Khalkin Gol: Clash of Empires

Did a nearly forgotten battle right before World War 2 decide its outcome?
The place was along the Mongolian/Siberian border near a river called Khalkhin Gol or Nomonhan. The two giants of Asia, Russia and Japan were eyeing each other suspiciously for years, and a clash was inevitable. Japan had defeated the Russians in 1904-1905, and was certain they could do so again.

Russia had 45 divisions in Siberia to discourage the Japanese, and a maverick general named Georgy Zhukov. Then unknown, Zhukov would make his mark at Kholkin Gol and do greater things for Russia in the near future.

In the number of tanks, Zhukov had a decisive advantage. While the Japs tended to spread their armor among the infantry in WW 1 fashion, the Russian held back a tank brigade in reserve.

There were manpower differences as well, with the Japanese deploying 40,000 men in 2 divisions. Zhukov could call on 6 brigades with a combined strength of 70,000 personnel. Only in aircraft were they more evenly matched.

Nevertheless, the Japanese arrogantly invaded Siberia in May 1939, toward the Kholkin River. Initially successful, the attack soon bogged down and then stopped altogether. In July, the Japs sent even larger forces, but Zhukov stopped the invaders in their tracks.

In August the Russians counterattack, starting with an old fashioned slugfest, the two mighty forces locked together. Meanwhile, the armor Zhukov was holding in reserve began to circle the battlefield, to catch the enemy in the rear. It was the first major armored offensive of the modern age.

The Japs were in a trap, and for days would try to break out. In all 18,000 troops would perish under the Russian guns, and the invaders retreated back across the original border.

In spite of the losses, the Japanese commander prepared a counterattack with 3 new divisions. However, a truce was signed on September 10. War clouds were looming in the west, and the Russians were more interested in events in Europe.

Kholkin Gol would see the debut of the finest Russian general of WW 2, but the battle had far reaching effects. When Hitler invaded Russia in 1941, Stalin used the 45 Siberian divisions for his counterattack. The Japs had no interest in tangling with the Soviets again, and instead, turned toward the east and America, where they would face greater defeat.

Suggested Reading:
Dirty Little Secrets of WW 2
by Dunningan and Nofi
Marshal Zhukov's Greatest Battles
by Georgi K. Zhukov