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Battle of Khalkhin Gol facts for kids

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Battles of Khalkhin Gol/Nomonhan
Part of the Soviet–Japanese border conflicts
Japanese soldiers creeping in front of wrecked Soviet tanks.jpg
Japanese infantrymen near wrecked USSR armored vehicles, July 1939
Date 11 May – 16 September 1939
Location
Khalkha River, Mongolian People's Republic
47°43′49″N 118°35′24″E / 47.73028°N 118.59000°E / 47.73028; 118.59000
Result

Soviet and Mongolian victory

  • Ceasefire agreement signed
Territorial
changes
Status quo ante bellum; enforcement of border claims in accordance with the Soviet and Mongolian interpretation
Belligerents
 Soviet Union
 Mongolia

 Japan

Commanders and leaders
  • Empire of Japan Michitarō Komatsubara
  • Empire of Japan Yasuoka Masaomi
  • Empire of Japan Kōtoku Satō
  • Manchukuo Urzhin Garmaev
Strength

61,860–73,961
498–550 tanks
385–450 armored cars
900+ aircraft (participated)

  • Peak strength: 580
500–634 artillery pieces
4,000 trucks
1,921 horses and camels (Mongol only)

c. 20,000–30,000
73 tanks
19 tankettes
400+ aircraft (participated)

  • Peak strength: 200
~300 artillery pieces
1,000 trucks
2,708 horses
Casualties and losses
Manpower:
Soviet Union 27,880
Mongolian People's Republic 556–990
Equipment:
208 aircraft
253 tanks destroyed
133 armored cars destroyed
96 mortars and artillery
49 tractors and prime movers
652 trucks and other motor vehicles
significant animal casualties
Manpower:
Empire of Japan c. 18,000
Manchukuo 2,895
Equipment:
160 aircraft
29 tanks destroyed or crippled
Many tankettes destroyed
72 artillery pieces (field guns only)
2,330 horses killed, injured, or sick
significant motor vehicle losses

The Battles of Khalkhin Gol were a series of important fights that happened in 1939. They took place near the Khalkhin Gol river, in an area between Mongolia and Manchuria (which is now part of China). These battles were fought between the Soviet Union and Mongolia on one side, and Japan and its ally Manchukuo on the other. The fighting lasted from May 11 to September 16, 1939. In the end, the Soviet and Mongolian forces won, and a ceasefire agreement was signed.

Why Did the Battles Happen?

The main reason for the fighting was a disagreement over borders. Japan, which controlled Manchuria, believed the border was along the Khalkhin Gol river. However, Mongolia and the Soviet Union thought the border was further east. This difference in opinion led to many small clashes, which then grew into larger battles. Both sides wanted to control this important area.

Who Was Involved in the Fighting?

On one side were the forces of the Soviet Union and the Mongolian People's Republic. Their main commanders included Georgy Zhukov, who later became a very famous Soviet general. On the other side were the armies of Japan and Manchukuo. Manchukuo was a state in Manchuria that Japan had set up.

What Were the Main Forces?

The Soviet and Mongolian forces had a lot of soldiers, tanks, armored cars, and aircraft. They also used many trucks to move supplies. The Japanese and Manchukuo forces were smaller in number. They had fewer tanks and aircraft, but their soldiers were known for being very determined.

How Did the Battles Unfold?

The fighting started in May 1939 with small clashes. Japanese forces crossed the disputed border. The Soviet and Mongolian armies responded quickly. The battles became very intense, with both sides using tanks, planes, and artillery.

Early Skirmishes and Air Battles

In May, there were many small fights. Both sides sent planes into the sky. The Japanese pilots were very skilled, but the Soviet air force eventually gained control of the air. This was important because it allowed Soviet planes to support their ground troops.

Major Ground Attacks

In July, Japanese forces launched a big attack. They tried to push the Soviet and Mongolian troops back across the river. However, the Soviet forces, led by General Zhukov, held their ground. They used their tanks and artillery to stop the Japanese advance.

The Soviet Counterattack

In August, the Soviet Union launched a massive surprise attack. They used a lot of tanks, armored cars, and infantry. They surrounded the Japanese forces. This was a very clever plan that caught the Japanese by surprise. The fighting was fierce, but the Japanese forces were trapped.

What Happened After the Counterattack?

Many Japanese soldiers were surrounded and had no way to escape. They fought bravely, but they were eventually defeated. This big Soviet victory effectively ended the main fighting.

What Was the Outcome?

The Soviet Union and Mongolia won the Battles of Khalkhin Gol. A ceasefire agreement was signed on September 16, 1939. This agreement confirmed the border that Mongolia and the Soviet Union had claimed.

Why Was This Battle Important?

  • Border Settled: The battles helped settle the border dispute between Mongolia and Manchuria.
  • Lessons for War: The Soviet Union learned important lessons about how to use tanks and air power together. These lessons were very useful later in World War II.
  • Japan's Focus: After this defeat, Japan decided not to expand its empire further north into the Soviet Union. Instead, they turned their attention south, which later led to conflicts with other countries.
  • Zhukov's Rise: General Zhukov became famous for his leadership in these battles. He later played a key role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Batalla de Jaljin Gol para niños

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