1939–1940 Winter Offensive

1939-40 Winter Offensive

1939-40 Winter Offensive
Part of Second Sino-Japanese War
Date Late Nov. 1, 1939 to Late March 1940 Location Vicinities of Anhui, Guangdong, Hubei, Henan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Jiangzi, Shanxi, Shandong, Suiyuan Result Mixed results
Belligerents
National Revolutionary Army, China	Imperial Japanese Army, Japan
Commanders and leaders
?	?
Strength
?	?
Casualties and losses
?	?

The 1939 - 40 Winter Offensive was one of the major engagements between the National Revolutionary Army and Imperial Japanese Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Strategic situation

The Chinese had repulsed two Japanese offensives in the summer (Sui-Tsaoyang) and fall of 1939 (Changsha). They believed that the Japanese strength was now too dissipated to take and hold new territory and would not be able to launch large offensives unless they received more reinforcements. However defending on interior lines and with control of the lines of communication they could still shift forces and launch local offensives to damage Chinese forces or mop up guerillas in the rear areas. Additionally during 1939, the Japanese where replacing many of their large four regiment square Divisions with the smaller three regiment triangular Divisions and weak Independent Mixed Brigades. This weakening of forces encouraged the Chinese to plan a large offensive to exploit that fact.

Chinese plan

Chinese objective in the offensive was to take the initiative by conducting multiple front attacks to tie down the Japanese forces. They intended to use their position of exterior lines to advantage to prevent the Japanese launching new local offensives or shifting their forces to concentrate for a large offensive. The main effort was to be by 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 9th War Areas and received the all the newly trained and reorganized units. Secondary efforts in support of the main efforts or as diversions were to be conducted by 1st, 4th, 8th, Shantung-Kiangsu and Hopei-Chahar War Areas with their existing units.

Offensive against North China Front Army

2nd War Area in north China was to cut off the communications of the Japanese 1st Army along the Cheng-tai [Chengting - Taiyuan] and Tung-pu [Tatung - to Puchow] Railways and mop up the their forces in the triangular area formed by southern Shansi and the southern sector of the Tung-pu Railway. The other Corps were to attack the enemy where they were and destroy communications in aid of the main effort.

40th Corps and 27th Corps were to attack and pin down the Japanese 36th Division in the Chang-chih [Zhangzi] and Chang-tze [Changzhi] area of Shansi. To the southwest along Tung-pu [Tatung - to Puchow] Railway 4th Army Group, 5th Army Group and 14th Army Group were to attack from the east while the 34th Corps and 61st Corps attacked from the west to cut the Tung-pu Railway between between Yi-cheng and Yun-cheng [Yuncheng] at Chiang-Hsien [Jiangxian], Wen-hsi [Wenxi], An-yi [Anyi] with the object of severing the railway at Chu-wu [Quwo] and Hou-ma [Houma] isolating 37th Division and 41st Division at Linfeng.

1st War Area was to support 2nd War Area with an attack on the Kaifeng and Po-ai [Bo'ai] area to tie down the Japanese forces of the 35th Division and 4th Cavalry Brigade of the North China Front Army.

South of the Yellow River 3rd Army Group was to cut off Lan-feng - Kai-feng Sector of Lung-hai Railway. 81st Division main force was to attack Kai-feng while a few elements attacked Lanfeng allowing the Anhwei - Honan Border area Guerrillas (40,000 men) to cut the Lunghua railroad near Lo-wang [Luowang], Nei-huang [Neihuanggi], and East and west of Lanfeng [Lankao] plus the highways at Tung-hsu [Tongxu], Huai-yang [Huaiyang] and Lu-yi [Luyi]. To the southeast 2nd Cavalry Corps was to move east of Po-Hsien [Boxian], from Luyi attack Kuei-the [Shangqiu] from the east. Another force to intercept and stop enemy relief forces from 21st Division at Tang-shan [Dangshan] and Hsuchow [Xuzhou].

Simultaneously north of the Yellow River 36th Army Group would attack Po-ai [Bo'ai] and Hsin-hsiang [Xinxiang]. New 5th Corps would attack Japanese positions held by 1st Independent Mixed Brigade north and south of An-yang [Anyang]. Destroy bridges along the roads at Chi, Chun, Tang-yin, and Pao-lien Temple Station tying up rail traffic. 47th Corps would cut rail traffic at Po-shan [?], Chang-kou [?], and clear Tai-hsing Shan [Taihang Mountains] of Japanese troops. Finally the 9th Corps was to attack 35th Division and 4th Cavalry Brigade troops at Po-ai [Bo'ai], Hsin-yang [Jixian], Wu-she [Mucheng] and area of Hsiu-wu [Xiuwu] and Po-ai [Bo'ai], south of the western Tao-tsing railroad.

Hopei-Chahar War Area was to support 2nd War Area using its main force of 69th Corps with its New 6th Division and guerilla forces to cut the communications in the vicinity of Shih-chia-chuang [Shijiazhuang], Pao-ting [Bao-ding] held by 110th Division and Hsing-tai [Xingtai]held by the 8th Independent Mixed Brigade and along the Peiking - Hankow Railway. Other forces were to cut communications in the vicinity of Tsang-chow [Cangzhou] and The-chow [Dezhou] held by 27th Division along the Tientsin-Pukow Railway in this way preventing forces of the North China Front Army or its 12th Army from interfering with operations in Shansi against 1st Army.

8th War Area was to assist 2nd War Area in the north in Suiyuan by attacks on the Japanese Cavalry Group [2] of the Mongolian Army at Pao-tou [Baotou] and Kuei-sui [Hohhot]. The Main force of 35th Corps was to attack Pao-tou [Baotou]. 6th Cavalry Corps and the Advance Force was to cut the railroad between Kuei-sui [Hohhot] and Sa-la-chi [Salqin] to prevent IJA reinforcements from the 26th Division in the Tatung [Datung] area to relive Pao-tou [Baotou]. 81st Corps was to attack Anpei [Dashetai] while Guerilla Forces attacked Kuyang [Guyang] and various other sites to tie down outlying garrisons.

Shantung Kiangsu War Area was to prevent movement between North and Central China along the Tientsin-Pukow Railway by attacking and sabotaging it. In Shantung portions of 51st Corps were to attack near Tai-an [Tai'an] and portions of 57th Corps near Teng Hsien [Tengxian] held both held by IJA 32nd Division. In Kiangsu portions of 89th Corps were to attack near Chu-hsien [Chuzhou] held by 12th Independent Mixed Brigade in Kiangsu.

