Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 282 Strategic Cooperation Agreement with the Americans, $ million worth of new equipment! (Subscription required)

Chu Yunfei is very busy.

I just got back to Changzhi and I don’t even have time to rest.

Chief of Staff Fang Ligong immediately came to him to report the results of the battle after the meeting in the Second War Zone.

After the meeting at the Second War Zone Commander's Headquarters, he also brought bad news.

According to the results of this combat meeting.

Because of the formation of the Eighth Army and the Thirteenth Army under Yan Laoxi in the Second War Zone, the supply of weapons and ammunition for Chu Yunfei's troops will be affected.

Fang Ligong analyzed with a serious face, his eyes flashing with wisdom: "The formation of the Eighth Army and the Thirteenth Army is more like the Chairman helping Commander Yan to check and balance the Sixth Army and the Seventh Army of the Northern Army..."

Chu Yunfei raised his eyebrows, quite surprised by Fang Ligong's conclusion: "Brother Ligong, why do you think so?"

"Commander Chu, you should know that these two troops are drawn from the Sixth Army Group and the Northern Army respectively, and are directly under the command of the Second War Zone Commander, that is, Commander Yan himself."

Chu Yunfei patiently listened to Fang Ligong's analysis, and then gave his own thoughts: "But all the weapons and ammunition needed by the two troops must be supplied by the Second War Zone Command Headquarters.

The pressure of supply fell squarely on Commander Yan.

If what you said is true, then the 1.9 million rounds of 65mm bullets originally planned to be supplied to us will be reduced to 1 million rounds, and our troops' combat operations and combat effectiveness will inevitably be greatly affected."

"But Commander Yan also gave us 80,000 Jin-made wooden-handled grenades as compensation every month."

Fang Ligong is not stupid.

Although he was a spy assigned to the 358th Regiment by Commander Yan.

But Chu Yunfei's troops today are like children he has watched grow up.

Chu Yunfei is the child's father, so he is half the child's mother.

How can we wait until the troops that we have worked so hard for suffer losses?

The compensation he obtained was 80,000 wooden-handled grenades.

It's just that, between bullets and grenades.

Chu Yunfei must be more inclined to bullets.

His current need is mainly to restore the combat effectiveness of the troops, which requires training.

Grenade is something that is relatively easy to practice with, and is relatively unsuitable for the subsequent counterattack.

"Brother Ligong, the formation of these two armies seems to be a conspiracy of the chairman."

Chu Yunfei came back to his senses at this time, frowned, picked up the tea bowl beside him and put it back: "Although it is nominally given the establishment of two army groups, but the combined combat strength of the two army groups is 20,000 people?"

Fang Ligong shook his head silently: "No."

"The chairman has not provided money or food for this kind of organization. Apart from being able to divide the internal forces of the Jin Army, it is actually not very useful. Troops like the Eighth Army and the Thirteenth Army do not have much combat effectiveness, and they cannot become the reserve troops of the Sixth Army. If we put aside their qualifications, their positions are actually at the same level."

Fang Ligong sighed slightly.

How could I not understand this truth?

But what it gives to the combat organization is a chronic poison disguised as a good medicine.

It is very effective in the short term, but in the long term it will only have a negative impact on the second war zone.

Would Sun Chu and Wang Jingguo, who were promoted to the Eighth Army and the Thirteenth Army, be willing to use their troops as reserve forces for the Sixth Army?
This is obviously impossible.

Yang Aiyuen himself has no outstanding military achievements.

He has always been famous for his integrity and ability to train troops.

His ability to command operations is even worse than Sun Cuiya.

Under such circumstances, Sun Chu, who has already come to power, will certainly defend the basic rights he has just obtained.

When he served as army commander and deputy commander-in-chief of the army group.

He was once held tightly by Yan Laoxi and commanded the battle remotely.

Nowadays, he values ​​the power he has just acquired very much.

Yan Laoxi urgently needed to increase military forces to maintain the situation.

Sun Cuiya would naturally take advantage of the situation and become Yan Laoxi's chess piece to balance Yang Aiyuen.

In addition, the Nanyue Military Conference set the tone and name of the strategic counter-offensive zone.

