NOVEL WEB Chapter 18: The Nikolayevsk Incident (Part 2)
December 1919
The Japanese military arrived at Nikolayevsk Port.
At the time, the Japanese settlement in Nikolayevsk Port was defended by the Japanese military, while the town as a whole was under the protection of the Russian White Army. Many of the Japanese residents were associated with the Shimada Trading Company, which operated businesses in the area. Even after the Japanese military arrived, the residents continued their usual work—gathering export goods, managing warehouses, and preparing for shipments as soon as the spring thaw melted the ice. Unlike the abundance of the 21st century, for these people, goods and work were synonymous with survival. Even though no attack had yet begun, they couldn't abandon their goods and flee.
Additionally, around 12,000 Russians lived in Nikolayevsk Port, and the White Army was responsible for their protection. However, after the collapse of the Kolchak regime in November 1919, the White Army's power rapidly declined.
"We are grateful for the Japanese military's assistance. We hope to work together to ensure the safety of the residents of Nikolayevsk," said Colonel Medvedev of the White Army, greeting the Japanese forces.
At the time, Japan had fought alongside Russia against Germany in the European War (World War I), and relations with the White Army were friendly. Although Japan maintained neutrality in the Russian Civil War, in towns with significant Japanese populations, they cooperated with the White Army for defense.
"Yes, Colonel Medvedev. Now that the Japanese military is here, you can rest assured. However, I see Chinese military ships are docked here as well," said Major General Arima, the commander of the dispatched division. Normally a colonel, he had been temporarily promoted to major general for this mission. His eldest son was a classmate of Takashiro Soryu at Gakushuin.
"Ah, the Chinese are trying to take advantage of our chaos to expand their control over Sakhalin. They were shelled by our forces in Khabarovsk and fled here to Nikolayevsk. We don't have the strength to drive them away, so we've allowed them to dock," Colonel Medvedev said with a hint of self-mockery. At the time, four Chinese military ships were anchored in Nikolayevsk Port.
"Is there no danger? Could they coordinate with the Red Army and attack us?"
"It's not impossible. But the Amur River is already filled with ice floes, and their small ships can't venture out to sea. We can't drive them away, and we can't launch a preemptive attack without provocation."
"You're right. We'll keep a close eye on their movements."
Japan had officially declared neutrality in the Russian Civil War, so they couldn't attack the Red Army unless provoked. Even if attacked, they were strictly instructed to limit their actions to defense. Major General Arima immediately ordered the construction of defensive positions, such as sandbag barriers at the town's entrance.
February 1920
"If we don't capture Nikolayevsk by March, we'll run out of food," said Yakov, the commander of the Red Army unit, as he discussed future plans with his deputy, Lapta, and his staff officer, Nina.
Yakov had been tasked with eliminating the White Army in the Sakhalin region. Originally leading a small unit, he had gradually taken control of villages in the area. Now, they were stationed in a larger house they had commandeered from the White Army near Nikolayevsk.
The White Army, which had effectively controlled the Sakhalin region, had been extracting supplies (looting) from the villages, leaving the residents initially welcoming of Yakov's Red Army. However, the Red Army also lacked supplies and viewed villages that had supported the White Army as enemy territory.
Yakov's forces seized the meager food supplies left in the villages, raped women, and mercilessly killed anyone who resisted. In the process, local bandits joined their ranks, swelling their numbers to 4,000.
Note: Historical records from the Soviet era confirm that Yakov was executed for crimes including looting, assault, and murder against Russian civilians.
"Nikolayevsk is defended by about 400 White Army soldiers and 300 Japanese troops. We could overwhelm them, but we'd take casualties. I'd prefer to avoid that," Yakov said.
"The White Army is barely capable of fighting. The real concern is the Japanese military," said Nina Repedeva Kashiko, the lone woman in the Red Army unit. Although the Red Army generally avoided conflict with the Japanese, they couldn't attack the White Army without engaging the Japanese as well. However, if they could eliminate the 300 Japanese soldiers, they could justify their actions later.
"First, we'll call for the White Army to surrender, guaranteeing their lives and property. We'll also propose that the Japanese military continue protecting the Japanese residents. If we make it clear we don't intend to fight the Japanese, they might agree. Once we're inside Nikolayevsk... well, you know the rest," Nina said with a sly smile.
The Red Army's demands to the White Army and Japanese forces were as follows:
The White Army must hand over their weapons and equipment to the Japanese military.
Military and civilian leaders must remain in place until the Red Army enters the city.
The Red Army will not commit acts of terror against the residents of Nikolayevsk. Property and personal safety will be guaranteed.
The Japanese military will be responsible for the city's defense until the Red Army enters. Afterward, they will continue protecting the Japanese residents.
"Nina, you're a genius. This is perfect. They'll have no choice but to accept," Yakov said with a sinister grin. Around him lay the bodies of several village girls who had been raped and killed.
February 23, 1920
"The Red Army has made these demands. Colonel Medvedev, what do you think?" Major General Arima handed the Red Army's demands to Colonel Medvedev.
"They won't keep their promises. Once they're in the city, they'll stab us in the back. They're the Red Army, after all," Medvedev replied.
"I agree. Our reconnaissance units have reported horrifying things from nearby villages. They're not an army—they're bandits and thugs," Arima said.
The decision was made to ignore the Red Army's demands entirely.
"The Japanese bastards have decided to ignore us. And we were told they only had 300 to 400 soldiers, but there are two cruisers and about 3,000 ground troops. We can't take them like this," Yakov said.
"But we're out of food too. We have no choice but to seize the town and take what we need to survive the winter. Half our forces are bandits who joined along the way. If they die, it's no great loss, and it'll free up some food. The Japanese are a regular army—they'll consider surrender after losing 30% of their forces. If we keep saying we won't attack the Japanese district and guarantee their lives, they might agree to a truce," Nina said.
And so, the clash between the Red Army partisans and the Japanese military began.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T/N: If you like it please vote with power stone please. More stones equals faster release.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N:Thank you for reading Chapter 18!
What will happen in the clash with the Red Army?
I'm working hard to bring this story to a satisfying conclusion. If you found it interesting and want to read more, please bookmark or rate the story! If you didn't enjoy it, feel free to leave a "★☆☆☆☆" rating—I'll use your feedback to improve!
Your comments and critiques are always welcome, whether it's about the pacing, clarity, or originality. I'm also curious if readers less familiar with history are enjoying the story. Your feedback helps me write better!