Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 331: The Japanese military's strategic transformation failed? Prince Asaka Naruhiko and Shinozuka Yoshio reached a consensus (seeking subscription)
"This Zhou Weiguo is indeed a lucky general."

Linfen.

Second World War Commander Headquarters.

In front of Yan Laoxi was Zhou Weiguo's detailed information and a letter of victory report.

Under the command of Zhou Weiguo and his adjutant Xu Hu, Chu Yunfei's direct assault regiment killed 248 members of the special forces in the battle of Sunzhuang, among whom the main officers were the captain of the special forces, Colonel Yamamoto Ikki, and two majors.

Judging from the battle report, this battle was fought in a somewhat confusing manner.

Old Yan also found it a little strange. There were many things that didn't make sense.

"This special force that the Japanese had always used as a spearhead just ran into the assault regiment's defense zone and was then completely wiped out?"

Chu Xichun nodded: "According to the report from Chu Yunfei's troops, this unit attacked at around 4 a.m. The Japanese were probably desperate and chose to make a desperate move. In fact, judging from the deployment reported by Chu Yunfei, their defense line can almost be called airtight."

"That's right. According to the deployment we learned before, this group of devils who were able to infiltrate are already rare elites. No wonder they were able to successfully behead people one after another. It's really not easy."

A combat staff officer stroked his chin, thinking, "The Japanese started these special operations this year, as if they didn't have the energy to launch the previous large-scale offensive. Is it because their war reserves have been used up?"

"That's the analysis from the headquarters. It's not impossible, but the Japanese are still attacking continuously and have launched attacks on the Nanxun Line, Nanchang and other places in the direction of the Ninth War Zone."

A group of people gathered together to discuss related topics enthusiastically.

Completely annihilate Yamamoto's special forces in this battle.

After analysis by Chu Xichun and other combat staff.

Yan Laoxi and others also came to their senses.

This seems to be something that happened occasionally or even by coincidence.

In fact, it is inevitable.

What lies behind this is the frustration of the Japanese North China Front Army’s lack of military strength and its corresponding attempts at strategic transformation.

And with Zhou Weiguo leading the assault regiment in this attack.

This so-called strategic transformation has been strangled in the bud by them!

This is a big win.

The Japanese's decapitation tactics will no longer be used by suitable troops, at least in the near future.

Commanders at all levels can finally sleep peacefully.

Likewise, it can prove a point.

The so-called special forces are elite small forces like the Yamamoto Special Forces.

Not only does it require extremely high combat qualities, but it also requires equally superb penetration capabilities and corresponding intelligence gathering capabilities.

In the view of Chu Xichun and others, the fundamental reason why Yamamoto Ikki was completely wiped out was the problem of intelligence.

They didn't know that Sunzhuang was the place where Chu Yunfei's ace elite assault regiment was located.

If we dive in headfirst, who will die if Yamamoto doesn't?

If he is not completely wiped out, who will be completely wiped out?

Discussed the battle report.

Next, let’s talk about this detailed investigation report on Zhou Weiguo’s identity and background.

This report also surprised Yan Laoxi very much.

He ordered his men to collect detailed information on the identities and backgrounds of Zhou Weiguo and others.

It is also to further win over the people below.

The relationship with Chu Yunfei is just one level.

Yan Laoxi's goal is to become closer to the many commanders under Chu Yunfei.

Since you, Chu Yunfei, are unwilling to marry someone from my Yan family,
If his niece, goddaughter, or even his grandniece married these officers, it would not be considered as a loss of face for Mr. Yan.

Such solicitation.

Based on Yan Laoxi’s understanding of Chu Yunfei.

There shouldn't be any problems.

In fact, Chu Yunfei really didn't care about the various forces trying to win over the commanders at all levels.

Talk about loyalty.

Every one of the following people is loyal to the cause of the War of Resistance and to Chu Yunfei.

As for why others are trying to win over.

Chu Yunfei would not interfere because there was no need to do so.

What others give is always icing on the cake, only Chu Yunfei can give them what they really want.

Over the past few years, even Chief of Staff Fang Ligong, a chess piece specially planted by Yan Laoxi, is now completely in the same mind as Chu Yunfei.

Needless to say, Luo Weiguo.

He has now become the deputy chief of staff and does not have any substantial military power.