If he does not expand his army, no matter whether it is public opinion,

Whether it is the pressure directly from Chiang Kai-shek or not, it will have a greater negative impact on Yan Laoxi.

If Chu Yunfei was Yan Laoxi.

Even if it was just a nominal promise of money and food, he would choose to take a gamble.

At the Nanyue Military Conference.

This was a major announcement made in front of hundreds of commanders at division level and above from the Ninth and Third War Zones.

Under this situation.

If the so-called strategic counterattack zone personally designated by Chiang Kai-shek cannot get the corresponding weapons, ammunition, money and food.

Are the other war zones still motivated?

This is something to talk about later.

What made Chu Yunfei most dissatisfied was...

If Chiang Kai-shek did this.

Yan Laoxi will inevitably rebalance the internal forces of the Jin Army.

Chu Yunfei wanted to counterattack.

As for ammunition, we need to find a way from Chiang Kai-shek.

And by controlling the supply of weapons and ammunition.

Chiang Kai-shek could control and even decide when the counterattack in the Second War Zone would be launched.

This made Chu Yunfei hate this feeling.

Opportunities for war are fleeting, and wars cannot always be fought for political influence.

"We will inevitably become more dependent on the supply of ammunition from military factories in the rear, and more dependent on the assistance of the Soviet Union and the Americans. This is not a good thing." He tapped the table with his right hand rhythmically: "I don't know when these foreign devils will turn against us. When the Japanese army is no longer a threat, then we will be their biggest threat."

Fang Ligong nodded. He also had the same concerns: "Sir, we had previously negotiated with the Soviets about the steel plant..."

"The Soviets did not agree to provide us with small electric furnace facilities." Chu Yunfei frowned slightly. "These Soviets know that we have no so-called foreign exchange reserves, and they insist on getting cash. Their fundamental purpose is to make us more dependent on their assistance, so that they can control us and achieve their own goals."

Fang Ligong said: "Could it be that these Soviets think that our army has been severely damaged after the battle in Shanxi and that we can no longer defend southeastern Shanxi?"

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly: "Brother Ligong, it is not impossible. After all, in the eyes of the Soviets, the Japanese now have little energy left to go north."

"It seems that the Soviets are unreliable, and if the Americans are unwilling to increase their investment, then what about us?"

Fang Ligong pushed his glasses, frowned and thought for a moment before continuing: "Perhaps we can raise the stakes a little and allow Americans to stay in our army to observe, or even participate in the daily training and command of the troops in the form of staff officers, or directly as volunteer officers. However, the US military is bound to have an impact on our current tactical system and..."

"I am the meat and others are the butchers. Brother Ligong, where is the room for choice for us now?"

Shanxi.

Changzhi, guesthouse of Chu Yunfei’s troops.

Colonel Smith is very distressed now.

As the military attaché in China, he shoulders the heavy responsibility of the Ministry of National Defense.

After staying in Shanxi for a full month, they still failed to successfully obtain the "things" they wanted.

With the return of Colonel Stilwell.

This group of commanders from the Ministry of Defense conducted a very detailed analysis of the battle case on the sand table.

I increasingly want to analyze the daily training and tactical thinking of Chu Yunfei's troops.

Then it evolves and becomes more in line with itself.

In fact, it is just plagiarism. The Americans did not actually have their own combat style and ideas during this period.

Even the "Soldiers' Drill Manual" written by the Americans in 1942 was plagiarized from various countries.

And based on their own industrial capabilities, they formed their own training methods, and developed a special style of firepower coverage.

If you really study it carefully.

The Americans use infantry tactics, battalion, company, or even large-scale troop operations.

In fact, there are no sophisticated tactics.

American planners, especially Army Chief of Staff Marshall.

Not to mention tactics, it's strategy.

That's a very simple question.

For example, a cross-Channel invasion of Western Europe, where only the Allies could catch and destroy large German forces.

The staff then began planning Operation Sledgehammer in 1942 and Operation Roundup in 1943.

But what about the actual situation?

Directly deploying combat forces onto the battlefield in Western Europe is an extremely difficult, costly, and complex task.

The Normandy Landings and Operation Market Garden are examples.

The United States' advantage lies in the fact that it was "flooded with wealth" during World War II.

