Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 269: Reactions from all parties; If the bait is too small, you won’t be able to catch any big fish! (Subscribe)

"Report, the battle is over. The assault battalion ended the battle too quickly. The regiment commander said that our Seventh Regiment did not help in the battle."

"Order Captain Guo to march north quickly to Ruyuekou to garrison and prepare to fight against the Japanese Kwantung Army."

"Yes!"

Although Chu Yunfei could not see the direction of Ru Yuekou on the three-dimensional combat map.

However, the 3rd and 4th Mixed Brigades stationed in the Datong area should not be idle either.

"Sir, do you want to report this to Commander Yan?"

Chu Yunfei shook his head: "What's the situation in the direction of Shahe Town?"

“No news yet”

Shahe Town is located to the east of Fanshi County.

The roads here are critical.

To cut off the enemy's transportation, it is naturally not just necessary to cut off the Japanese army's Nantongpu railway line.

The highway lines must naturally be completely destroyed.

The number of troops stationed in the direction of Shahe Town is not large.

But this group of Japanese devils built solid field fortifications on the banks of the Hutuo River.

The place called Shahe Town.

It got its name because it is located on the bank of the Hutuo River and has more sand than rocks.

Logically speaking, the fortifications built should not be very solid.

But these little Japanese devils are really not human beings.

The houses, ancestral halls, and even ancestral graves of the common people were completely emptied.

Some building materials were collected to strengthen their fortifications.

Very disgusting.

Although Zhou Daxing is brave, he is not a tough guy.

He immediately ordered the second battalion commander under his command to lead the combat troops of two companies to encircle the enemy.

He led a battalion to continue the attack to tie down the Japanese army.

The 9th Infantry Regiment had only been established for less than a month and a half.

There are only six infantry companies in total, and they are not yet fully staffed.

The quality of the soldiers was relatively poor, and this was also the first battle for most of them.

Poor performance is normal.

Inside the Wutai Command Center.

Chu Yunfei then issued a new combat order: "Send a telegram to Pang Junming, follow the original combat plan, and move towards Pingxingguan and Tuanchengkou, and prepare to close the gate and fight the dog."

"Yes!"

"Send a telegram to the Deputy Chief of Staff of the 18th Army, General Guo Xianmin, in the Jin-Cha-Ji base area, asking them to assist our army in the battle. They should immediately send a strong force to cut off the enemy's transportation in the near future. Harass the Japanese support troops to buy time for our army's follow-up operations."

"Yes!"

Second World War Commander Headquarters.

Four or five counties and towns were lost in succession.

That night, Yan Laoxi finally received good news.

"Commander Yan, according to the latest telegram from Chu Yunfei's unit, as of this afternoon, the Japanese and puppet troops in Fanshi County and Shahe Town have been annihilated by Chu Yunfei's unit, and they are currently following the new combat plan and waiting for an opportunity to annihilate the Japanese support forces.

This is the initial battle plan.”

Yan Laoxi waved his hand and turned around to signal: "Director Liu, have you checked everything I asked you to check last time?"

"Commander Yan, there is absolutely no possibility of leaking secrets. All the confidential staff in our confidential room, including me, have never left the confidential room, and there is no possibility that no information was passed on."

Yan Laoxi waved his hand and Liu Tao turned and left.

Chu Xichun, who was standing by, also stood up from the sand table. Sun Cuiya followed him and said, "Commander Yan, do you want to report the latest situation to the headquarters?"

"What's the situation in Changzhi?"

"Both the attackers and defenders suffered heavy casualties, but the Japanese army has not yet been able to break through the first line of defense."

When Yan Laoxi heard about the heavy casualties, he was still a little worried.

But think about the Japanese army couldn't even break through the first line of defense.

So I just felt relieved.

"Send a telegram to Wuhan to report the results of the day's battle, hoping to receive strong support from the headquarters and our national rear."

"Yes!"

Wuhan.

Chiang Kai-shek was not in a good mood.

The operation to encircle and annihilate the Sixth Division commanded by Bai Jiansheng was basically declared a failure.

This can be seen from Bai Jiansheng’s secret telegram to Chiang Kai-shek.

Bai Jiansheng was not optimistic about the command's defensive strategy.

The content of the secret telegram of September 6 is as follows.