After no longer leading the troops, Luo Weiguo worked as diligently and responsibly as usual, and his tasks were even more fulfilling than before.

Luo Weiguo also didn't think that Chu Yunfei didn't trust him and that this move was intended to deprive him of his military power.

He has unconditional trust in Chu Yunfei, but the General Staff Headquarters has a lot of work to do now, so he just put him in this position temporarily.

The only general under Chu Yunfei who could barely be considered an unstable factor was Huang Baitao.

Huang Baitao came from a ragtag army and did not have many connections before that.

To others, it was just a coincidence.

Chu Yunfei just happened to need an outsider with decent qualifications but little foundation in the military to fill this vacancy.

People's hearts are fickle, so for safety's sake, Chu Yunfei sent his close confidant Sun Ming over, and also transferred Zhang Dongkai over to share some of Huang Baitao's power.

In addition, the 11th Infantry Regiment was led by Wu Sizhong, who was promoted by Chu Yunfei. Although he was from the Shaanxi Army, he had a close relationship with Cao Potian and had an equally keen sense of smell.

It can be said that after the Battle of Lanfeng and the Battle of East Henan.

With the departure of Li Kuishan and others, the current Eighty-Eight can be described as a solid block.

After the Battle of Niangzi Pass, Yan Laoxi had given up on infiltrating and controlling Chu Yunfei's troops.

He did not even try to sabotage it. He really hoped that Chu Yunfei's troops could display the style of the Jin Army.

As for Chang Ruiyuan, at Chu Yunfei's initiative, he sent a large number of grassroots officers from the Whampoa Military Academy.

There are indeed quite a few people from the Military Control Commission among them.

But they happened to infiltrate Chu Yunfei's troops.

A troop that is either preparing for battle or on the way to battle. These spies planted by the Military Control Commission are almost no different from other officers and soldiers.

Being hit by a bullet or a shell will kill you.

Sun Xinpu, the only relatively middle-level officer, was also wooed by Chu Yunfei and now refuses to provide intelligence to the Military Control Commission.
Sun Xinpu is not a fool as to who he should follow to have a better future.

Chu Yunfei's energy is not comparable to Dai Yunong's
At least Dai Yunong could not help him get a rank of colonel, let alone get him the Order of the Tripod.

It is impenetrable to rain and water, and it is still the strongest army in the world.

Chang Ruiyuan was very suspicious by nature, and if it weren't for Chu Yunfei, he really couldn't find any fault with him.

What he did was not as simple as just adding sand into the eighty-eight.

"A good father will have a good son. I heard that Zhou Gong had more than one child..." a major general staff officer reminded in a low voice.

"Well, I heard that he adopted two children of his old friends back then." Yan Laoxi thought of this and immediately ordered, "Go check what these two guys are doing now..."

"Yes!"

"No need, Commander Yan, I have already checked." Chu Xichun added, "Zhou Weiguo's elder brother Liu Yuan is currently active in the Lunan Anti-Japanese Base Area. Zhou Weiguo has no contact with this man. It is estimated that Liu Yuan is very likely a member of the Communist Party."

"The youngest son, Liu Zhihui, graduated from the 13th Infantry Regiment of the Whampoa Military Academy. He is currently serving as a guard platoon leader in a prison."

"It seems that someone called and sent a message, so they went there on purpose..."

Chu Xichun obviously didn't understand why he was sent to prison.
"Prison? As a soldier, guarding a prison?" Yan Laoxi was a little unhappy: "How can this be appropriate?"

This kind of place is usually where the government places wounded soldiers.

These wounded soldiers often find it difficult to return to the battlefield due to the war.

If they are unwilling to retire, they will generally be placed in prison.

Chu Xichun stuck close to Yan Laoxi and added in a low voice: "It seems to be Zhang Wenbai's intention."

"Back then, Duke Zhou was indeed Wen Bai's mentor. Forget it, forget it. He's too far away. I can't take care of him."

After Yan Laoxi understood the situation, he gave up the idea of ​​winning over the other two sons of the Zhou family: "Just take care of Zhou Weiguo... Qingbo, you should handle this matter. You are familiar with Yunfei."

"Yes."

Just as Chu Xichun turned around and prepared to leave.

