Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 372 Strategy (Subscription Request)

Chu Yunfei is a straightforward person.

Seeing Brigade Commander Chen so straightforward.

So I just put forward my ideas and requests directly.

"The next major deployment and deployment of our Second War Zone will be to recover Datong, Tianzhen and other strategic locations in northern Shanxi."

"To ensure the success of the offensive, we will cooperate with General Fu Yisheng's troops in the Eighth War Zone."

"So when we launch a large-scale offensive operation, we need your anti-Japanese bases in North China to make some noise."

Chu Yunfei and Fang Ligong looked at him seriously.

The deputy chief of staff touched his chin, thought for a moment and then said: "If we launch a large-scale raid on North China, the Japanese army's logistics supply system will inevitably be greatly affected."

"Our army's raiding operations are not without cost. The Japanese army is likely to mobilize heavy troops to launch a siege against our anti-Japanese bases in North China. The number of weapons and equipment of our combat units is not sufficient to begin with, and we are likely to suffer heavy losses if we are caught off guard."

The Deputy Chief of General Staff was also very direct in his remarks.

Fight, that’s fine indeed.

The Japanese will definitely be badly beaten.

But the same thing.

They will also sacrifice a lot of people.

Even the anti-Japanese base areas that were built with great difficulty would be affected.

Operations based on this foundation must be conducted with extreme caution.

Chu Yunfei nodded to show his understanding.

Fang Ligong continued, "In order to reduce the combat pressure on your unit, we plan to win over Zeng Wanzhong's unit of the Fifth Army. As a guest army fighting in Shanxi, their supply situation has always been very poor."

"If the Fifth Army is responsible for the defense of the Southern Taihang area, our army will be able to free up more troops. After the battle, we can also send troops out of Taiyuan to support you."

"Can you provide a large amount of combat supplies before the war?" Brigade Commander Chen went straight to the point: "The number of local armed forces we have mobilized is extremely large, and more than 75% of the combat forces are not yet equipped with firearms, and their combat effectiveness is relatively poor."

Chu Yunfei shook his head: "Unfortunately, judging from the current situation, it will be difficult for us to get more supplies from the headquarters."

"In the Ninth War Zone, based on the current movements of the Japanese army, they are likely to launch another large-scale offensive operation in the next few months."

"Hit again?"

The Battle of Nanchang had just ended in the Ninth War Zone.

The Fifth War Zone had also just concluded the Sui-Zao Campaign.

Both battles were medium to large-scale battles involving hundreds of thousands of people.

How long has it been since the Battle of Nanchang?

In less than a month and a half, the Japanese army was preparing to launch combat operations again.

The deputy chief of the general staff was extremely surprised: "How much strategic reserves and weapons and ammunition do these Japanese have?"

Brigade Commander Chen also had a frown on his face.

there is always a solution to a problem.

"The purpose of their operations is most likely the same as usual, to strike at the main force of our army and force the Nationalist government to surrender."

Chu Yunfei picked up the tea beside him and said disapprovingly: "If the Chairman was willing to surrender, he would have reached an agreement with the Japanese long ago. The war has been going on for so long that there is no possibility of peace talks between the two sides."

"Not only can we not continue to provide supplies to your army, but if we want to launch an offensive in northern Shanxi, we can only rely on ourselves."

Brigade Commander Chen was a little suspicious: "Is the situation so serious now? I remember that you have reached relevant assistance agreements with the Americans and the Soviets, and the headquarters has also provided a lot of guns and ammunition in advance?"

Chu Yunfei shook his head, looking somewhat helpless: "The Northwest Manufacturing General Administration is in the process of industrial upgrading. Only the 65-round bullet production line, grenade production line, and mortar production line are still in use."

"Even the Jin-made Type 65 rifle and Jin-made Thompson submachine gun have stopped production."

"The monthly production of 65-caliber bullets is 3.8 million rounds, the monthly production of grenades is 14,000, and the production of various mortar shells is 1,800."

The output is not high, it can even be described as very low.

But in the country, it is already considered a leading arsenal.

