World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseIn Oct 1936, a coalition of Mongols (Japanese-sponsored Mongolian Military Government (later renamed Mengjian), Jehol Mongols, and Chahar Mongols) and Han-Chinese mercenaries totaling over 9,000 men marched into Suiyuan Province in northern China, secretly supported by 20 to 30 Japanese officers. Japan also contributed 30 armored cars and light tanks, field artillery pieces, and aircraft. On the Chinese side, troops belonging to Shanxi Province warlord Yan Xishan attempted to halt the invasion. The first clash took place on 14 Nov at Hongor, where the two sides fought at a costly standstill for several days. On 17 Nov, however, the Chinese mounted a surprising counterattack, which drove the Mongolian troops back to Bailingmiao. A follow-up flanking movement by General Fu Zuoyi's Chinese troops captured Bailingmiao, taking over 200 Mongolians prisoner and ending the offensive. In late Nov, Mongolian and Han irregulars launched a fresh attack on Bailingmiao, but they were beaten back with heavy losses as the Chinese had already anticipated such a counterattack.

ww2dbaseWhen Yan discovered that Japanese Army officers were among the captured, he publicly revealed Japan's direct involvement with the invasion, but held back from launching a counterattack into Chinese territory directly occupied by the Japanese Army in fear of escalating the situation.

Photographs

Battle of Suiyuan Timeline