Harbin Surprise*
Harbin, Korea*
12 August 1945*
*
For four years the Japanese & Soviets had adhered to the Non-Agression Pact that had been signed by the 2 nations.  But on the 8th of August, the Soviet Army began its long awaited offensive against Japan.  Remembering their bitter defeat in the 1905 Russo-Japanese War, the Red Army was eager for some revenge.  Facing the Soviet 2nd Far East Front was the hollow remains of the Japanese Kwantung Army.  Stripped of most of their heavy equipment, they could do little to halt the Soviet advance.  By the 12th of August, the Soviet 15th Army had reached the outskirts of Harbin.  Here the Japanese made a stand.*
*
Until then the Soviets had never encountered the fanatical defence of Japanese suicide troops.*
*
To the shock & surprise of the lead tanks, Japanese infantry began to assault their T-34's with pole mines & fused artillery shells.*
*
It would be a long day for the Russians.  