Liu Tao, director of the confidential office, knocked on the door of the combat meeting room.

"Enter."

Liu Tao walked to Commander Yan's side and reported: "According to the latest telegram from the headquarters, Commander Bai has been transferred to the 14th Army Group as acting commander-in-chief, responsible for coordinating the corresponding counterattack matters in the Second War Zone this time."

Yan Laoxi frowned slightly: "Does Yunfei know about this?"

"We all received the telegram...the High Command should have given us a heads-up in advance."

"Go make a phone call and ask."

Chu Xichun nodded, walked to the phone, and dialed the number to Changzhi. Chu Yunfei's headquarters naturally couldn't communicate with the Second War Zone, but Changzhi could.

After hearing the inquiry, Fang Ligong immediately stated that he was not aware of the matter.

After Chu Xichun hung up the phone.

Old Yan was also very confused and puzzled.

Why send Bai Jiansheng here?

That day, evening.

Seven forty.

Since sporadic explosions were heard in the early morning.

Yamamoto's team lost contact.

As of 7:40, fourteen hours have passed.

Even the commander of the Shanxi First Army, Yoshio Shinozuka, had to admit it at this time.

Yamamoto's special forces are likely to be in great danger.

As for Prince Asaka Naruhiko, who came to observe the battle, he had basically lost his expectations for the so-called special operations at this time.

In his view, it’s not just the instant messaging problem that can’t be solved.

The so-called special forces team does not have the corresponding offensive capabilities.

This proactive attack is to gain an opportunity for Yamamoto's special forces to attack.

It was also to test the "German Tactical Group" tactics in North China, that is, the Shanxi First Army.

There is a high probability that the special forces team will suffer a Waterloo.

The "German Tactical Group" also encountered a large number of problems when conducting corresponding tests.

In just two days of continuous, low-intensity attacks.

More than 700 people were lost.

On the surface, it looks like a large force, after all, the newly formed 37th Division has a total of more than 20,000 combat troops.

But among these more than 700 people, there are 78 squad leaders and sergeants.

These veterans have command ability, initiative, and rich combat experience.

It is the backbone in the true sense.

Such a loss is enough to be a serious blow to the newly formed 37th Division.

Prince Asaka Naruhiko and the commander of the 37th Division Fujiwara Hideki also conducted corresponding analysis.

Fujiwara Hideki considered this an advanced tactic.

It requires officers to have high on-the-spot reaction capabilities.

The infantry tactics requirements for non-commissioned officers and soldiers are also very high.

With their troops' current combat capabilities, they are barely qualified.

But that’s the crux of the matter.

The opponent they were fighting against, Chu Yunfei's troops, had already equipped their front-line combat units with a large number of sniper rifles.

This resulted in a very high death rate among their squad leaders (squad leaders) who were responsible for commanding battles during the front-line offensive.

With the death of the squad leader and other senior veterans, the newly formed 37th Division has stopped this seemingly stupid offensive method.

Speaking of advancement, Lieutenant General Fujiwara Hideki, the commander of the 37th Division, also acknowledged the advancement of the "German Tactical Group".

It can indeed coordinate various arms, be more flexible, and exert great power with the support of air support, artillery, and even armored troops.

However, Fujiwara Hideki did not think that such tactics were suitable for fighting against Chu Yunfei's troops.

Fujiwara Hideki expressed it in an even more roundabout way.

This advanced tactic should be used in the 11th Army.

After all, their opponents are not the elite of the 88th Group Army!
The Shanxi First Army was already short of manpower, and taking the initiative to attack would be tantamount to drinking poison to quench thirst.

The newly formed 37th Division itself was responsible for the defense of the northwest Shanxi region and also had to guard the Beitongpu Railway.

In addition, the troops were divided into two groups to confront the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Infantry Regiments in Jinzhong area.

In the case of passive defense, the military force is stretched to the limit.

At such a critical juncture.

In case something goes wrong.

The ones who took the blame were Fujiwara Hideki, the commander of his newly formed 37th Division, and Shinozuka Yoshio, the commander of the Shanxi First Army.

Who's willing?
Fujiwara Hideki decisively stopped the offensive and retreated to the preset defensive positions.

And a new round of reinforcement was carried out.

Yoshio Shinozuka was not in a good mood.

