



Battle of Suixian-Zaoyang

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseNear the end of Apr 1939, three Japanese divisions with 100,000 men under the command of General Yasuji Okamura launched simultaneous attacks on the cities of Suizhou and Zaoyang, both transportation choke points in the Hubei Province. The two cities were defended by troops of the Chinese 5th War Area under the command of General Li Zongren. After a series of engagements, Chinese troops fell back beginning on 7 May 1939, losing both Suizhou and Zaoyang on the same day. On 8 May, Japanese troops pushed further south, but was met by a counterattack by the 31st Army Group of the 5th War Area and the 2nd Army Group of the 1st War Area. On 15 May, Japanese troops began to retreat after intense fighting. Chinese troops took back Zaoyang on 19 May and Suixian on 23 May. Both sides suffered considerable casualties, 9,000 for the Chinese and 13,000 for the Japanese.

ww2dbaseThis battle was later named the Battle of Suixian-Zaoyang. It was sometimes shortened to Battle of Suizao.

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia.

Last Major Update: May 2007

Battle of Suixian-Zaoyang Timeline

7 May 1939 Japanese troops captured Suizhou and Zaoyang in Hubei Province, China. 8 May 1939 The Japanese advance in Hubei Province, China was briefly halted by a counterattack conducted by 31st Army Group of the Chinese 5th War Area and the 2nd Army Group of the Chinese 1st War Area. 15 May 1939 Japanese troops in Hubei Province, China began to falter from the Chinese counteroffensive which began a week prior. 19 May 1939 Chinese troops captured Zaoyang, Hubei Province, China. 23 May 1939 Chinese troops captured Suixian, Hubei Province, China.

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