Typical Japanese tanks of the 1939 era:
Type 89 Chi Ro medium tank:
Type 95 Ha Go light tank:
Typical Japanese tanks of the 1939 era:
Type 89 Chi Ro medium tank:
Type 95 Ha Go light tank:
"The Type 97 Medium Tank first saw action against the Soviet Union in the Nomonhan Incident of July 1939.
"The 3rd Tank Regiment of Yasuoka Detachment had already received new Type 97 medium tanks as substitutes for existing Type 89 medium tanks, but the Regiment had replaced only four (including the regimental commander's vehicle) by time the Incident occurred. During fierce fighting against the Russians, the regimental commander's vehicle received a hit and Colonel Yoshimaru was killed.
"This was a grave warning that the Type 97 medium tank had not been designed with regard to tank fighting. However, Japan entered World War II before sufficient countermeasures were considered."