The Taiyuan Arsenal after corresponding modernization and upgrading.

Naturally, Chu Yunfei doesn't need to worry much about production.

It's just that he can't wait this long.

Facing the gazes of Brigade Commander Chen and the Deputy Chief of General Staff.

Chu Yunfei sighed slightly: "As for the production of my Changzhi Military Factory, it has just been put on track, and we are currently trial-producing 50mm grenade launchers."

"As for the large-caliber millimeter mortar, it is currently impossible to mass-produce it due to the rifling process."

PS: The rifling process mentioned here refers to the rifled mortar. The rifled mortar is not the traditional smoothbore mortar. It has a longer range and a higher cost.

This is actually produced to equip second-line troops with long-range support artillery to replace mountain and field artillery and other barreled artillery.

"But the 50mm grenade launcher, with the Japanese grenade launcher as a good example, it will be relatively easy for us to imitate it."

"It is estimated that once everything is on track, the monthly output will be able to reach at least 600 units."

"Then we can consider giving priority to your department."

Chu Yunfei opened his mouth and made his promise.

If grenade launchers could be equipped in large numbers.

It was also a good weapon for the Eighth Route Army at this point in time.

In Chu Yunfei's memory.

Grenade launchers are used by some core regiments of the Eighth Route Army.

Even in 1940, 1943 and other time points, it was still a valuable piece of equipment to a certain extent.

Even the main force regiments in many bases had only a few guns.

After industrial upgrading, the Changzhi Arsenal is not without the ability to produce artillery.

Rather, the output is low and there is no need to produce it.

At a time when the war situation is tense.

It is an indisputable fact that it is better to buy than to make.

What's more.

For the current World War II zone as a whole.

The number of artillery pieces was still sufficient, especially since the number of combat troops of the Jin army was small.

And the supply of artillery talents cannot be guaranteed in a short period of time.

Instead, it would be better to produce artillery shells, as well as alternatives such as mortars and grenade launchers. These weapons are not only more suitable for the current battlefield, but also more suitable for equipping second-line combat troops with relatively less combat pressure.

"Since you have said so much, Yunfei, I am here on behalf of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters and the Yan'an side to promise your army that when the counterattack in northern Shanxi begins, our army will definitely conduct large-scale raids to cooperate with your army's offensive operations."

Chu Yunfei and Fang Ligong looked at each other and stood up at the same time: "Two seniors, Yunfei is very grateful!"

"That's it, let's go back first. We still need to hold a meeting to discuss the specific details."

"Yes, please!"

In the blink of an eye, several days passed.

Beiping.

North China Front Army Headquarters.

Yoshio Shinozuka sat on the chair with an expressionless face.

Beside him were the commanders of various divisions of the North China Front Army.

Sugiyama Gen, the commander of the North China Front Army, sat on the chair.

He looked at the officers sitting there with a serious face and slowly said, "Gentlemen, His Majesty Tian Huang is quite dissatisfied with our army's recent operations."

"Not only did we lose a large amount of controlled territory in Shanxi, but our main force was also severely damaged."

"Although the various units have been replenished, their combat effectiveness and morale have been greatly affected." "General Shinozuka, I hope you can give a reasonable explanation for this defeat."

Shinozuka Yoshio slowly stood up and said, "I am very sorry, Commander. I should take full responsibility for the failure of this operation."

"Now is not the time to discuss who is responsible." Sugiyama Yuan was very angry. He knocked on the table and said, "The headquarters and His Majesty Tianhuang know that this battle was not caused by your command. What we want to hear is why this war turned out like this!"

"Hai!"

Shinozuka Yoshio said without hesitation: "After a post-war summary and a certain degree of analysis, we found that the enemy commander was quite familiar with the strategy and even tactics of our commander."

"Not only can it accurately predict the specific deployment and movements of our troops, it can even carry out targeted strikes."

"They will not only take advantage of the weak coordination between our divisions and brigades to carry out targeted attacks."

"Each time, they would conduct psychological warfare with me appropriately, forcing my army to misjudge the status of their troops, thus causing our command errors."

