Capítulo 47: chapter 47 Military maneuvers in foreign places
Peking, July 19, 1937
TO: Conseil supérieur de la guerre (French Supreme War Council)
FROM: Military Attaché Legacy of Beijing China
Re: Outbreak of hostilities between Imperial Japan and the Republic of China
Section 4: Military weapons.
The most surprising part of the ongoing battles around Beijing is the use of Swedish-designed assault guns. During the initial attack on Wanping, it was the AG that triumphed, knocking down several preaches on the old city walls while providing covering fire for the infantry. This was also true during the Marco Polo Bridge attack.
Despite the heroic and fierce resistance of the Chinese 29th Route Army, the AG secured an almost complete victory for the Japanese. Mainly because the Chinese troops had little to no response to the AG's armored protection, having only a handful of artillery pieces that could be aimed at the enemy. To do this, they resorted to improvised weapons and mines, which they managed to use with good results on a couple of occasions but only in specific defensive actions.
After observing GAs in action, it should be noted that they are particularly fearsome when used in the open field. Its ability to reduce bunkers and fortifications with direct fire is decisive in an assault. Only if the defending forces are equipped with anti-armor weaponry will they have a chance. Even in urban combat they remain effective, managing to destroy barricades and destroy buildings that defenders use as cover, especially along major roads or railways.
My strongest recommendation is that a commission conduct a study on the effectiveness of our concrete bunkers against 75mm guns. As has already been made clear, any civilian building or makeshift cover will offer no defense against these GAs.
While it may be too early to tell, I believe recent actions have confirmed the concept of infantry only advancing with the help of armor. Therefore, in my opinion, the current strategy of assigning armored units as integral parts of mobile infantry divisions is still correct.
Sincerely,
Colonel Dubois
Beijing Legation, China
Peking July 27, 1937
TO: Conseil supérieur de la guerre (French Supreme War Council)
FROM: Military Attaché Legacy of Beijing China
Re: Outbreak of hostilities between Imperial Japan and the Republic of China
Section 4: Military Armaments, first addendum.
Since my report of July 19, two additional pieces of information have come to light.
First, at the conclusion of the battle for Peking, the victorious officers of the Imperial Japanese Army cordially invited me to dinner. During our post-lunch discussion, we delved into the topic of new assault weapons. One of the junior officers let it slip that they are doubling production of the AG from 40 to 80 a month, showing that the IJA places a high value on these new weapons.
During said discussion we also discussed its effectiveness against forces better equipped than the Chinese army, the Soviets say. Colonel Amano (2nd Assault Gun Battalion) opined that in such circumstances the Assault Guns would be better off starting in defensive positions. But that on the open plains of northern Manchuria, the lack of a turret would be minimized compared to a more populated environment.
That said, all AG Battalion officers agreed that as long as the Chinese did not possess adequate anti-armor units, the IJA and its Battalion would have a huge tactical advantage.
Two, yesterday morning a Chinese cavalry division belonging to General Ma Bufang's army attempted to raid several villages along the Mongolian border. These were repelled by a single AG platoon that supported an infantry battalion that garrisoned said villages. Once again, the fact that the AG could act with impunity against Chinese forces was the turning point. Worse for the Chinese cavalry was that AG's platoon was able to keep up with their retreat, forcing large numbers to surrender to the IJA.
At this point I would like to reiterate the fact that the German Army now has a battalion of their version of the assault gun attached to each infantry division. Which leads me to the conclusion that allowing our infantry to engage them in battle without tanks and anti-tank guns of their own is such gross negligence that it borders on treason.
Sincerely,
Colonel Dubois
Beijing Legation, China
New York Times
Madrid July 30, 1937
It is sad to say that yesterday the republican dream of a democratic and free Spain died. At noon, the remaining forces operating in Asturias in the north surrendered to the nationalist forces.
Cut off reinforcements or withdrawal by the battleship Jamie I of the Nationalist Navy, which had been bombarding Republican positions since the start of the campaign last April. This, in combination with the continued attacks by the Nationalist Air Force, made the situation untenable for the Republicans.
This four-month campaign has cost the Republican Government the industrial heart of Bilbao, two hundred thousand troops and a destroyer. In this reporter's opinion, it is no longer feasible for the republican forces to overcome the nationalist side, without greater intervention from an external power.
The situation has become especially dire after the Soviet Union ended its support for the Spanish Cause last month. Front-line Republican forces are already feeling the lack of supplies and material. Medical and ammunition reserves are said to be especially low. With only the eastern coastal lands remaining under Republican control, they no longer possess the means to continue the fight.
You can already hear nationalist propaganda predicting that the conflict will end no later than Christmas. And, unlike usual, this time it would be a mistake to dismiss these dire predictions.
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