Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 341: The battle is magnificent and will be remembered forever! Using flesh and blood as the enemy's sharp weapon, the Flying Tigers made an unprecedented sacrifice! (Part )

"Commander Yan, judging from the current strategic situation, our army is basically in a balance of power on all battlefields. If we launch a full-scale counterattack at this time, will the Japanese be able to take advantage of us due to heavy casualties?"

Yang Aiyuan, commander-in-chief of the Sixth Army, was somewhat worried.

During the Battle of Xinkou, a similar balance of power situation occurred between the two sides.

Both the enemy and us were exhausted.

The Fifth Division was waiting for the 20th Division to make progress, and the Fourteenth Army and the Sixth Army in Xinkou were also looking forward to reinforcements.

The final result was that the 20th Division and the Xiyang Detachment achieved a breakthrough after a long and fierce battle.

However, the Second War Zone did not have any extra reinforcements to send to the battlefield.

Now that the two sides have returned to a balance, it is an excellent opportunity for both sides to increase their investment.

The opportunity that Yang Aiyuan mentioned was not actually referring to the Japanese army.

Everyone at the meeting knew it.

The Japanese army now no longer has the combat power to continue to participate in this battle.

Not only was it difficult to replenish troops, but also weapons, equipment, ammunition, and food supplies.

The opportunity they were talking about was Hu Zongnan's troops.

Although he was nominally the deputy commander-in-chief of the Eighth War Zone, he was only there because of his lack of qualifications. In fact, he was performing the duties of the commander-in-chief.

Hu Zongnan's troops are now strong and powerful.

They said they were on guard against Shaanxi, but they could also lead their troops into Shanxi at any time and take over the old order.

Yan Laoxi seemed to have made up his mind long ago, and he immediately said, "This is a rare opportunity. If we can deal a heavy blow to the Japanese invaders, it is very likely that we will further expand our favorable situation, and it is not impossible to recover Longcheng."

"The relationship between the 14th Army and our army is acceptable. This operation was probably carried out in accordance with the military orders of the Chairman."

"I'm afraid the headquarters has some big plans to use us, or the Japanese." Wang Jingguo frowned and reminded in a low voice: "Commander Yan, if Hu Zongnan really leads his troops into Shanxi, we and Shancheng will be in trouble."

"We only need to make sure that the news of our contact with the Japanese is enough to deal with the headquarters. As for the Yamashiro side, they will definitely not risk angering us."

Chu Xichun nodded, quite agreeing with Yan Laoxi's idea: "A rash action is likely to anger us. Shanxi, after all, belongs to the people of Shanxi. Even if they want to take advantage of the opportunity to make a move, now is not the right time for them. The counterattack in the Ninth War Zone has not yet ended."

"Everything is normal. How are Fan Hanjie's troops performing?"

"According to yesterday's battle report, more than 800 enemies were killed and 1,500 Japanese soldiers were injured."

"This man had visited Japan for research in his early years and later went to study in Germany. He is considered one of the few military strategists, but he achieved so many results from the 20th Division in just two days of fighting..."

"If that's true, how could the 27th Army still not be able to enter Fenyang City?" Yan Laoxi shook his head: "You are just bragging."

One is the main force of the "Central Army" led by direct generals.

We have achieved so many results but still failed to capture Fenyang City?
"After all, he is the chairman's man, so we can't just send someone to check the results. In my opinion, we should just send it to Shancheng intact and let them make their own judgment." Chu Xichun grinned and added, "As far as I know, Yunfei also has the habit of sending telegrams every one or two days to report."

Everyone present burst into laughter instantly.

When the two telegrams and the results of the battle were also placed in front of Chang Ruiyuan.

Who to trust.

The lice on a bald man's head are obvious.

Of course, since Fan Hanjie dared to report this, he was naturally not afraid of Chang Ruiyuan's blame.

After all, he did this in order to preserve his strength.

Chang Ruiyuan would naturally be happy to see the Jin army suffer losses in manpower and strength rather than watch his own central army run into problems.

Command headquarters.

Lin Wei walked to Chang Ruiyuan's office with cautious steps.

At this time, Chang Ruiyuan was standing in front of a large-scale battle map as usual.

He is like a marshal who is always thinking about the battle of ideas, or you can call him a thinker.