【It has only been a week since the Guangji Battle, but the officers and soldiers at the front have suffered heavy casualties. Moreover, under the threat of enemy artillery and air, despite great efforts, the position could not be defended. The equipment of the enemy and us is very different, and staying in the air without power is not a good strategy. If the troops are weak, they will not be able to form an army for three or two days. This is because the tactics are ineffective and will only be difficult. The job is to be at the front and think deeply about the strategy to deal with the enemy. The only way is to stimulate the situation and seek opportunities to attack from the side and back of the enemy, rather than just defending with one mind. In this way, you can maintain useful strength and gain freedom of operation. If you do not change the tactics, not only will it be difficult to win, but it may also be difficult to sustain. 】

And as Bai Jiansheng's counterattack order was issued.

The attack on the 6th Division made little progress and resulted in heavy losses.

Prior to this, the Japanese army successively attacked Bijia Mountain, Pofengkou and Fenghuang Mountain.

The new 68th Army retreated to Tuanshan River and Sheyao Mountain.

The 176th Army and the th Division fought repeatedly with the Japanese army on the Tarzhai line, killing many enemies and suffering heavy casualties, and finally the position fell into the hands of the enemy.

The main force of the Japanese 6th Division launched a cone-shaped assault in the direction of Guangji. Li Pinxian simply took advantage of the situation and prepared to attack from both wings.

This time, the two-wing attack was carried out from the perspective of tactical choices.

In fact, there is no problem with it, and it can even be said to be a very correct tactical decision.

But there is a gap between the two sides in terms of troop quality and hard power.

No matter how correct the tactics are, they will not be able to play the role they should on the battlefield.

Judging from the numbers, the Chinese army defending the Guangji area had a large number of troops.

But in fact, their equipment and training were far inferior to those of the Japanese army.

It looks like it has the strength of five armies.

But in reality, due to too many injuries and combat casualties, the combat force does not have an absolute advantage.

Despite fighting hard, they were only able to contain the Japanese army in the Guangji area.

In terms of combat guidance, the theater and Bai Jiansheng repeatedly organized and emphasized flanking attacks and counterattacks.

But in essence, such a combat order is contrary to the defensive warfare strategy formulated by the command.

To ensure the completion of the orders from Bai Jiansheng.

The troops used for flanking attacks are all part of each unit, and the main force is fixed on the position.

This resulted in excessive consumption of energy and inability to hold the position.

It would be a bit unfair if the failure of this battle was entirely due to Bai Jiansheng's improper command.

After all, the command’s established strategy is here.

General Liu Fei, who was standing by, sorted out the relevant telegrams and reported: "As of today, the 84st Division of the 176th Army has suffered one-half casualties, the th Division has suffered one-third casualties, and the new th Army has only to people left in each regiment, totaling less than a thousand people. The original personnel of the unit were insufficient, and malaria was prevalent, so one-third of the soldiers were sick.

More than a quarter of the 84th Army's soldiers are sick. Although the enemy cannot penetrate deeply, the combat troops of the two armies are not enough to maintain the front line. "

Chang Kai-shen frowned slightly: "Order the troops in the Guangji direction to continue to shrink the defense line."

"Yes!"

That's the time.

Lin Wei walked over quickly, holding a telegram from the Second War Zone in his hand: "Chairman, a telegram from the Second War Zone, Chu Yunfei led his troops to capture Fanshi County and attack Shahe Town. Today, three to four hundred enemies were killed, and they are currently destroying the Japanese army's highway supply lines overnight."

"Ok?"

Chiang Kai-shek raised his eyebrows, and Liu Fei on the side signaled the combat staff not far away to quickly fetch a military map of the Second War Zone.

"Shouldn't they be in Changzhi area to fight a decisive battle with the main force of the Japanese army? Why are they in Wutai area?"

Chiang Kai-shek hated the feeling that things were beyond his control.

As a commander with "prominent reputation" and "command ability".

He really doesn't like it when his subordinates go against his strategy.

"It is understood that this is an alternative operational plan for the Second War Zone, and it was not reported to the High Command due to the possibility of leaks."

"I remember sending a telegram to Yun Fei before?"

Lin Wei nodded silently: "Yes."

"How did he reply?"

"I have received the telegram and will proceed with it." Lin Wei hesitated and said in a low voice.

Liu Fei quickly marked the specific combat positions of the Japanese troops on the map.

Before Chiang Kai-shek lost his temper, he introduced him, "Chairman, please look."

"At present, the Japanese 114th Division and the 108th Division have launched an all-out attack on Changzhi, Licheng, and Shexian areas.

In the Nantongpu railway line area, the Japanese 20th Division had already engaged in battle with the Sixth Army and the Fourteenth Army.

The northern Shanxi region has actually become a de facto military-deficient region.”