Central China Offensive Plan

In Central China the Japanese 11th Army was to be subject to the concentrated attack of the 5th and 9th War Areas, and supporting attacks by 6th and 3rd War Area while 3rd War Area with support from Shantung Kiangsu War area isolated 11th Army from help from 13th Army downstream by its offensive on the Yangtze and at Hangchow.

3rd War Area was to attack 116th Division positions along the south bank of the Yangtze River between Wuhu and Hukou with its main force to cut communications and attack traffic along it with mines and artillery to prevent the forces of the Japanese 13th Army from giving aid to the 11th Army up river. Shantung Kiangsu War Area was to attack along the Tientsin-Pukow Railway on the north bank of the River in support. To do this 23rd Army Group organized columns made from the 50th, 21st, 86th, and 25th Corps with three Divisions each and 18th Corps with two. The force was divided into a Right Flank Army, Central Army and Left Flank Army.

- Right Flank Army was to send one column to operate along the line from Shun-an [Shun'an] to Tung-kuan-shan, Tung-chiang village and Ma-shan to insure security and attack the enemy between Ti-kang [Digang] and Tung-ling [Tongling] and Ta-tung [Datong]. Another powerful column would advance via Ti-kang [Digang], Tung-ling [Tongling], and Ta-tung [Datong] to the river and attack ships and capture Ta-tung and Tungling at once. Another force was to be sent to Wan-chih [Wanzhi] and Wu-hu to harass and tie down the Japanese 15th Division.

- Central Army columns were to move to Tatung [Datong] and Huang-pen [Huangpen] to attack enemy strong points at Tseng-hsing-shan, Cheng-chia-ta-shan and Hsiang-shan to ensure security along the line from Shan-tan-chow to Chiang-chia-tzui. Later, they were to attack the enemy at Ma-tou-shan and operate from Meikang to the upper and lower reaches of the river.

- Left Flank Army was to organize 2 columns (built around one infantry regiment with attached artillery) to approach river banks between Tung-liu [Dongliu] and Hsian-kou [Xiangkou] and between Hokou [Hukou] and Pengtze [Pengze] to attack enemy ships and lay mines. Individual battalions or companies, attached with necessary anti tank guns, were to be organized into 3 attack teams to infiltrate into the river banks to attack enemy ships. Two Divisions attached with necessary artillery and engineers, and the Navy's Mine-laying Group would form the reserves and stand by at Tai-ping [Tai-ping] and Ching Hsien[?].

- 10th Army Group was to take Hangchow[Hangzhou], Fuyang and Yu-hang[Linping]to pin down 22nd Division in that area while the 32nd Army Group would attack and harass Nanchang from the east to aid the 9th War Area offensive against it.

9th War Area with the support of the 3rd and 6th War Areas would attack the 6th, 33rd, 34th and 40th Divisions, and 14th and 18th Independent Mixed Brigade of the Japanese 11th Army south of the Yangtze along the Canton-Hangkow Railway at Puchi and Hsien-ning and advance on Wu-chang, attack Nanchang, and along the Nanchang-Kuikiang Railway and against Jui-chang and Kiu-kiang and attack and isolate 6th division at Yueh-yang.

- 15th Army Group supported by 53rd Corps from 6th War Area was to attack Canton-Hangkow Railway and isolate 6th division at Yueh-yang.

- 27th Army Group was to attack the Canton-Hangkow Railway at Puchi and Hsien-ning[Xianning] and advance on Wu-chang.

- 30th Army Group was to attack the northward between Nan-Hsun Railway and Canton-Hangkow Railway, support 27th Army advance on Wu-chang, advance on Jui-chang and Kiu-kiang.

- 19th Army Group and 32nd Army Group from 3rd War Area attack Nanchang and the Nan-Hsun Railway. Main force of 19th Army Group, the 58th Corps and 60th Corps formerly from the 1st Army Group, was to attack Wan-shou-kung[Wangshengang], Chein-chow[Aicheng] and Pai-tze-chiao[?]. 32nd Corps was to attack Ching-an[Qiujiajie] with part of its force while 141st Division and 131st Division sabotaged traffic and communications between Chang-kung-tu [Zhanggongdu, near Quijin] and An-yi [Anyi] and between The-an [De'an] and Juo-hsi [Ruoxi] and the railroad and wires between Niu-hsing [Jiaoqiao] and Lo-hua [Lehuajie] and The-an [De'an].

5th War Area was to mop up the 3rd, 13th and 39th Divisions and 14th Independent Mixed Brigade of the 11th Army north of the Yangtze between Hsin-yang and Wuhan along the Peiking-Hankow Railway and cut communications along the Han-yi [Hankow-Ichang] and Hsiang-Hua [Hsiang-yang - Hua-yuan Highways. The 5th War Area forces were divided into four Armies to carry out the operation, River North Army, Right Flank Army, Left Flank Army, Southern Honan Army, and the Eastern Hupei Guerrilla force with the 84th Corps (178th and 188th Division under Mo Shu-chieh in reserve at Tsaoyang.

- River North Army was to send a detachment to cross the river east of Sze-kang [Shayang] and attack Tien-men [Tianmen] and Tsao-shih [Zaoshi], while the Main force was to cross between Sze-kang [Shayang] and Chiu-kou [Jiukou], attack the enemy west of Pai-ma-miao[?] along the Han-yi [Hankow-Yichang] Highway, and operate along the line from Tien-men[Tianmen] to Pai-ma-miao[?] and Yu-yen-ling[Yanglin?].

- Right Flank Army was to send a force across the river south of Chung-hsiang [Zhongxiang] to attack the enemy west of Ching-shan [Xinshi]. Its main force would cross the river north of Chung-hsiang [Zhongxiang] and attack the enemy along the Ching-chung [Xinshi- Zhongxiang] Highway. Once the strong points are taken and communications cut the Army was to operate along the line from Ching-shan [Xinshi] to Sung-ho [Songhe] and Ping-pa [Pingba], preparing for subsequent attacks.

- Left Flank Army or (River East Army) was to attack with part of its forces from Ping-lin-shih [Pinglin] to Ma-ping [Maping] and Hsi-ho[Xihe], advance to the An-ying [Anlu-Yingshan] Highway and cut lines of communication behind enemy lines. Its main force was to attack the enemy at Sui Hsien[Suizhou] and Kuan-ti-miao[Guanmiao, 5km NW of Yingshan], mop up minor enemy strong points and operate in the vicinity of An-lu [Anlu], Ping-lin[Pinglin], and Ying-shan [Yingshan], preparing for subsequent attacks.