"Chairman, Marshal Voroshilov has replied that 36 DB-3 heavy bombers arrived at Lanzhou Airport yesterday and can participate in the counterattack in the Second War Zone as early as tomorrow."

"Okay!" Chang Ruiyuan was extremely excited.

The economy is backward, the industry is weak, the social system is riddled with holes, and the military is passive.

For such a poor and weak country to persist in the war of resistance until victory, in addition to using its own flesh and blood as a barrier to resist the brutal foreign enemies, it naturally needed to constantly seek help from other countries.

What moved Chang Ruiyuan was that his urgent telegram received a response from star.lin immediately, and Marshal Voroshilov also called back and made a promise immediately.

As for the Soviet Union's assistance, there is no need to doubt that the Soviet Union will do everything possible to help the great Chinese people in their heroic liberation struggle against the invaders. When the plane is requested, it will be delivered immediately!

"The Soviets are still reliable!"

Chang Ruiyuan was delighted and no longer called him a Russian. He immediately wrote back: "Our war against Japan has lasted for more than two years. Thanks to the deep sympathy and support of the people of all ethnic groups in the Soviet Union for China, and their material and moral assistance, it has become possible to carry out a long-term war of liberation."

Chang Ruiyuan was in a very good mood.

Although both sides are holding on in the Battle of Nanchang, the Japanese army is clearly lacking in stamina, and Okamura Yasuji no longer has many tricks left.

Even in the face of the Japanese army's horrific bomber clusters, the brave soldiers of the Soviet Air Force supporting China took off to fight.

In addition, the 76mm anti-aircraft guns and the Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft guns included in the Soviet aid contract were added.

Even though the Japanese army used Hankou Airport as a base to carry out their inhumane "indiscriminate bombing", the bombing effect was far from what was expected, and several fighter planes were even shot down by the soldiers of the supporting air force.

Given the current war situation, there is absolutely no possibility of shaking the confidence of the entire nation in the war of resistance!

"Chairman, do you want to require these two heavy bomber squadrons to participate in the next battle?" Lin Wei waited patiently for Chang Ruiyuan to draft the content of the telegram before asking.

"Of course!" Chang Ruiyuan nodded: "This war is related to the overall anti-Japanese war situation in the Second War Zone and to all our citizens. The party and the country have reached a critical moment. We should do our best to let these Japanese also taste the taste of being bombed!"

"Yes, I'll go and arrange it right away." Lin Wei saluted seriously.

Frontline headquarters.

Chu Yunfei looked at the telegram from the headquarters with a confused look on his face.

There is a kind of shocking feeling as if someone is practicing Tai Chi.

A heavy bomber formation?
36 aircraft, two squadrons?

Damn, where did the Nationalist government get the bombers!

Quickly flipping through the dusty memories in my mind, I remember that around this time, the Soviets did provide 30 heavy bombers.

They were led by two captains, Kurishenko and Kozlov.

It was simply because the intelligence was learned by the Japanese army in advance.

As a result, they were bombed by the Japanese army in advance when they arrived at Lanzhou Airport in Gansu.

Later, this batch of heavy bombers only carried out sporadic bombing missions and were in the process of carrying out bombing missions.

Captain Kurishenko died on the Yangtze River in Wanxian, Sichuan.

But now.

Under Chu Yunfei's targeting, the combat effectiveness of the entire Japanese air corps in North China is not as good as before.

There isn't even much time to replenish.

In Chu Yunfei's memory.

At this point in 1939, Japan had only just begun training pilots in large numbers, and it would take at least two years for them to be fully trained.

Even if the training program was started early due to heavy losses, it would take at least 40 years for the first batch of pilots to be trained.

Before that, there was a very small probability that the Japanese army would pose a threat to Lanzhou Airport.

And if this batch of heavy bombers were really deployed to the battlefield in North China.

The air threats faced are naturally smaller, and they can play a greater role.

Thinking of this, Chu Yunfei couldn't help but feel moved.

These bombers seem to be of some use in clearing out the three Ma in the northwest.

Chu Yunfei quickly ordered: "The time for launching the general offensive has been postponed. Immediately reschedule the time for launching the general offensive. Mark the bombing location, direction, and target for the friendly bomber formations. Notify all units and ask them to make preparations for air defense."

"Yes!"

Zhao Pengcheng immediately notified all the troops: "Hey, Commander Chu has given the order."