Liu Fei said confidently: "Yun Fei probably guessed that the Japanese army was playing the empty city trick, so he took the risk and led his troops to advance into the Wutai Mountain area."

Chang Kai-shen snorted coldly, "I told Yun Fei a long time ago not to cherish those bottles and jars. They are just a few industrial equipment, and the output of the explosives factory is not that much. Why is he taking such a risk to advance into northern Shanxi to fight?"

Chiang Kai-shek knew it clearly.

The reason why Chu Yunfei took such a risky step to advance into northern Shanxi to fight.

The fundamental purpose is to protect southeastern Shanxi.

Chiang Kai-shek hoped that he would not take any risks, fight normally, and retreat to the Zhongtiao Mountain area.

He is responsible for providing logistical supplies.

But Chu Yunfei obviously didn't do that.

If it were someone else.

Chiang Kai-shek might even doubt whether he wants to maintain his independence.
But this person is Chu Yunfei. Chiang Kai-shek will only think that Chu Yunfei is unwilling to give up his newly started business in southeastern Shanxi.

"If something goes wrong, the strategic situation in the entire Shanxi region will inevitably deteriorate further."

"Chairman, Yun Fei may be worried about the Japanese army's persecution of the people in southeastern Shanxi. After all, the 114th Division that attacked southeastern Shanxi was..."

"Women's kindness." Chiang Kai-shek snorted coldly: "Sacrificing tens of thousands of civilians to preserve the strength of the troops is the best policy."

"The army's strength has been preserved. These places will be recovered sooner or later. The Japanese army will not dare to act rashly, fearing that our army will retaliate."

"If his risky actions lead to the loss of the main force of his army, or if they suffer heavy losses, even if the southeastern region of Shanxi is preserved, the people of southeastern Shanxi will not be able to transform into combat power in a short period of time."

Liu Fei remained silent, with a flash of horror in his eyes.

Lin Wei hesitated to speak.

Chiang Kai-shek also felt that what he said was a bit too much.

He sighed slightly, paced back and forth for a while, and then added: "Yun Fei has always been arrogant, so he naturally won't take the Japanese Army's newly formed 37th Division seriously.

But after all, they were Japanese troops, and their numbers were relatively early, so the specific situation was not clear.

Send a telegram to Yun Fei in my name, asking him to be extremely careful and to preserve his strength."

"Yes, Chairman..." Lin Wei nodded and turned to work.

Wutai.

Chu Yunfei Command Center.

Even though it was already two o'clock in the morning.

He was still processing telegrams quickly under the dim light of the kerosene lamp.

Some of these telegrams came from the headquarters of the commander-in-chief of the Second War Zone.

Some were telegrams sent by Zeng Wanzhong's troops of the 35th Corps.

In addition, there were telegrams from Wu Shimin's 69th Army, as well as the Eastern and Southern Armies.

Fang Ligong and others were not around.

There is only one Sun Ming who can help deal with it.

Although Sun Ming is a versatile person.

But there is nothing particularly outstanding.

As a combat staff officer.

In fact, Sun Ming cannot be considered completely qualified. His ability in this area is slightly worse than Zhang Dayun.

"Commander Chu, this is a telegram from the Eighth Route Army's Jin-Cha-Ji base area."

"Why did you call me back so late?"

"It's probably because their confidential staff is not up to standard. A similar situation occurred in the 386th Brigade during the previous Battle of Yuanping."

Chu Yunfei frowned slightly, glanced at it and put it aside: "At present, our combat progress is still fast, and the Japanese army has no way to free up their hands to fight us. As for their so-called newly formed 37th Division, the actual combat strength is only more than 10,000 people. It does not have the ability to annihilate or even severely damage our army."

Sun Ming nodded, and then said: "Sir, you should take a rest first..."

The artillery guidance skills during the day consumed some of his physical strength and energy.

In order to better command the battle, Chu Yunfei accepted the advice and lay on the camp bed.

Six hours passed quickly.

It was just dawn.

Japanese reinforcements from Yuanping and Gangxian attacked Chen Zejun's troops.

The 7th Infantry Regiment had a strength of nearly 5,000 men and was equipped with a large number of light and heavy machine guns and mortars.

It was quite easy to fight against the Japanese vanguard cavalry units.

After fighting two small ambushes, they successfully annihilated a number of Japanese cavalry.

As a large number of Japanese troops arrived.

Chu Yunfei soon received a telegram from Guo Yanzheng.

The Japanese Army's 4th Mixed Brigade from Datong is advancing towards Ruyuekou, and small-scale exchanges of fire have already taken place.

The entire northern Shanxi region quickly became a mess with the Japanese army's quick response.