- Southern Honan Army was to employ a force to attack the enemy north of Ying-shan [Yingshan], Kuan-yin-tang [?] and Hsi-shuang-ho [Xishuanghe] and send a strong force to cut enemy lines of communications in the area of Kuang-shui[Guangshui] and Hsin-yang [Xinyang]. Its main force was to attack in the area of Hsin-yang[Xinyang] and occupy it. The Army would then operate along the line from Kuang-shui[Guangshui] to Wu-shen-kuan[?] preparing for a future offensive.

- Eastern Hupei Guerrilla force was to attack the enemy along the line from Kuang-shui[Guangshui] to Hsin-yang[Xinyang] with a regular force in conjunction with guerillas, cutting their line of communications. Its main force was to advance to the enemy rear areas at Kuang-shui [Guangshui], Hua-yuan [Huayuan] and Hankow to check enemy movement.

South China Offensive

4th War Area was to capture Swatow and Chao-chow[?] while its main forces mopped up Japanese 21st Army (18th, 38th, and 104th Divisions and the Guards Mixed Brigade), along the Canton Kowloon Railway making the transfer of reinforcements from Kwangtung to Kwanzi difficult. In Kwangzi at Nanning the battered reminants of the Japanese 5th Division and Taiwan Mixed Brigade was to be driven out.

Course of the Offensive in North China

The preparations for the offensive were to be finished by November 26, 1937. The secondary attacks were to be launched at the end of November and the main attacks at the beginning of December. [1]

2nd War Area

Prior to the beginning of the offensive on December 3rd, the Japanese had attacked 2nd War Area forces at Hsia Hsien [Xiaxian] and Wen-hsi [Wenxi] on the Tungpu [Tatung - Poochow] Railroad. Nine days later the Japanese were defeated loosing, according to the Chinese, 3000 Japanese and a battalion commander (Enoshima?) were lost. The mopping up of remaining Japanese minor strong points in the area lasted until the 20th of December when they were wiped out.

On December 10th, 1939, the 2nd War Area general offensive began. Japanese strong points at Heng-ling-kuan [Henglingguan, a pass south of Chiang-Hsien Jiangxian, Chen-feng-ta [?] and Yen-chang-chen [Nianzhang] were encircled and communications on the nearby highways were destroyed by the advancing Chinese. 4th Army Group and 5th Army Group joined forces in attacking Japanese positions at Hsia Hsien [Xiaxian] and other places in the area. By late December, Pei-she [Beishe] southeast of Wen-hsi [Wenxi] was cleared of Japanese troops.

In response the Japanese 37th Division counterattacked with 2000 men and artillery from Yun-cheng [Yuncheng] and Hsia Hsien [Xiaxian]. By early January 1940, elements of 98th Corps and 7th Division repeatedly counterattacked, killing several hundred Japanese, resulting in a stalemate. Meanwhile another Chinese force (34th Corps?) attacked the Tungpu Railroad between Wen-hsi [Wenxi] and An-yi [Anyi] destroying traffic communications.

To the northeast of the 4th and 5th Army Groups, 14th Army Group attacked Yi-cheng [Yicheng] and Chiang Hsien [Jiangxian]. On December 15th, the Japanese (41st Division?) counterattacked with 5000 troops supported by artillery and aircraft, resulting in bitter fighting and heavy casualties for both sides. On December 18th, Lung-hua Chen [Longhua] was taken by the Chinese who pursued the retreating Japanese toward Yi-cheng [Yicheng].

Meanwhile in Eastern Shanxi the 40th Corps and 27th Corps began their attack on the Japanese 36th Division in the Chang-chih [Zhangzi] and Chang-tze [Changzhi] area on December 13th. 27th Corps successively captured strong points on the outskirts of Chang-tze [Changzhi] and Tun-liu [Tunliu] encircling the Japanese in those towns. On January 1st 1940 the Japanese organized a counterattack with 10,000 infantry, cavalry and artillery troops drawn from their surrounding defenses and with air support attacked Chinese positions southwest of Chang-tze [Changzhi]. The Chinese 46th and 8th Reserve Divisions fought a see-saw battle with the Japanese from their positions at Hsien-wong Temple, Yanlu and Chin-yi villages which lead to heavy casualties on both sides.

On the morning of January 3rd the main force of the 40th Corps opened a day long attack on the Japanese that caught them between the two forces of the Chinese, suffering heavy loss was forced to withdraw to the outskirts of Chang-tze [Changzhi]. 40th Corps continued its attack on Japanese strongpoint between Hu-kuan [Huguan] and south of Chang-tze [Changzhi].

On January 20th and 24th the Chinese forces cut the Han-Chang [Hantan - Chang-chih] Highway northeast of Chang-tze [Changzhi] capturing Li-Cheng [Licheng], and Tung-yang-kuan [Dongyangguan], a pass east of Licheng and She-Hsien [She-xian]. On January 28th, another force captured Lu-cheng [Lucheng] but continued in bitter fighting with Japanese forces east of the town.

Long-hsuen's, History of The Sino-Japanese War then ends the narrative of the operation with the mention that supply difficulties that greatly effected operations ensued because of Communist raids in their rear area and instigation of revolts, which seized food and forbade food to be sold to the government forces. Despite this it would seem that the 40th Corps and 27th Corps accomplished their aim of pinning down the Japanese. However in southwestern Shanxi the main effort of 2nd War Area and of the whole North China offensive failed to seize the major towns on the railroad or Japanese strongpoint that were their objectives or to cut the Tungpu Railroad except for the area between Wen-hsi [Wenxi] and An-yi [Anyi]. At the end of the campaign the 2nd War Area claimed 13,770 enemies killed or wounded.

1st War Area

On the 1st of December the 3rd Army Group guerillas cut the Lung-hai Railway near Lo-wang [Luowang], Nei-huang [Neihuanggi], and east and west of Lanfeng [Lankao]. They also cut the highways at Tung-hsu [Tongxu], Huai-yang [Huaiyang] and Lu-yi [Luyi]. Meanwhile the 81st Division's main force attacked Kai-feng while some of its elements attacked Lanfeng. Lowang RR station was taken on December 15 and the Division entered Kai-feng next day clearing the Japanese troops, burning warehouses and a headquarters there (35th Division?).

