Nomonhan/Khalkhin Gol photos

[sjashford]

With regard to the exchange of prisoners, and their condition, I would point out that whilst combat had effectively finished before the 1 Sep, there was no exchange until 27/28 Sep, and this was only when the Japanese handed back their prisoners, 87, and the Soviets released a like number.
I cannot help but suspect that in the light of the overwhelming victory of the Soviets, they were determined to make a point and returned the POWs in the best possible condition.
Remember that the Soviets had deployed a field press unit to the theatre and they are prominent in the photos of the later stage of the actions and negotiations. Good propaganda for the home front, and internationally, to give the image of being the magnanimous victor, especially after such a "magnificent" victory (cannot help remembering the obfuscation over Soviet casualty figures!).
Oh and further returns of Japanese POWs occurred in the spring of 1940!
See Nomonhan ,Coox Cahpter 39, the Price.

[Borianm]

Dug in,awaiting the Soviets.

Second photo shows pistol of some sort?

It is Mauser C96 post-WWI production with shorter 99-mm barrel in 7.63, sometimes called "bolo". There could be three sources from wich the Japaneese soldier recieved the gun:
1. Japan itself purchased small amount of C96s so it could by his standart issue (less possible)
2. Captured in China where diferent modifications of C96 were very widespread. (more possible)
3. Captured exactly in Nomonhan/Khalkhin Gol - Soviet Russia purchased large amount of exactly this model in early 20-s before beginin of producing TT and it was very popular among soviet officers and comissars.

[Borianm]

Oops sorry about the duplication above.
Now, inside the Museum, some shots of a Maxim MG.

This Maxim MG is exactly post Winter War production because the cooling casing cam be filled not only by water but also by snow, this sistem firstly were implemented by Finns in their M32/33 and after Winter War copied by Soviets in Maxim M1910/40.

[sjashford]

Borianm,
I must admit I had not noticed, or to be honest, thought about the Maxim. I bow to your detailed knowledge - clearly the gun must be post Khalkin Gol, althogh there can be no doubt that the arlier model was extensively used during the actions.

However, back to the battlefield, from Halh Gol, we moved south, south east, moving across the battlefield of 3/4 Jul towaeds the heights of Bain Tsagan, with the monument to 11 Tank Brigade, known as the Yakovlev Monument, in memory of the Brigade Commander, who led his brigade into the attack straight from the column of march, which,was, certainly during the Cold War, to become a standard soviet manouevre.
The significant element of the Monument is a very apt BT5, in surprisingly good condition.

[sjashford]

More BT5

[sjashford]

And again BT5

[sjashford]

A final shot of the BT5, and a couple of the battleground, south of the Monument.

The Monument, and the BT5 are in excellent condition, possibly because, as we arrived, a platoon of russian troops were just about to leave having been in the area, restoring the numerous monuments, and the Museum at Sumber

[Peter H]

From ebay,seller akiba0711

Captured Soviet tank

[Peter H]

Same source.

Soviet 45-mm anti-tank model 1937 guns?

[Peter H]

Same source.

More Soviet weaponary on display?

[AVV]

Hello, Peter!

More Soviet weaponary on display?

The second photo shows Soviet 76.2 mm. field gun M1902/30 with lengthened (40-caliber) barrel.

Best regards, Aleks

[Peter H]

Thanks Aleks.

Peter

[Peter H]

From Life Magazine Aug 21 1939.

Captured Soviet pilots,hospitalised at Hailar.

[Peter H]

Life Magazine Aug 7 1939

[Peter H]

From ebay,seller eby071.

In light of the events in Manchuria in 1939,35th Anniversary Commerative of the Battle of Mukden released in February 1940.