What were the dates of the Battles of Khalkhin Gol?
The battles began on the 11th of May 1939 and concluded with a final offensive starting on the 20th of August 1939. The conflict continued through July and August before ending in late summer 1939.
Questions about Battles of Khalkhin Gol
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded Soviet forces during the Battles of Khalkhin Gol?
Comcor Georgy Zhukov arrived on the 5th of June 1939 to lead motorized and armored forces alongside Comcor Yakov Smushkevich. Zhamyangiyn Lhagvasuren served as Zhukov's deputy as Corps Commissar of the Mongolian People Revolutionary Army.
How many Japanese casualties occurred during the Battles of Khalkhin Gol?
Japanese military records reported approximately 20,000 battle and non-battle casualties along with 162 aircraft lost in combat and 42 tanks disabled. Sixth Army medical data listed 7,696 killed, 8,647 wounded, 1,021 missing, and 2,350 sick.
Why did Japan shift its strategy from attacking Siberia to Southeast Asia after the Battles of Khalkhin Gol?
The defeat combined with Chinese resistance and the signing of the German-Soviet non-aggression pact moved the Imperial General Staff away from the North Strike Group policy favoring seizure of Siberia. Support shifted instead to the South Strike Group favored by the Navy which wanted to seize resources of Southeast Asia especially petroleum-rich Dutch East Indies.
What equipment losses did the Soviet Union suffer during the Battles of Khalkhin Gol?
The Soviets lost a large amount of equipment including 253 tanks, 250 aircraft, 96 artillery pieces, and 133 armored cars. They also suffered 9,284 total casualties including 1,701 dead and missing plus 7,583 wounded during the final offensive beginning the 20th of August 1939.