Meanwhile to the southeast 2nd Cavalry Corps moved east of Po-Hsien [Boxian], encircled and attacked Kuei-teh [Shangqiu] from the east, overrunning an airfield and burning aviation fuel there. Another force intercepted and defeated relief forces (from 21st Division?) moving west from Tang-shan [Dangshan] on the Lung-hai Railway.

North of the Yellow River 36th Army Group attacked. Its New 5th Corps on December 6th attacked elements of the Japanese 1st Independent Mixed Brigade north and south of An-yang [Anyang], succeeded in destroying bridges along the roads at Chi, Chun, Tang-yin, and Pao-lien Temple Station. On December 13th the 47th Corps cleared the Tai-hsing Shan [Taihang Mountain] and cut the Tao-tsin Railroad taking the rail stations at Po-shan [?] and Chang-kou [?]. 9th Corps attacked elements of the Japanese 35th Division between Po-ai [Bo'ai] and Hsin-yang [Jixian] cutting the between them and attacking the defenders on the outskirts of Hsin-yang [Jixian] and strongpoint at Wu-she [Mucheng], part of 47th Division and demolition teams broke into Hsin-yang [Jixian] for half attempting to clear it of enemy troops.

At the end of the campaign narrative 1st War Area reports claims of 5130 enemy killed and seems to have executed its mission of tying down the Japanese troops in the area fairly well.

8th War Area

Though a minor theater of the war, there are a lot of details on the execution of the 8th War Area operations [1]. In the preliminary attacks on December 18th, 6th Cavalry Corps and the Advance Force cut the railroad between Kuei-sui [Hohhot] and Sa-la-chi [Salqin] to prevent IJA reinforcement's movement to relive Pao-tou [Baotou]. At the same time 81st Corps attacked An-pei [Dashetai] capturing it and destroying most of the garrison as it fled the next day.

On the 19th, 81st Corps' 101st Division captured Chien-tze-kou [Tailiang, Ming'an?] between An-pei [Dashetai] and Pao-tou [Baotou] and continued eastward until it encountered a Japanese force in 50 trucks and with 7 tanks near Mao-kuei-shen-yao-tze [Maojiagedu?]. Fighting lasted till dark, the Japanese losing a tank and 10 trucks. At Kung-yi-hsing [Erh-hsiang-kung-yao-tzu?, 10 km north of Baotou] guerrillas destroyed 44 Japanese moving south from Kuyang [Guyang] to reinforce Pao-tou [Baotou]. Elements of the New 32nd and 101st Divisions wiped out a Japanese force that had fled to Peihuangtsaoyu [?].

The Main force of 35th Corps attacked Pao-tou [Baotou] on December 19th and entered the city on the 20th, capturing the Japanese Cavalry Group[2] headquarters and warehouses in house to house fighting with the enemy. By noon of the 22nd the Japanese had been driven into the southwestern corner of the city.

Meanwhile the Japanese had been making efforts to relive the beleaguered Cavalry Group. From the Peiping-Tientsin area they sent a force in 200 trucks with 2000 troops, with more than 10 guns and 8 tanks and the air support of 4 planes. Over half of this force was destroyed by the Chinese on the outskirts of Pao-tou [Baotou] on the 22nd. On the 24th the additional reinforcement arrived. These were apparently enough to force the Chinese to go on the defensive, having achieved their goal of tying down the enemy. By late January 1940 the Japanese had built up forces (from 26th Division ? [2]) at Pao-tou [Baotou] sufficient to launch an offensive to recover lost territory and move west to take Wu-yuan [Wuyuan] which fell on February 3rd and Lin-ho [Linhe] further west on the 4th. The 8th War Area command ordered a counter attack to recover Wu-yuan [Wuyuan] from the Japanese.

Battle of Wuyuan

On March 16th as the Japanese were pressuring its New 4th Division the rest of the 35th Corps with New 31st Division and a regiment of the Garrison Brigade, secretly moved east along the Wu-chia River. On the night of the 20th they entered the city by surprise and after a seesaw fight over the strongpoint captured the city at 1600 hours on the 21st, the Japanese garrison retreating northward.[4] Chinese forces then moved on to capture strongpoint around Hsing-lung-chang [Hsin-an-chen, aka Xin'an?] on the 22nd. This would have cut the road along the Yellow River to Wu-yuan.

In an attempt to recover the situation the Japanese sent 600 troops from An-pei [Dashetai] via Siyitang, in 80 trucks to make a forced crossing of the Wu-chia River at Ta-tsai-chu 10km north of Wu-yuan. For three days they fought the 101st Division without success. By the 25th they had been reinforced to 3,000 men and made the crossing with artillery and air support. Wu-yuan again fell to the Japanese on the 26th and the Chinese fell back to the banks of Fang-chi-chu [?] and continued their attacks at Pa-tze-pu [Xin'an], Hsi-shan-tzu [Xishanzui?], Hsi-(Hsia?)-chiao [Xixiaozhao?], and Man-ko-su [?].

Unable to withstand the pressure of Chinese attacks, the Japanese at Wu-yuan retreated on March 30th and 31st. On April 1st a guerrilla force and cavalry column recaptured Wu-yuan and the 11th Provisional Division recaptured Wu-pu-lang-kou [?]. On April 3rd Cavalry recovered Hsi-shan-tzu [Xishanzui?] as the Japanese retreated to the east.

Deep in the Japanese rear areas in early December, Hopei-Chahar War Area is said to have successfully used its 69th Corps with its New 6th Division and guerilla forces to cut communications between Pao-ting [Bao-ding] and Hsing-tai [Xingtai], and at Tsang-chow [Cangzhou] and Teh-chow [Dezhou]. To the south Shangtung-Kwangtung War Area, in late December 51st Corps did sabotage the railroad in the vicinities of Tai-an [Tai'an], Teng Hsien [Tengxian] and Chu-hsien [Chuzhou] disrupting traffic between the north and south of China.

Course of the Offensive in Central China

3rd War Area

3rd War Area's offensive began on December 16th. Two days later the 144th Division of the Right Flank Army's had taken Cha-Cha-shan [?] and Wang-chia-tan [Wanzi]. In the Cental Army area 10th Reseve Division, had taken Tsen-hsien-shan [?], Pai-fen-shang [?], Mao-tan [Maotan] and part of Cheng-chia-ta-shan [?] while the 16th Division took Pu-ling [?] and Hsiang-shan [?] and the 190th Division took Tuan-shan [?], Han-shan [?], and Shih-tze-shan [?]. 147th Division of Left Flank Army took Hui-lu-ling [?] and Kang-yao-ling [?].

