HARBIN SUPRISE   August 12th, 1945 - 

For four years the Japanese and Russians had adhered to the Non-Agression Pact 
that was signed by the two nations. But on August 8th the Russian Army began 
its long awaited offensive against Japan. Remembering their bitter defeat in 
the 1905 Russo-Japanese War, the Russian Army was eager for some revenge. 
Facing the Soviet 2nd Far East Front was the hollow remains of the Japanese 
Kwantung Army. Stripped of most of their heavy equipment, they could do little 
to halt the Russian advance. By August 12th, the Russian 15th Army had reached 
the outskirts of Harbin. Here the Japanese made a stand. Until now the 
Russians had never encountered the fanatical defense of Japanese suicide 
troops. To the shock and surprise of the lead tanks, Japanese infantry began 
to assault their T-34's with pole mines and fused artillery shells. It would 
be a long day for the Russians.