There is support!
And they are friendly heavy bombers, which is a strong support.

The officers under Chu Yunfei's command are not veterans from the military.

They are the top students from military academies, military academies, and even the Whampoa Military Academy, as well as those who have returned from studying abroad.

Naturally, I know what a heavy bomber is.

When the respective team leaders passed the message on.

After hearing the explanations from their company commanders and platoon leaders, the soldiers' morale instantly boosted.

Some officers from the Whampoa Military Academy were even considerate enough to provide some popular science information.

What is a light bomber and what is a heavy bomber.

Based on this, there is a huge difference in the power of the bombs carried by both sides.

Especially the offensive spearheads such as the First Infantry Regiment and the Assault Regiment.

In just one afternoon, officers at all levels patiently provided scientific knowledge so that the soldiers could have some understanding of the concepts.

The bombs dropped by the Japanese light bombers had already made the soldiers exhausted from defending themselves.

What kind of power will the heavy bomber have?

The officers used examples of infantry-artillery coordination tactics that the soldiers would often encounter.

The 75mm mountain artillery slowly advanced and fired in a barrage style.

Soldiers can carry out corresponding infantry and artillery coordinated operations.

The infantry should keep a distance of about 50 meters to 75 meters.

The extreme distance of thirty meters will result in casualties, so it should not be carried out unless necessary.

The 105mm howitzer needs to maintain a safe distance of at least two hundred meters.

As for heavy bombers carrying out bombing missions.

The infantry can only hide in fortifications, and anyone who walks out of the trenches may be in danger of their lives. They have to pray that their allies can throw the damn bombs more accurately and not drop them on their heads.

As for infantry attacks.

You need to wait until the bomber has completely flown away before you can proceed!

The newly formed 37th Division Headquarters.

Division commander Fujiwara Hideki keenly sensed that something was not right.

The expected counterattack and continued general offensive did not begin.

There were only sporadic artillery preparations and reconnaissance attacks.

"Such a slow and cumbersome fighting style could never have come from Chu Yunfei's command, division commander, this is most likely another conspiracy."

Fujiwara Hideki nodded seriously.

During the month-long battle, the tactics used by both sides were constantly adjusted and changed.

Fujiwara Hideki also basically understood the basic command characteristics of the troops he was fighting.

In small-scale battles, they are unlikely to defeat an enemy with more advanced tactics.

In medium to large-scale battles, they often have the advantage.

The defending troops often need to rely on timely artillery support to contain or even repel their offensive.

obviously.

The grassroots commanders under Chu Yunfei's command have strong capabilities and the soldiers have strong overall qualities.

However, the capabilities of mid-level commanders are slightly weaker, which is consistent with the previous intelligence analysis.

Fujiwara Hideki originally wanted to rely on his intelligence advantage and the defensive fortifications he had built to launch a unique defensive counterattack.

And now.

Chu Yunfei's troops suddenly stopped attacking.

What is going on here?

Report the intelligence to the Shanxi First Army Headquarters.

Commander Yoshio Shinozuka was also confused and shocked. "What tricks are our opponents trying to play?" Prince Asaka Naruhiko thought hard for a long time, but could not come up with a relatively reasonable explanation: "Could it be that they want to show that they are short of logistics and manpower to attract our army to attack?"

Shinozuka Yoshio shook his head expressionlessly, "It shouldn't be. The battle has reached this stage. It's meaningless to show weakness. We are no longer able to continue the attack. It's just that they gave up the pincer attack on Shouyang and the threat to Taiyuan, and instead reinforced the Wutai front."

He doesn't understand.

Where does Chu Yunfei get his confidence from?

They believed that they would be able to defeat the Japanese troops along the Beitongpu Railway.

He walked up to the large combat sand table.

He supported his left hand with his right hand and his chin with his left hand, and fell into deep thought.

You must know that at this time, command operations can only rely on a group of people brainstorming in front of a sand table and a combat map, and there is no assistance from an informationized combat system.

There are also not a large number of sensors and communication equipment, nor corresponding dedicated staff to analyze dynamic situations in real time.

There is a time lag in the transmission of information.

This results in a lag when almost all senior commanders give orders.

So many generals and seniors have fought against Chu Yunfei's troops.