However the Right Flank Army's 79th Division and 50th Corps failed to coordinate with Central Army so that it resulted in heavy losses to the 16th Divison and the 10th Reseve Division of the Cental Army. These Divisions subsequently were releived on December 20th by the 40th and 67th Divisons. On the 23rd the Japanese sent in reinforcements while their aircraft bombed the Chinese for days so that despite heavy attacks the Chinese failed to make any further progress.

On the 28th the Chinese redeployed their forces, the Right Flank and Central Army were to hold their existing positions while Right Flank Army organized two special columns built around an infantry regiment with some artillery and three teams built around an infantry battalion with artillery, engineer and minelaying detachments. These infiltrated to the river bank at Ti-kang, Wuhu and Ta-tung to attack enemy ships and lay mines. Central army sent teams out from Ching-yang to do the same thing. Meanwhile the Left Flank Army organized a defense to hold Pei-mien-shan [?] and Hung-tsao-shan [?], while they massed their artillery to attack shipping and laid drifting mines on the Yantze River.

Meanwhile to the south, the 10th Army Group attack by 192nd Division and 62nd Division took Hangchow, Fuyang and Yu-hang on the night of December 13th. Warehouses and puppet organization buildings were burned. The Japanese reacted by sending forces to contain the attacking forces while a regiment of the 22nd Division to strike south of Hangchow on January 21st 1940, making a forced crossing of the Chein-tang River, landing at Chiu-chia-tou [?] north of Hsiao-shan [Xiaoshan] and engaging the Chinese 2nd Resistance and Defense column at Chekiang [ ]. This force then split into two groups. The minor force moved to Kan-shan-tou [Kanshan] between Hsiao-shan [Xiaoshan] and Shao-hsing [Shaoxing] while the main force took Hsiao-shan [Xiaoshan] at noon and advanced eastward to Shao-hsing [Shaoxing]. On January 25th there was bitter fighting with 6th Resistance and Defense Column at Ko-chiao [Keqiao], with 8th Resistance and Defense Column at Lin-pu [Linpu] and parts of 2nd and 5th Resistance and Defense column and the 3rd District Self Defence Group at Pai-lu-tang [Bailutang]. On the 27th the Japanese reached Lin-pu Chen [Linpu] and were halted by Chinese forces at Kan-shan [Kanshan], Ya-chien [?], west of Suo-chien [?] and south of Yuey-ta-chiao [?] and east of Wen-chia-yen [?]. Under counterattack by the Chinese they fell back to Hsiao-shan City [Xiaoshan].

Also 3rd War Area's 32nd Army Group made some diversionary attacks south of Nanchang on the Kan River and sent plainclothes detachments into Nanchang to harrass the Japanese to aid the 9th War Area offensive.

9th War Area

On December 12 when the 9th War Area launched their offensive, 19th Army Group's 50th and 60th Corps attacked the Japanese at Wan-shou-kung [Wangshengang], Ta-cheng [Dacheng], and Kulo-pu [?] in the area north of Shih-tou-kang [Shitougang] and Kao-yu-shih [Gaoyou] and east of Hsiang-fu-kuan [Xiangfuguan], cut off the communications between Ta-cheng [Dacheng] and Nanchang and Chih-tien-chang[?]. They captured Wan-ling [?], Pu-ling [?], Hsiao-ling [?], Man-kang-ling [?], Chien-chow [Aicheng] and Pai-tze-chiao [?] northwest of Feng-hsin [Fengchuan]. On the night of December 13th Japanese warehouses north of Feng-hsin [Fengchuan] were burned while the main forc 139th Division, 32nd Corps attacked Ching-an [Jing'an]. On the night of the 21st Ching-an [Jing'an] was attacked, and Japanese warehouses were burned. 141st Division and part of 131st Division sabotaged traffic and signal communications between Chang-kung-tu [?] and Anyi, between Teh-an [De'an] and Juo-hsi [Ruoxi], and the rails and telegraph wires between Niu-hsing [Jiaoqiao] and Lo-hua [Lehuajie] and in the vicinity of Teh-an[De'an].

These attacks prompted the 33rd and 34th Division to send out forces to hunt these Chinese forces. One of them, the 213th Regiment of 33rd Division was attacked by the Chinese 78th Corps of 30th Army Group near Wu-ning [Wuning] that pressed it back to Lao-ta-hsia in the south and Chapi-ao in the western end of the city. Meanwhile the 72nd Corps and 8th Corps of the 30th Army Group attacked the Japanese 40th Division at Hsin-tan-pu [Xintanpu, Hubei], Ta-fan [Dafan, Hubei], Tung-shan [Tongyang] and Nan-lin-chiao [Nanliqiao], and cut wires from Yang-hsien [Yangxin] to Tung-shan [Tongyang] and Pai-ni-chiao [Bainiqiao]. Later 72nd Corps took Hsin-tan-pu [Xintanpu], and Tze-kou Chen [?], and 8th Corps captured Ni-keng-kou [Xi-keng?] and Shih-hsia [?].

On December 14th the Japanese 33rd and 40th Divisions reaacted by sending two regiments to counterattack from Yu-chia-fan [Zhifang?], Lung-kang [?] and Ta-fan [Dafan], fighting against the 72nd and 8th Corps in the area from Shih-men [?] to Shih-pi-hu [?]. By the 19th the Japanese were driven back and the Chinese continued to attack Hsin-tan-pu [?], Tung-shan [Tongyang], and Nan-lin-chao [Nanliqiao]. The 3rd Division cut the rails and telegraph wires at Ting-sze-chiao [Tingsiqiao].

1st Advance Column sabatoged rails and telegraph wires at Shan-po [Shanpo], Ho-cheng-chiao [Heshengqiao], and Tao-lin-pu [?] along the Canton - Hankow Railway. 3rd Advance Column sabatoged rails and telegraph wires from Li-ho-nan [Lehua] to Ta-chiao [?] on the Nan - Hsun Railway and signal communicantons in the area of Wang-chia-pu [Wangjiapu] on the Jui-Wu [Jui-chang-Wuning] Highway.