It has huge economic and financial reserves and an industrial base that cannot be bombed.

After entering the war, the United States immediately demonstrated its industrial capabilities and provided a large amount of assistance to its allies through the Lend-Lease Act.

The Soviets alone received 7,000 aircraft, 15,000 tanks, and 50,000 trucks.

Even if only one-tenth of these supplies were deployed on the Chinese battlefield.

The main force of the National Army was enough to hold off the Japanese field troops.

If one percent of the value of these materials flowed to Chu Yunfei.

Then Chu Yunfei was confident that he could firmly defend Shanxi and force the Japanese army to abandon this strategic location.

He then led all the troops into a strategic counterattack.

The day after Chu Yunfei returned to Changzhi area.

Zhao Pengcheng arrived at the guesthouse early in the morning and found the American officers.

He got straight to the point and said, "Colonel Smith, our commander wants to see you. He wants to discuss the details of the previous aid plan with you."

After hearing the translator's retelling, he was so excited that he couldn't close his mouth: "Good!"

[It seems that they have finally stopped insisting on their old views and have chosen to cooperate with us at a deeper level]

"I want to remind you not to forget that Chu is fluent in English."

Colonel Smith Douglas restrained his smile and said, "I am aware of this. Please trust my professionalism."

Under the leadership of Zhao Pengcheng.

Soon, Smith and his party met Chu Yunfei who had been waiting in the reception room.

"Commander Chu, it's nice to meet you."

After saluting each other.

Chu Yunfei motioned for the two to sit on the chairs nearby: "Please sit down, Colonel Smith, Mr. Translator."

Smith and the other man looked at each other and sat down on the wooden chairs beside them.

It's not so much a negotiation.

Instead, it is more like a unique Chinese way of entertaining guests.

The two sat aside, while Chu Yunfei sat in the main seat and spoke slowly: "Regarding your previous proposal, after careful consideration by the commander's headquarters and the military, it is considered feasible.

Our army agrees that you can select corresponding officers to come to our front-line combat units to learn and observe daily training.

During the observation period, you will eat and live with the officers. Our officers will also teach you the corresponding combat ideas and systems without reservation.

But I need to emphasize that your officers do not have actual command authority, and you need to pay attention to this.”

After listening to the translation, Colonel Smith nodded seriously and said, "Please rest assured that we will strictly follow the corresponding agreement."

Chu Yunfei emphasized with a serious and solemn expression: "If there is anyone in this world who has a deep understanding of the Japanese army's combat system, then I believe that I should be the commander who knows the Japanese army's tactics best, and the troops under my command are also the most adept at fighting against the Japanese army."

Chu Yunfei paused, looked directly at Smith Douglas's puzzled eyes, and emphasized: "The specific amount of the aid plan needs to be adjusted. 800,000 US dollars is not enough."

"This is negotiable. We plan to provide you with corresponding material and equipment support at a rate of one million US dollars per year, and we will also appropriately consider adding some weapons and equipment that are not originally on the aid list. This is our sincerity."

Negotiations must be a give and take process.

The stakes offered by the Americans are indeed not low.

But Chu Yunfei clearly knew the value of himself and his troops.

One million US dollars is indeed a lot for the Republic of China.

Even though the United States is still in the midst of an economic crisis, one million dollars is just a drop in the bucket.

Chu Yunfei emphasized loudly: "Colonel Smith, our army needs to carry out a large-scale offensive operation in the near future, so I want to advance the military aid quota for the next five years, and hope that you can deliver it to the southeastern Shanxi region in the shortest possible time."

"Five years?"

Smith looked surprised, as if Chu Yunfei was joking with him.

How is this possible?
Even if the weapons are produced at the fastest speed, they are transported to the port, loaded onto trucks, and then immediately shipped to Hanoi.

This will also take at least thirty days.

Who can guarantee that the weapons and equipment required by Chu Yunfei’s troops are equipment that they have already produced and have a certain amount of inventory?

Colonel Smith Douglas thought about it for a while and declined, saying, "You should know that in the next few years, our list will inevitably include weapons and equipment with better performance and lower costs."