But there is no doubt that in the end, they can only rely on absolute strength to gain a slight advantage. They cannot annihilate it in one fell swoop, and it is even difficult to defeat it.

Operations based on this foundation would naturally be more cautious.

Compared to Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko's worries.

Shinozuka Yoshio has decided not to adjust the deployment at this time: "Now we can only trust our combat troops and hope that they will have a good performance!"

Respond to ever-changing situations by remaining constant, do less and make fewer mistakes, do nothing and make fewer mistakes.

In essence, it means that the current 37th Division and 20th Division will never lose!

Prince Asaka Naruhiko and North China Front Army Commander Sugiyama Hajime all believed that they had no chance to adjust their deployment.

As for continuing to intensify the attack.

That is even less likely.

Whether it is the more than 10,000 people of the Sixth Army or the several thousand troops under Chu Yunfei.

None of them can be easily broken through.

Not to mention that the 3rd and 4th Mixed Brigades had been attacking fiercely for seven days but failed to break through the Ru Yuekou defense line!
The new recruits urgently dispatched from the country have not even completed their training. Even so, it will take at least ten days before they can reinforce the various troops.

As for those veterans who are in reserve or have enlisted for the second time, it will take at least twenty days for them to barely form combat effectiveness and be added to the front-line combat troops.

In the blink of an eye, another day has passed.

Gansu, Lanzhou, military airport.

Heavy bombers were lined up in neat rows.

The sun had just risen.

A group of Soviet volunteer air force soldiers were ready for battle.

They received the highest level of courtesy from the National Government, and their treatment and salaries (the salaries were paid to the Soviet government as part of the aid contract, not to the air force supporters themselves) were basically full.

Compared with the slacker pilots in the Flying Tigers, their combat records are completely unreliable, and some even lie to an outrageous degree.

Although the achievements of the Soviet Volunteer Air Force in aid of China were occasionally exaggerated and inconsistent with the actual situation, they were basically true.

Under the command of Kurishenko.

According to the original combat plan, this group of soldiers entered the interior of the heavy bomber.

Each bomber carries 100 15KG aerial bombs.

These heavy bombers took off into the air like staggering giants.

Each of the aerial bombs it carries is enough to completely destroy reinforced concrete fortifications that even 105mm howitzers cannot defend against.

On the battlefield.

As the roar of the engine sounded.

The Japanese soldiers looked up at the sky in confusion.

The commander of the 37th Division, Fujiwara Hideki, also had a lot of question marks on his head.

According to the information he received, the aviation force's priority support would be the Niangziguan area and the Ruyuekou area.

Not on their side.

As for the reason, it is essentially because the field air defense firepower here is too dense, and there is a greater risk of loss. If bombs are dropped from high altitudes, the combat efficiency will be too low.

It’s fine if the tug-of-war lasts for several months, half a year or a year.

But now both sides are racing against time, hoping to liberate a fresh force that can quickly reach the battlefield and become the last straw that breaks the camel's back.

There was no way these bombers were on his side.

In just a few minutes, Fujiwara Hideki quickly completed the logical loop.

Although I don’t know whether my judgment is really accurate, the first thing to do right now is to defend against air attacks!

Under the orders of Fujiwara Hideki.

On the position, between fortifications.

The shrill air raid sirens sounded.

Although the Japanese were very surprised, they had received thorough training and immediately hid in fortifications, anti-gun holes and air-raid shelters.

next moment.
Violent explosions sounded one after another.

1st Infantry Regiment, forward command post.

Chu Yunfei, Bian Fucheng and Zhang Fugui stood side by side.

He held up the telescope in his hand and looked in the direction of the Japanese position.

Although the distance was more than four kilometers, the shocking explosion could still be seen clearly.

As for Chu Yunfei’s perspective in the three-dimensional combat map.

There were also fireballs flashing continuously, which was very scary.

The specific number of combat troops under the military card representing the newly formed 37th Division of the Japanese Army also decreased drastically.

When the heavy bomber formation flew away from the battlefield.

The information below the badge representing the newly formed 37th Division has changed significantly.

[Unit name: Japanese Army 37th Division]

【Organization: 18%】

[Current number of combat officers and soldiers: 10345 (26500)]

[Current equipment status: poor]

[Current logistics supply situation: poor]

[Current training level of the unit: Initial training]

The level of organization is extremely low, and judging from the data alone, it is on the verge of collapse.