On December 12th after recovering Chung-yang [Chongyang], the 20th Corps of the 27th Army Group telegraph wires along the highways from Pai-ni-chiao [Bainiqiao], to Chung-yang [Chungyang] and Yang-lo-tung [Yanglodong] and between Chung-yang [Chongyang] and Shih-cheng-wan [Shichengwan]. It also drove off enemy reinforcements in the area of Wu-li-miao [?], Ta-shih-ling [Tiancheng?] and Kuei-hua-shu [Guihuashu]. From December 13th the 70th Corps 3rd and 19th Divisions attacked Chung-yang [Chongyang], Kuei-hua-shu [Guihuashu], and Shih-cheng-wan [Shichengwan] areas clearing the Japaneses east of Kuei-hua-shu [Guihuashu], and captued localities on the outskirts of Shih-cheng-wan [Shichengwan]. On the night of January 8th 1940, the 70th Corps moved to Yang-lou-tung [Yangloudong], Pu-chi [Puqi] and Chao-li-chiao [Zhaoliqiao] to clear the enemy there, routing enemy reinforcements at Pai-hua-pu [?] and sabatoging the rails and telegraph wires at Ting-tse-chiao [Tingsiqiao], Kuan-tang-yi [Guantangyi] and Chung-huo-pu [Zhonghuopu].

82nd Division of the 79th Corps, 15th Army Group, cut the Canton-Hangkow Railway at Yang-lo-sze Station [Yanglousi], attacked Ta-sha-ping [Dashaping] and Tung-cheng [Tucheng], blew the bridge at Tieh-chu-kang [?]. In succession the 15th Army Group captured capture Chiu-kung-shan [Chiu-kung mountain?] and Wu-li-pai [Wulipai] on the outskirts of Yueh-yang [Yuehyang]. Then with with 116th Division, 53rd Corps from 6th War area 4th Corps attacked Lin-yueh [?], destroyed rails and telegraph wires from Wu-pa-li [Wulipai] to Yueh-yang [Yuehyang], then intercepted Japanese reinforcements at Ching-kang-yi [Chenglingji?], Tang-chia-pai [?] and Kun-shan [Kun mountain?] northwest of Tao-lin [Taolin], Wu-li-pai [Wulipai], and Yun-hsi [Yunxi]. 6th Divisions supply and liaison was so disrupted that it was effecively cut off.

5th War Area

On December 12th, the various armies of the 5th War area began the offensive against the Japanese. 32nd and 40th Divisions of the River North Army moving to Chien-chiang [Qianjiachang?] and Pai-lo-chi [?]. Meanwhile the 128th Division attacked Hsien-tao [Xiantao]. Once the 6th,13th and 41st Divions crossed the Han river they mopped up Japanese strong points west of the Yung-lung River. On the night of December 152th, the Chinese 4th Reserve Division crossed the Han river north of Shayang to take part in the operation. On December 16th the River North Army recovered the Japanese strong points at Nieh-chia-chang [?], Fu-nan-chang [?], Wu-hsu-chia-chang [?], Chou-chia-chang [?], Tung-hsin-chang [?], Tuo-chuan-fu [?] and Nan-ho-fu [?]. Fighting continued at Sze-kang [Shayang] and Kung-yi-chang [?].

At dawn of December 17th two Japanse columns attacked the Chinese at Hsien-tao [Xiantao] and Sze-kang [Shayang]. The first from Hsiang-chia-wan [?] and Lin-chia-chi [?] had more than 1,000 infantry of the 116th Regiment supported by 10 tanks and artillery. The second from Sze-kang [Shayang] had 1,000 troops and several tanks. Eventually the Chinese took Hsien-tao [Xiantao] and Sze-kang [Shayang], after engaging in a bitter fight.

On December 18th, Japanese 600 cavalry and infantry in more than 90 trucks advancing to the southwest via Wu-miao-chi [?]. They were intercepted in the area of Wang-wu-tai [?] and Han-ching-miao [?] cutting off their withdrawal route, however some managed to retreat to Tao-pao-wan [?].

On 22nd of December under cover of 8 aircraft a Japanese at Kung-yi-chang [?] attacked Chinese positions at Wang-wu-tai and Lo-chia-tang. The Chinese suffered heavy losses and the Japanese cleared the highway from Wang-wu-tai [?] to Tao-pao-wan [?]. Meanwhile the Japanease force at Lin-chia-chi increased to 2,000 men, more than 10 guns and 60 tanks and more Japanese troops appeared northeast of Chu-chia-chang and northwest of Tuo-chuan-fu [?].

Since the fighting had gone on for days with heavy loss to the Chinese they decided to avoid further loss and began to withdraw west of the Han river on the 23rd. 55th and 13th Division covered this withdrawal, holding the Japanese at Yen-men-kuan [Yen-men pass?]. The withdrawal was complete by the 31st of December. However some fighting contiued, on January 11th, a detachment of the 32nd Division ambushed a Japanese truck convoy between Chien-chiang [Qianjiachang?] and Yueh-kou [Yuekou], killing a colonel, and 50 enlisted men and capturing large amounts of military supplies. 13th Division attacked Japanese reinforcements on January 17th, 1940 at Yeh-chia-chi [?] and Lo-chia-chi [?].

On the front of the Right Flank Army on December 12th, 33rd Army Groups 74th Division crossed the river to attack the Japanese south of Chung-hsiang [Zhongxiang]. 77th and 59th Corps of the 33rd Army Group and the 29th Army Group separately crossed the Han River to capture Chu-pao-ta-chiao [?] and Hsi-hu-shan [?] and went on to attack Lo-chia-po[?], San-yan-tien [?], Wang-chia-pao [?] and Tan-fu-miao[?]. On December 13th they captured Ta-hsiao-chen-chung [?] and Chang-chia-wan [?]. On December 18th, Chinese forces fought several thousand Japanese troops at Wang-chia-ling [?] and San-yang-tien [?]. On December 19th, a converging attack was made in conjuction with 74th Division resulting in heavy loss to both sides, but on the 21st the Japanese withdrew to the south followed by the Chinese who attacked Tung-chiao [Dongqiao] and Huang-chia-chi [Huangjiaji] and strongpoints at Yang-tze [Yangzi] and Chung-hsiang [Zhongxiang].

On December 26th the Japanese force in the area of Chung-hsiang [Zhongxiang] was increased to 5,000 men with more than 10 guns and 20 tanks. At dawn the following day they made a strong attack along the entire front, advancing to Chang-shou-tien [Changshoudian] on the 28th. 84th Corps, the War Area reserve had to be thrown in to stop them. Meanwhile the 74th Division had reached Yeh-chia-pu [?] and Pai-miao-chang [?] to join forces with the 59th Corps in launching a flanking attack on the Japanese in the area of Hung-shih-po [?]. By December 31st the Chinese faced the Japanese on a line from Pu-men-chung [?] to the south of Chang-shou-tien [Changshoudian], Tan-chia-ta-shu [?] and Pai-miao-chang [?].