"For example, as the number of firearms produced increases, their cost will inevitably become cheaper, which means that their aid price will be further reduced, and you will be able to obtain more weapons. We may even give you some bullets as the ammunition production capacity increases..."

Colonel Smith described with his hands and feet, trying to paint a relatively bright future for Chu Yunfei.

Chu Yunfei had a blank expression on his face, and his gaze on him seemed to simply express respect.

Colonel Smith Douglas was silent for a moment and then said, "Well, if you insist, I can agree to your terms on behalf of the Ministry of Defense. Here is the weapons list. Please take a look."

Chu Yunfei took the weapons list and glanced at it.

He still reminded: "If we don't have these weapons in stock, we may have to wait until production is completed before shipping them, which will take more time."

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly.

The fundamental purpose of his wanting these equipments was to consolidate the liberated areas and prevent them from being recaptured by the Japanese army.

The repeated stalemate in regional combat is bound to cause unspeakable trauma and suffering to the people.

He thought that if he didn't move, it would be fine. But if he moved, he would have to eliminate the threat with lightning speed.

At this time, the Americans did not put many weapons on the list.

At the end of October 1938, the Americans could not provide many good weapons.

Their own ideas on military industry development are actually rather twisted, and they have not formed a so-called system in the true sense.

In addition to the requirements specifically proposed by Chu Yunfei (M-2 horse-drawn 105mm howitzer, 107mm regimental support heavy mortar (also known as chemical mortar).

Other weapons and equipment.

After a rough calculation, the 81mm mortar has a pretty good price-performance ratio.

The rest of the weapons and equipment are relatively ineffective.

The Americans were very considerate and set the corresponding unit price at the back.

Although the market price is not cheap, Chu Yunfei has no choice.

Chu Yunfei silently calculated in his mind.

Thirty thousand 107mm mortars, 81mm mortars, and corresponding shells are needed.

M1903 Springfield rifles, 2.5 with x optical sights, and rounds of ammunition.

One thousand Thompson submachine guns and two million rounds of ammunition.

1919 M4A7.62 mm machine guns and million rounds of ammunition

Engineer shovel, shoulder bag, gas mask, alcohol, bandages, sulfa, surgical instruments, sutures
Chu Yunfei carefully checked the corresponding weapons, equipment, medical equipment and other supplies.

M1919A4式0.30英寸(7.62mm)口径机枪是M1917A1式勃朗宁重机枪（水冷式）的改进型。

The advantage is that the firepower is sustained enough.

The downside is that it's too heavy.

The main reason is that Chu Yunfei would never choose the Browning light machine gun.

Not only are the bullets of this thing not universal, but its firepower cannot be sustained.

With a magazine capacity of 20 rounds, its performance on the battlefield is actually not as good as that of the Czech light machine gun.

After choosing and selecting, Chu Yunfei quickly estimated the amount, and then turned his attention to the M-2 horse-drawn 105mm howitzer.

After selecting eight guns and 5,000 rounds of ammunition, he handed the list to Smith.

Smith just glanced at the total amount on the bill, and then refused: "Chief Chu, the amount exceeds 200,000 US dollars..."

"I will pay this money using legal tender according to normal currency exchange, Colonel Smith. If possible, I hope to see this batch of equipment arrive in the southeastern Shanxi region within two months."

Smith grinned: "Please rest assured that China will always be our friend."

"hope so."

Chu Yunfei nodded slightly.

He signed his name on the revised agreement between both parties and stamped it with the official seal of the Shanxi Pacification Office.

The signing of this agreement still requires approval from the Supreme Command.

Americans are more particular about doing things reasonably and legally.

The agreement will only be officially effective after it has been signed and sealed by the Supreme Command.

As for the Soviets, there were not so many requirements.

Their trade is actually more like border trade and small-scale arms smuggling, which they do not take seriously.

Smith left in a hurry.

Chu Yunfei then reported the matter to Chiang Kai-shek, who was inspecting the front-line troops in Guizhou.

When he learned that Chu Yunfei had negotiated a big deal of 5 million US dollars with the Americans but did not pay any material things.

Chiang Kai-shek could not help but sigh: "Talent seems to be worth a lot of dollars in the eyes of Americans."

In the blink of an eye, a week passed.