The Japanese troops stationed in Lingqiu, Laiyuan, Weixian, Yangyuan and other places also soon received relevant support orders.

They quickly drew on local garrison troops to form a westward support force of about 1,600 people.

Advance quickly towards Fanzhisi.

The battle was proceeding in the direction Chu Yunfei had expected.

That afternoon.

Chu Yunfei received reports from various departments at the command center.

The 4th Infantry Regiment has not yet come into contact with the Japanese army.

The 6th Infantry Regiment was commanded by Luo Weiguo himself, and was mainly responsible for guarding against Japanese reinforcements from the direction of Dai County.

Only minor battles have taken place so far, with thirty casualties.

The 7th Infantry Regiment suffered 830 casualties, including the loss of 470 officers and soldiers.

The 8th Infantry Regiment suffered 480 casualties and 300 sacrifices.

The 9th Infantry Regiment is currently advancing towards Ru Yuekou to provide support and has not yet participated in the battle.

"Order the 7th Infantry Regiment Chen Zejun's unit to be placed under Luo Weiguo's command, and both sides will fight together."

"Yes!"

Sun Ming walked quickly to draft a telegram.

As for Wu Ziqiang, he was a little puzzled: "Sir, if we unite our forces together, won't the target be too big?"

"If the bait is too small, you won't catch any big fish."

Chu Yunfei touched his chin.

With the continuous testing and adjustment of deployment by both sides.

Chu Yunfei was also rapidly changing his combat strategy.

Changes to intended combat objectives.

But no matter what, the Nantongpu Railway was interrupted due to the fighting.

The 20th Division and the 114th Division, which are currently fighting in southern Shanxi, can only rely on supplies stored in Taiyuan City.

As for the 114th Division, it was in a worse situation than the 20th Division.

Their supply efficiency is even lower.

The Japanese army needed to use a large number of mules and horses to bypass Xiyang to the east along the Zhengtai railway line and then resupply.

during this process.

Not only did we have to guard against attacks from the Nationalist Army, but we also had to be careful of the Shanxi Anti-Japanese National Salvation Army and the Eighth Route Army guerrillas.

The supply efficiency further decreased.

Under this situation.

There was only one choice left for Mijiro Umezu.

Defeated and annihilated Chu Yunfei's troops in northern Shanxi.

Ensure the safety of the Beitongpu railway line.

Originally, a large number of artillery towers, bunkers and military stations were renovated on the Beitongpu railway line, with good results.

For the 120th Division of the Eighth Route Army, it was indeed a very difficult and thorny situation to deal with.

They could only use the most primitive and even traditional methods to attack these artillery towers and bunkers.

That is close-range blasting.

This is a way to fight with your life.

But in front of Chu Yunfei's troops equipped with a large number of direct-fire artillery.

These artillery towers and bunkers are actually targets for artillery units.

If the PAK36 anti-tank gun cannot penetrate it, replace it with the Type infantry gun.

The Japanese response was equally swift.

The air force continued to launch air strikes.

Without the cover of anti-aircraft artillery units, the soldiers could only rely on the Type 24 heavy machine guns and Czech machine guns for air defense.

Even if Chu Yunfei wanted to guide them, he was powerless.

The effective range and maximum range are actually far behind.

The Japanese army carried out an average of 60 to 70 air raids a day.

All six PAK 7mm anti-tank guns of the 36th Infantry Regiment were lost.

Two-thirds of the soldiers in the anti-tank artillery company were also killed.

It's really a pity.

Under their cover, three Japanese strongholds were captured.

The infantry destroyed about twenty-three miles of railway.

And the roadbed was blown up.

It would take a lot of time for the Japanese army to repair it.

At this stage, the operations of Chu Yunfei's troops are carried out around the strategic goals formulated before the war.

They wanted to do more than just disrupt the Japanese army's transportation lines.

It will also consume the Japanese army's manpower and strategic materials.

Forced the Japanese army to abandon this massive offensive.

And then re-enter the confrontation period.

Buy some time for the troops in the Second War Zone and Chu Yunfei's troops to recover.

Only in this way can the war situation in the second war zone be barely maintained.

It is also possible to shift into a strategic counterattack as soon as possible before the arrival of Soviet aid and American aid.

Chu Yunfei was really fed up with being suppressed and beaten by the Japanese army.

"Report, the 4th Infantry Regiment called, a large number of Japanese troops are coming from the Pingxingguan direction. It is estimated that there is at least one infantry battalion, and there are also a large number of artillery units following behind."

(End of this chapter)