On January 5th, 1940, Wang-chia-tien [Wangdian] and the heights in front of the 29th Army group were captured by the Japanese but a counter attack by the 55th Division recovered them. From January 9-13th, the Japanese force at Huang-yang [?] was increased to three regiments and began attacks on the Right Flank Army. Japanese artillery at Yang-tze [Yangtzi] shelled the Chinese. On January 14th, Chinese forces made a night attack and took the high ground south of Kao-cheng [Gaocheng?] and Shih-ling-szu [?] and Wang-chia-tai [?], Sun-chia-tien [?] and Chu-chia-miao[?]. The Chinese claimed that six days of continuous attack led to 2,000 Japanese casualties and resulted in a stalemate on this front.

Left Flank Army (River East Army) attacked the Japanese in the area between Lo-yang-tien [Luoyangdian], to Hsu-chia-tien [Xudian]. Another force occupied Wu-li-pu [?] and Shih-li-pu [?] east of Sui Hsien [Suizhou], and also destroying communications between Sui Hsien [Suizhou], and Hsi-shui [?]. On December 15th, under Japanese preasure the left flank of the 22nd Army Group moved to the line from Chih-cheng-shan [Chih-cheng mountian?] to Chi-ku-tien [?] and Shan-ching-kuan [Shan-ching pass?]. On December 18th, Chinese forces continued their offensive and took Tze-pa-kang [?] and Chang-kang [Changlinggang?].

On December 28th, a portion of 22nd Army Group took Yun-tan-kang [?] southwest of Ma-ping [Maping], while the rest beat back attacks by Japanese reinforcements at Lo-yang-tien [Luoyangdian], Tze-pa-kang [?], Tu-chung-shan [Tu-chung mountain?] and Hsu-chia-tien [Xudian].

On December 12th, the Southern Honan Army launched their offensive, capturing Chuan-kou-tien [?], Chiang-hsi-tien [?], and Yang-liu-ho [?] on the 13th. Attacks on Hua-shan [Hua mountain?], Ping-ching-kuan [Pingchangguan] and Feng-chia-chuang [?] continued. On the 15th the Japanese recovered Yang-liu-ho [?], while the 30th and 68th Corps pressed the Japanese at Lo-tuo-tien [Luotuodian], Yu-ho [Youhe?] and Chang-tai-kuan [Changtaiguan] and sent detachments to sabotage communications between those strongpoints and Hsin-yang [Xinyang].

A Japanese force moving north from west of Chang-tai-kuan [Changtaiguan], was driven back at Mu-chu-ho [Muzihe?]. On the night of December 22nd, two Chinese regiments separately advanced toward the northeast and southwest of Hsin-yang [Xinyang] to attack the enemy forces there. On the 26th the 27th Division was also employed in the attack on Hsin-yang [Xinyang]. Again on the 27th of December the Chinese repulsed Japanese reinforcements at Hua-shan [Hua mountain?] and Ping-ching-kuan [Pingchangguan].

On January 5th, 1940, more than 2,000 Japanese infantry and artillery troops moved from Chang-tai-kuan [ ] to attack 68th Corps. The left flank of the Chinese 30th Corps employed two regiments east of Ping-chang-kuan [Pingchangguan] against 2,000 Japanese troops. Later, the 68th Corps withdrew to the rear, exposing the flank of the 30th Corps and bitter fighting ensued at Hsiao-lin-tien and Kung-chia-fan. 85th Corps from 31st Army Group was committed to the fight enabling the repulse of the Japanese force on the 9th of January, and contiune the advance toward Yu-fang-wan [?], Wu-chia-tien [Wujiadien] and Ping-chang-kuan [Pingchangguan] to mop up the remaining Japanese forces.

To exploit this success the high command committed the balance of the 31st Army Group, from the Northern Hupei Army. Its main force was ordered to launch an attack from the Kao-cheng [Gaocheng], Yen-tze-ho[Yanzihe] area and attack the area of Hua-yuan [Huayuan] and Kuang-shui[Guangshui] by January 1st, 1940. On the 5th it attacked Japanese units at Hsu-chia-tien [Haodian], Yu-chia-tien [Wujiadian?], Hua-shan [Hua mountian?], Ta-miao-fan [?] and Ping-ching-kuan [Pingchangguan]. Later, the 23rd Division (85th Corps?) advanced to the area between Wu-sheng-kuan [Wu-sheng pass?] and Kuang-shui [Guangshui]. On January 7th, 4th Division (85th Corps?) recovered Hua-shan [Hua mountian?],]. On January 17th, the 4th, 21st and 141st Divisions engaged the Japanese at Wan-chia-tien [Wujiadian], Chien-ting-miao [?], Lo-han-ting [?], and Hua-shan [Hua mountain?].

On January 22nd, the Japanese and Chinese forces fought at Chiang-chia-ho [?], Pi-chia-shan [Pi-chia mountain], Ku-sao-ling [?], Chih-shan-ai [?], Yin-chia-tien [?]. Days of fighting at Hsiao-chia-wan [?], Tu-men-chung [?], Shih-men [?] and Kao-cheng [Gaocheng], ended in the destruction of several thousand enemy troops, more than 10 tanks and large quantities of supplies.

Eastern Hupei Guerrilla force repeatedly attacked enemy strong points in eastern and western Anhwei, and employed its main force in attacks in the area of Huang-an [Huang'an], Ho-kou [Hekou], and Hsia-tien [Xiadian].

Results of the Central China Offensive

3rd War Area attacked 116th Division positions along the south bank of the Yangtze River, cutting communications and attacking traffic along the Yangtze River to prevent the forces of the 13th Army from giving aid to the 11th Army up river. Although it failed to take the major riverside towns that were some of its objectives it seems to have succeaded in tying up the local Japanese forces and harrassing river traffic. How much it affectied traffic on the river is not stated but 13th Army doesn't seem to have sent forces up river to 11th Army during the time of the offensive. Its Hangchow offensive seems to have been somewhat successful but the Japanese seemed to have replied with a counter offensive of their own.