What combat effectiveness can the Japanese troops built on this basis still have?

Overall, the bombing efficiency was around 15% (directly or indirectly hitting the target and causing casualties).

I don’t know if it’s luck.

In this era, this is an extremely shocking number.

Even during the Gulf War, according to the Americans' 38000 or so CAS sorties and the effective statistical comparison of destroyed equipment, bridges, railways, traffic intersections and supply convoys.

The effective bombing efficiency is only about 48%.

But what era was that?
Chu Yunfei also had doubts at a certain moment.

I wonder if the Soviet officer who commanded and carried out this bombing was also cheating.

In the command post of the First Infantry Regiment.

Bian Fucheng and Zhang Fugui looked at each other, both with smiles on their faces.

Seeing Chu Yunfei still holding the telescope in his hand.

The two did not interrupt and returned to the battle map to discuss in a low voice: "It's time to launch an attack. After taking Gang County in one go, we will divide the battlefield and surround the Japanese troops in the Xinkou direction and the Daixian direction. We will give priority to annihilating the Japanese troops in the Daixian direction."

Chu Yunfei looked down at the watch on his hand: "Check the watch!"

"Nine forty-seven."

"Nine Forty-Seven"

Chu Yunfei nodded: "There are thirteen minutes left. Instruct the 31st Mountain Artillery Regiment to conduct a ten-minute artillery preparation in the direction of the enemy's position. After the preparation, launch an attack immediately."

"Yes!"

The sound of artillery fire roared.

The First Infantry Regiment, on an unnamed hill, a front-line position.

Several veteran soldiers are making final preparations for the battle.

"With the bombing and artillery shells, how many Japanese soldiers are left on this position?"

"When we were in the 17th Division, it was the Japanese who bombed us. After we came to Commander Chu's side, we bombed the Japanese. How can we seek justice?"

"Life is definitely much better now than before. If we can win this battle, at least our Shanxi region will be at peace, and your hometown in Shaanxi will definitely be fine too."

"Our goal is to capture Hill 371. Prepare for battle. Each squad should conduct a final inspection. Pay attention to tactical moves when attacking!"

"The company commander is gone, squad leader, have you left a letter for your family?"

"Yes, it was the company commander who wrote it for me. In two months, the money saved by our family will be enough for my second brother to find a wife, and my father will be able to start a small business in the village." The veteran squad leader scratched his head, half-crouched in the trench and gestured, as if he had seen a bright future with his own eyes.

"I don't even know what to write in this suicide note," a corporal next to him muttered.

"You can read, so why don't you write?" Another sergeant (deputy squad leader) poked his arm, looking puzzled.

The corporal cursed angrily, "Damn it, I'm definitely not going to die, squad leader, give me another cigarette."

"The last one..." The deputy squad leader didn't care about the soldier's scolding, but lowered his head and took out the cigarette box: "Do you want a fortune cigarette too?"

The corporal hesitated for a moment, and the squad leader beside him chuckled: "If you don't smoke, then it's mine. You will definitely get a promotion and a fortune after this battle!"

Several veterans looked at each other.

But if you don't take over as squad leader in the future, this cigarette is actually not that auspicious.

According to the latest battle plan.

They needed to take Hill 371 within four hours.

However, this combat target was two kilometers away.
Before that, they needed to cooperate with other friendly forces to break through the Japanese frontier guard positions and the deep defense fortifications with a depth of four kilometers.
As for this fortune cigarette.

After mentioned.

Someone has to take it and smoke it, otherwise something bad will happen.

These are some strange rumors on the battlefield, or they can be called superstition, or no one believes them.

It's not much different from peeing on a bayonet.

These veterans all knew in their hearts that this was bound to be a dangerous situation.

As the general attack time arrives.

Three blood-red flares quickly rose into the air.

The next second, the shrill scream sounded again.

Mortar units at all levels of the regiment launched the final round of artillery fire on the marked targets.

The loud charge followed closely behind.

The squad leader, who was chatting and bragging just now, quickly put out his unfinished cigarette.

He jumped out of the trench with quick steps.

They work in perfect harmony, are well-trained, and are as nimble as monkeys.

Under the cover of their own machine gun fire, they quickly approached the frontline of the Japanese.
(End of this chapter)