The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia
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Anyang (114.35E
36.10N) was originally founded as Shang, capital of an
ancient regional power as early as the 17th century B.C. Coal
was mined in the nearby Liuhokow fields starting in 1900.
Though just 3%
of China's coal
reserves were located in Honan
province, by 1941 the mines were relatively well developed and
accounted for
much of China's
coal production (560,000 tons per year.) The coal was of
coking quality, making it of particular
importance to the Japanese,
whose 14 Division seized Anyang on 20
October 1937 after it was abandoned by 20 Army
Group.
The city and mines remained in Japanese hands until after the surrender. However, the airfield and rail repair depot was raided by Mustangs of 312 Fighter Wing between November 1944 and February 1945.
References
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