9th War Area with the support of the 3rd and 6th War Areas was to attack the 6th, 33rd, 34th and 40th Divisions, and 14th and 18th Independent Mixed Brigade of the Japanese 11th Army south of the Yangtze along the Canton-Hangkow Railway at Puchi and Hsien-ning and 19th Army Group and 32nd Army Groups did attack Nanchang, and along the Nanchang-Kuikiang Railway. 27th Army Group did attack the Canton-Hangkow Railway at Puchi and Hsien-ning [Xianning] and 30th Army Group attacked between Nan-Hsun Railway and Canton-Hangkow Railway, and 15th Army Group supported by 53rd Corps from 6th War area attacked Canton-Hangkow Railway and isolated 6th division at Yueh-yang. However planed advance by 27th Army Group on Wu-chang, and 30th Army Group against Jui-chang and Kiu-kiang did not occur.

5th War Area had an ambitious goal to mop up the 3rd, 13th and 39th Divisions and 14th Independent Mixed Brigade of the 11th Army north of the Yangtze between Hsin-yang and Wuhan along the Peiking-Hankow Railway and cut communications along the Han-yi [Hankow-Ichang] and Hsiang-Hua [Hsiang-yang - Hua-yuan Highways. This it did not come near to achieving, due to the failure of its various Armies.

River North Army accomplished little and was driven back behind the river by December 23rd, probably freeing up 13th Division units for use elsewhere. The Japanese seem to have held Right Flank Army in the Chung-hsiang [Zhongxiang] area far from the planned stop line from Ching-shan [Xinshi] to Sung-ho [Songhe] and Ping-pa [Pingba]. The Japanese seem to have contained Left Flank Army or (River East Army) far from its final objectives. Southern Honan Army did attack the enemy 3rd Division in the area north of Ying-shan [Yingshan] and Hsi-shuang-ho [Xishuanghe] and send a strong force to cut enemy lines of communications in the area of Kuang-shui [Guangshui] and Hsin-yang [Xinyang]. Its main force was to attack in the area of Hsin-yang [Xinyang] and occupy it. Neither of these objectives was achieved dispite the commitment of the 31st Army Group. Eastern Hupei Guerrilla force did not advance to the enemy rear areas at Kuang-shui [Guangshui], Hua-yuan [Huayuan] and Hankow to check enemy movement along the railroad they never got near the those objectives, leaving the Japanese free to move troops along the rails to meet the other attacks.

Chinese Winter Offensive in Kwangtung

It was now when the debacle at Nanning became evident that the Chinese launched a major counterattack, part of a countrywide winter general offensive, making the transfer of reinforcements from Kwangtung to Kwanzi difficult. The goal was the capture of Chao-chow and Swatow and the main force was to clear the Japanese from the Canton-Kowloon Railway. In response the Japanese command halted the planned repatriation to Japan of the 106th Division in Central China and reassigned it to the 21st Army on December 29th.[2]

Upon being reinforced with the 54th Corps and 2nd Provincial Corps the forces of 4th War Area began its part of a general offensive in every War Area in China[1]. 12th Army Group attacked Pa-ching-kou [Pajiangkou], Liang-kou-hsu [Liangkou], Lutien, and Mei-kang [Meikang], its 64th Corps against the Japanese forces that had reached Wong-yuan [Longxian]. And the 54th Corps and 2nd Provincial Corps against advanced position on the railroad at Ying-teh [Yingde]. A portion of 35th Army Group attacked south toward Tseng-cheng [Zhencheng] and Tsung-hua [Conghua]. Additionally Gen. Hsiang Han-ping's forces attacked Lung-men [Longmen] in the west. {I think this last may be in error and Gen. Hsiang Han-ping's forces were to attack the Swatow area.}

After routing the Japanese force coming from Wong-yuan [Longxian] on Jan. 1st, the 54th Corps recaptured that town on the 2nd. Kuan-tu [Guandu] fell on the 4th and Chin-tang [Qingtang] on January 5th. The Japanese retreated to Shatien while 54th Corps advanced southwest to Fu-kang [Shijiao]. On January 3rd the 2nd Provisional Corps laid siege to Ying-teh and took it on the 5th. It then continued to advance to Lien-chiang-kou [Lianjiangkou] while Japanese remnants fled southwest and took Ching-yuan [Qingcheng] on the north bank of the Lien River, linking up with Japanese forces across the river to the south. Subsequently portions of 64th Corps and 2nd Provisional Corps recovered Ching-yuan [Qingcheng] on the 10th of January. Across the river the next day 14th Division of 54th Corps recovered Pa-ching-kou [Pajiangkou] and to the east Tsung-hua [Conghua] fell to the detachment of 35th Army Group. Yuan-tan [Yuantan] along the Canton Hankow Railway fell the following day. Ying-chan-ao [Yinzhan'ao] fell on the 16th of January.

The Main force of 35th Army Group moved along the west bank of the North River near Chiang-hsin [Zhaoqing?], and 54th Corps and a portion of 12th Army Group moved to take up positions at Heng-shih, Liang-kou-hsu, Lutien and Mei-keng. 4th War Area reported more than 10,300 enemy killed, 100 rifles and large amount of supplies captured.

---

Sources

[1] Hsu Long-hsuen and Chang Ming-kai, History of The Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) 2nd Ed., 1971. Translated by Wen Ha-hsiung, Chung Wu Publishing; 33, 140th Lane, Tung-hwa Street, Taipei, Taiwan Republic of China.

Page 294 Chinese orbat: Nanchang Campaign (Mid Feb. - Early May 1939)

Page 301 Chinese orbat: Sui - Tsaoyang Campaign (Late April, 1939)

Pg. 303-311 Chinese orbat: First Changsha Campaign (Early Aug. - Early Oct. 1939)

Page 319-334 Chinese Winter Offensive (Late Nov 1939 - Late March 1940) Map 19

Page 335 Chinese orbat: Tsaoyang-Yichang Campaign (Mid April 1940)

[2] IJA in China orbat, 1937 to 1945 http://www.china-defense.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1168

[3] Resistance and Revolution in China Tetsuya Kataoka UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS

http://content.cdlib.org:8088/xtf/view?docId=ft6v19p16j&chunk.id=d0e2216&doc.view=print See Map 1. Shows the positions of the Japanese forces at the end of 1939 when the Chinese began their offensive.

[4] From http://www.uglychinese.org/war.htm#Ichigo

from: 1939-40 Winter Campaign

[5]The Expedia find a map page: http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=mmfn is a great help in getting a good topo map to understand the situation and locate places named in the narrative.