The failure of Yamamoto's special forces also represents the complete failure of the argument that small-scale elite troops can influence the outcome of a war.

And it has been confirmed that conventional warfare is almost impossible to win the Shanxi battlefield.

Such a failure.

It was hard for Yoshio Shinozuka to accept.

"The newly formed 37th Division has now stopped its attack. Judging from today's combat situation alone, the enemy's command system is still functioning intact, and there is no panic." Kusunokichi Kusunoki explained today's specific battle situation with an expressionless face.

Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko sighed slightly: "Whether it is the new offensive tactics or small-scale special operations of the army, they have not been able to produce good results. How to defeat Chu Yunfei's troops has become the most troublesome problem for the headquarters at the moment."

"Strategic bombing is actually a good idea." Yoshio Shinozuka racked his brains and barely came up with a way to maintain a basic confrontation between the enemy and us in the Shanxi region.

"Use Hainan Island as a forward base, bomb the Chinese government's Yunnan-Burma transportation line, negotiate with the French, and ask them to stop the Hanoi transportation line." Shinozuka Yoshio paused, and then gave his own suggestions and ideas: "If they don't agree, then go to war with them."

"At this stage, it is almost impossible for our army to maintain an advantage over the enemy in Shanxi. The battle based on this will inevitably become more difficult. In order to fight for a long time, a large number of Kwantung Army soldiers have been transferred to the North China Front Army. If this continues, it will be difficult to maintain the situation."

Yoshio Shinozuka nodded.

This is what worries him most.

However, the Tokyo headquarters turned a deaf ear to the North China Front Army's request for help.

Instead, they wanted to open up another battlefield in South China and force the Nationalist government to surrender.

As if in their eyes.

Shanxi's First Army can barely maintain the current strategic situation and can barely prevent Shanxi from being recaptured by China.

It's already a victory
The resources and manpower allocated on this basis will only become less and less.

At this time, Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko keenly realized the war potential of Chu Yunfei's troops.

The advanced tactics they learned from Europe were met with the most direct restraint as soon as they tried to use them.

And as far as they know.

The main tactics used by Chu Yunfei's troops were German infantry tactics.

This can be found in the vast majority of the Central Army's elite troops.

"The Germans' principles of mountain warfare are roughly the same as those of fighting in flat areas. The special characteristics of mountainous terrain give the Chinese an advantage in defensive warfare."

Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko's words had hidden meaning.

Shinozuka Yoshio immediately realized that Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko was not really talking about the German Army's mountain warfare tactics.
Obviously, Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko just couldn't understand why the 3rd Mixed Brigade was defeated in such a short time despite having the advantage of geographical location.

And on this basis, he is holding Yoshio Shinozuka accountable.

For example, according to the previous corresponding inference of the Shanxi First Army.

Chu Yunfei's offensive operations are more dependent on artillery units, so there is a shortage of logistical supplies.

And during the battles in which they attacked Fanzhisi, Daixian, Gangxian and other places.

The fact that a lot of artillery shells were fired again means that the relevant analysis and conclusions of the Shanxi First Army’s staff department, including the operations department and the intelligence department, have been overturned again.

And during the offensive operations in the past two days.

According to the report of Lieutenant General Fujiwara Hideki, commander of the 37th Division, Chu Yunfei's troops did not use artillery in a concentrated manner...even mortar salvos were rare.

Their artillery units fell into silence again.

Yoshio Shinozuka naturally didn't understand it either.

It's not like they hadn't made bold guesses and careful arguments before.

Then they were hit head-on by Chu Yunfei's troops.

Every time they showed weakness, it turned out to be just a sign of weakness to the enemy.

They dare not take another gamble against such an opponent even if he really shows signs of fatigue.

Three commanders who dared to do this have been dismissed.

And it turns out.

This is Chu Yunfei's favorite tactical style.

Although Yoshio Shinozuka was decisive, he did not dare to gamble.

When things got to this point, Yoshio Shinozuka keenly realized that Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko wanted to be the fourth commander.

He had no choice but to follow Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko's intention and continued, "Perhaps we can try to completely delegate the supporting firepower, assign the infantry support artillery originally assigned to the battalion level to the squadron level, and assign the mortars specially assigned to the squadron to the squadron level, and then try to launch a small-scale offensive."

(End of this chapter)