions. A heavy barrage thundered from Soviet guns. At 9 a.m., Russian troops moved forward. The climactic battle of Khalkhin Gol was underway. The Japanese were stunned by the ferocity of Zhukov’s attack. The southern Russian force, with the shortest distance to go to reach the Japanese rear, and buttressed with the largest tank strength, made the most progress in the initial onslaught. The central force, however, became entangled in furious fighting. In the north, Soviet troops encountered stubborn and skillful resistance.

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Tags: 20th - 21st Century, Historical Conflicts, World War II

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