What Japanese/Manchukuo units defended Harbin in 1945?

[mihu]

Can anyone provide me with information on what Japanese and Manchukuoan units were defending the city of Harbin during the Soviet invasion in 1945? I am interested in all types of Japanese/Manchukuo units that may have been involved: infantry, cavalry, artillery, armour, river vessels, etc.

[Akira Takizawa]

- IJA
4th Army
　10th Independent Field Gun Battalion
　17th Mortar Battalion
　30th Independent AT Gun Battalion
　42nd Telegraph Regiment
　29th Independent Engineer Regiment

　149th Division
　131st Independent Mixed Brigade

- Manchukuo Army
4th Army District
　22nd Infantry Regiment Depot
　25th Infantry Regiment Depot
　Cavalry Regiment Depot
　4th Signal Unit
　4th Motorcar Unit
　4th Artillery Battalion
　4th Engineer Unit
　4th Transport Unit

3rd Flying Unit depot
River Army (江上軍)

Taki

[mihu]

Thank you Taki. Is there an estimate of the numerical strength of these units, even if only an overall total?

[Akira Takizawa]

149th Division had approx. 16,000 men and 131st Independent Mixed Brigade had approx. 5,600 men. They were formed shortly before the Soviet invasion. So, they were very poor units. It is said that 149th Division did not have any artillery.

As for Manchukuo Army, there were only rear units at Harbin, because main forces went to the front. So, they were few strengths.

Taki

[mihu]

@Akira Takizawa Thank you for your help.