Before going to the Second War Zone Commander's Headquarters for a meeting, Chu Yunfei once again looked at the specific panel situation of his combat troops.

【Unit name: Flying Tigers】

[The main light weapons currently equipped are: Jin-made Type 65 rifle, Type 38 rifle, and Hanyang-made rifle.]

[The main machine gun models currently equipped: Jin-made Czech-style 65 machine gun, Jin-made 38-type heavy machine gun..]

[The main equipment and support weapon models at present: Soviet 36mm anti-tank gun, PAK82 anti-tank gun; 107mm mortar, mm mortar, mm mortar; Type infantry gun. ]

[Currently the main equipment heavy weapons: Jin-made Type 13 mountain gun; M1902/30 field gun;]

[Current equipment status: good]

[Current logistics supply situation: good]

[Current training level of the unit: Initial training]

The training level cannot be further improved in a short period of time.

It is bound to cause considerable losses in the upcoming battles.

Chu Yunfei knew very well that he did not have many high-quality reserve troops under his command.

It takes a process for local armed forces to transform into a field army.

Going to the battlefield in a short period of time will result in heavy losses and require rapid growth in the flames of war.

Although the people sincerely support Chu Yunfei, they are also willing to contribute their own strength.

But not everyone is willing to fight the Japanese to the death.

Especially when conducting offensive operations.

The organization and morale of the troops are completely different from those in defensive operations.

The casualties that can be sustained are completely incomparable.

This was especially true of the Nationalist Army during this period.

Many combat units of the central and local armies would not retreat a single step without orders when they were defending their positions, even if the entire army was wiped out.

However, when faced with an attack order, almost all commanders would selectively execute it in order to preserve their strength.

A division dispatches a brigade, a brigade commands a regiment, and a regiment dispatches two companies.
After all the discounts are taken, offensive operations are often difficult to evaluate.

Many generals even thought of using attack to settle the score, and the Japanese army liked to massacre civilians as a record of their war achievements.

This is also the reason why the casualty ratio recorded in the North China security war was 1: thousands or hundreds.

It took two days to reach the headquarters of the Second War Zone Commander.

Linfen.

Chu Yunfei walked hurriedly into the commander's headquarters.

After hearing the noise, Chu Xichun quickly walked out of the operations room and went to meet him.

"Sir."

"Yun Fei, did you encounter any problems on the road?"

Chu Yunfei nodded: "The Japanese reconnaissance planes have been frequently conducting reconnaissance in southern Shanxi recently. I think it is very likely that they received some intelligence and delayed their flight for a day in order to avoid the Japanese fighter planes."

Chu Xichun patted his shoulder and said, "Commander Yan is meeting a guest. I will arrange accommodation for you first."

"it is good."

"Has the adjutant been replaced?" Chu Xichun asked after glancing at Liu Pengcheng.

"Sun Ming asked me to be sent to Qin County to take charge of the work. This is my newly promoted adjutant, a graduate of the first class of the Shanxi Army Officers School, and a native of Wutai." Chu Yunfei smiled and then introduced.

He is from Wutai and is Chu Yunfei’s fellow villager.

No wonder he was promoted to adjutant.

Chu Xichun smiled slightly and nodded.

"Although the main focus of this combat meeting is the strategic counterattack, I wonder if you have any plans for the counterattack, Yunfei..."

Chu Yunfei did not give a direct answer. He smiled and said, "It depends on the arrangements of the superiors."

"Good boy Yunfei, when did you learn this trick?"

In Chu Xichun's opinion, Chu Yunfei would often express his attitude and opinions at the first opportunity.

Follow the arrangements of your superior.

If they really listened to the arrangements of the superiors, would they still hold a meeting here?

The Supreme Command had one idea, the Second War Zone Commander's Headquarters had another idea, the Southern Army had another idea, and the same was true for the Northern Army and the Eastern Army.

Since it is a strategic counterattack, it is bound to affect the entire body.

If the Second War Zone launches a large-scale counterattack, it will inevitably lead to the Eighth War Zone, the First War Zone, and even the Fifth War Zone to join the battle.

The whole country is like a chessboard, and any move in one place may trigger a chain reaction.

Everyone has a different starting point and a different focus.
(End of this chapter)