Other Forces

Bandit Weapons

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Weapons_of_Manchurian_bandits.JPG

Bandits in Manchukuo were relatively common. Even before the creation of this sattelite country of Japan, the Kuomintang gouvernment had relatively little influence in this area. Some of the Bandits did their doing as a real profession, others did it out of needs when the harvest was bad for example. Some even joined the ranks of warlord armies or the Kuomintang army. After the Japanese gains and establishment of Manchukuo, many of those former bandit,s who were now soldiers, deserted and followed their old profession again. Repeated bandit attacks, robberis, kidnappings and similar crimes led the Japanese and the Manchukuo gouverment to start a large scale fight against the bandits to pacify the area. They were very successful, as they could use planes, tanks and other heavy weaponry. The bandits could nevertheless be dangerous to the Japanese as well. The garrison of Newchwangchen for example was encircled and besieged by bandits. Later bandits were very welcome in the Volunteer Armies fighting against the Japanese army and the State of Manchukuo. Interesting to know, during the Russo-Japanese War, the bandits were cooperating with the Japanese, providing reconaissance and guarding duties. In the picture are some bandit weapons, probably confiscated. ---------------------------- Evillittlekenny