Smertniki CBI (id:#65568)

(ASL 13 - Rising Sun (2021) ID: 59)   [next]   [previous]

6 miles north of Mutanchiang, Manchukuo 1945-08-13 (7 others)

Overview:

The surprise Soviet blitzkrieg across the eastern border of Manchukuo did not necessarily seal the fate of the defending Japanese 5th Army. What ultimately decided the issue was the· battle for the ancient and strategically located city of Mutanchiang. Important to its quick capture was a great railroad bridge spanning the Mutan River north of the city. At 0500 on 13 August~ Lt. Col. G. S. Anisbchik's 257th Tank Brigade and attached SP guns, the point unit of the 1st Red Banner Army, roared into and seized Hualin just over a mile northeast of the bridge. But, with four days of fighting and continuous travel over arduous terrain having reduced his 65 T-34s to only 19. Aoishchik wondered whether his depleted and weary outfit could capture and hold the span. Nevertheless. under orders to maintain the advance with all speed, he decided to send a reinforced tank company down the road in hopes of achieving a second coup de main that day.

Defender: Japanese (370th Infantry Regiment, 135th Infantry Division)  

Errata (source)