Kangzhan: Guide to Chinese Ground Forces 1937–45

Unparalleled source of information on a little examined topic. The narrative is crisp, editing top notch (only one small typo in almost 600 pages), photographs are plentiful and tables detailing weapons performance, distribution and personnel authorizations for specific units are informative. Only in the areas of maps does the book fall short by providing merely three of them.Ness begins with a concise but informative history of the Sino-Japanese and Kuomintang versus Communist wars - both of which occurred near simultaneously. He also sheds much needed light in that same section on coercion of the warlords from 1928 through 1945 by the Nationalist Chinese central government. I was very impressed to find both Japanese and Chinese sources used for the former, as evidenced by Ness examining both versions of the same battle to arrive at a balanced and objective conclusion. The Chinese, perhaps surprisingly so to readers and certainly to their Japanese opponents, performed exceptionally well on numerous occasions. By the 1944 - 45 time period, the Chinese Nationalists with the assistance of American tactical airpower consistently defeated the Imperial Japanese Army.In terms of specific chapters focusing on the various campaigns, the book covers the following: The War in China, Coalition Warfare - Burma, and Guerrilla Warfare.In addition to the campaign narratives, the author provides a detailed evaluation of foreign advisory assistance, National Chinese weapons procurement, evolving methods of training and organizing Chinese forces, as well as technical evaluations of the tanks, artillery, machineguns, mortars, and rifles used by the Chinese military.While the book is devoted primarily to the National Chinese forces, it also has a chapter on the Communist Chinese.There are few subjects in which one book stands out head and shoulders above all other accounts - but KANGZHAN falls into this singular category by virtue of its superlative quality and the unparalleled depth of coverage it offers on an unappreciated allied power. Very glad I added this to my WW2 library.

Do you know how hard it is to find detailed information about the Chinese Army during World War II? This book is a dream!

This book is an impressive compendium of the organization and equipment of the Chinese armies from 1910 onwards. This period includes the central government, warlord Manchurian and Communist armies. As one would expect, most of the book is devoted to the period following the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War in 1937. Here, the changes in organization and equipment are coupled to useful expositions of the major developments of the war, and references to the military relations between the Nationalist Government and the American forces headed by General Stilwell. The book is replete with orders of battle, tables of organization and equipment (TO&E), as well as minute details of the firearms procured or manufactured locally for the various Chinese forces. The details of the arms cover everything from pistols to coastal artillery. The author's style is on the dry side, but not without comments showing a dry humor. This volume is not for the general reader, but it is probably indispensable for anyone with some knowledge and interest in modern Chinese military history.

Pay no attention to the “star” rating I gave this book. For those wanting a painstakingly researched, prodigious, reference work, five stars are not enough. For the ones wanting an enjoyable, easy read one star is entirely too many. That being said, this work is published on high quality, “slick” paper that is all too scarce in today’s world. It begins with a condensed history of the Sino-Japanese aspect of WWII. Then follows a detailed description of the multitude of organizations of the multitude of armies allegedly on the Nationalist side. Next, a detailed listing and fairly good description of the host of different weapons used. These accounts are somewhat confusing, but then, the Nationalist ground forces were somewhat confusing. No coverage is attempted of tactics. Disappointingly little evaluation of the organizations and weaponry is offered.This book contains a wealth of pictures…good pictures not commonly available. It is without peer in this subject area, but it will not be suitable for everyone.

Dry reading but a comprehensive review of the subject matter. If this is what you are interested in, or if you need more information of this niche subject this is the book to read.Some very minor typos

Good English introduction for the KMT army during Sino-Japanese War. Including detailed information about Order of Battle, weapons and overall summary of Sino-Japanese War. Highly recommended for whom have interest with Chinese military history.

Impossible to praise this work too highly. Impossible to over state its importance for the subject matter. Ness is well organized and complete. We students of history have nothing in this subject to compare Kangzhan with. A great service to those interested in a little known or studied subject.

Book is the best source on the subject, without a doubt. For some reaon pistols are not covered but otherwise top shelf.

To say I am impressed is an understatement. The hours of work in archives and with documents to produce this would be remarkable in a lifetime. If you are interested in the CBI then it’s not a must have, it’s a have to have. I take my hat off to the authors. Respect. Changes my view of China in the period and the conflict with Japan. An important work with no rivals in English (or any other language).

Finally a work that the market has been crying out for. This is a comprehensive history of the Chinese Army in the most challenging and critical period of its history.The level of detail is what this subject has been crying out for. Without the hyperbole of several Chinese Nationalist historians (who disparage both British and American contributions to the victory), it gives a balanced commentary on the conflict with a level of organisational details I have been looking for since....God knows when. I could not be more impressed if it came with a date with Beyonce and a lifetime supply of Jim Beam! This is a reference work you will keep.

Libro muy interesante y completo sobre el ejercito chino durante su enfrentamiento con Japón. Se divide en dos partes, una que refleja como se desarrolla el conflicto y la otra de mayor extensión sobre le armamento utilizado. Esta última es la más interesante pues en casi ningún libro sobre el conflicto chino-japones encontrarás esta información, además recoge cada una de las armas usadas por el ejercito chino.. Para los aficionados a las armas es indispensable; en alún aspecto recuerda a nuestra guerra civil por la variedad e armas utilizadas.Lo recomiendo.

For those interested in the chinese theater of WW2, this book is a must have.

Detailed and interesting book well supported by pictures. great weapons overview and well as description of the campaign between china and japan to provide context