In Yoshio Shinozuka's opinion.

Chu Yunfei's command style can not only be called combat command, but can even be called the art of command.

He couldn't think of any way to defeat such an opponent.

There was not even the slightest problem with command.

The coordination between the various forces was also perfect.

Even Chu Yunfei would not give them the chance to attack the junction.

"Chu Yunfei's troops nowadays basically fight independently and do not cooperate with other friendly forces. This is mostly due to the consideration of weak coordinated operations."

"Excuse me, gentlemen, but none of our divisions has the military strength to defeat Chu Yunfei's troops."

The words are unpleasant, even harsh.

But no one stood up to refute.

Because everyone knows that what Shinozuka Yoshio said is the truth.

Almost everyone in the entire North China Front Army had fought against him.

But no commander has ever dared to say that he had gained an advantage on the battlefield.

Even famous generals like Terauchi Juichi and Umezu Mijiro.

At best it was a 50-50 split.

Even these two have all been transferred back to China at this time.

Shinozuka Yoshio met the gazes of the generals and said, "Everyone, if we don't quickly adjust our current strategy and figure out how to fight against the elite ace troops of the National Army, we are likely to fall into a more passive war situation."

"General Shinozuka, what do you think?"

Shinozuka Yoshio did not hesitate and continued, "We must fully transition to a strategic defensive posture to curb the continued expansion of the Jin army."

"We must firmly control the current occupied areas and continue to develop them, mobilize more Locust Alliance troops, and mix them with the Japanese troops to form a special Locust Alliance combat unit.

They are commanded by Japanese officers and non-commissioned officers and are given high treatment.

Although we cannot have too much expectation on these people who betrayed their own country, we still need to rely on their strength to maintain the existence of the occupied areas and free up more main forces to be deployed to the front line. "

Shinozuka Yoshio stood up and walked to the battle map: "Controlling Taihang can threaten the entire North China region. However, now the entire Taihang Mountains are under the control of our opponents, and our North China Front Army can no longer gain the corresponding strategic advantage."

"The attitude of the headquarters is enough to prove that their focus of attack is the main force of the Central Army in the Ninth War Zone."

"This actually means that after the evaluation by the Tokyo headquarters, they have accepted the basic fact that Chu Yunfei's troops cannot be annihilated."

The division commanders looked at each other.

Their faces all looked extremely embarrassed.

Although angry.

But it won't lead to slamming the table.

It’s not that I haven’t fought, but I just can’t win.

Although what Yoshio Shinozuka said was unpleasant to hear, it was still the basic fact.

But they were all curious about why Yoshio Shinozuka talked for so long.

We have to take some practical measures, right?
Sure enough, the next second.

Shinozuka Yoshio clearly pointed out: "Based on his previous combat characteristics and tendencies, as well as his origins in the Jin army, I judge that Chu Yunfei's next offensive focus is likely to be the northern Shanxi region."

At this time, Sugiyama Yuan looked up at Shinozuka Yoshio and asked, "Has Lin Cang-jun left yet?"

"Chu Xichun has already left Zhangjiakou and is escorted by our army to Pingxingguan to take over. I think there will be news in a few days."

"Northern Shanxi region." Sugiyama Yuan had a headache.

There are not many troops that can be mobilized in the entire northern Shanxi region at present.

Overall, it is less than 20,000.

It is mainly composed of the 3rd Mixed Brigade.

The 4th Brigade had also suffered heavy losses before and is currently resting and recuperating.

The Second Brigade was fighting against Qian Bojun's troops.

There were also heavy losses, and it was necessary to take into account the defense of the Zhangjiakou front line.

The vast majority of the remaining main forces of the Mongolian army were confronting the 35th Army, the main force of the Eighth Army in the Suiyuan direction.

If Chu Yunfei's troops went north to launch an attack on the corresponding counties, Lingqiu, Gaoyang, Huairen and other areas.

The consequences will be disastrous!
Just as the Japanese army was formulating a detailed defensive combat plan to deal with the possible offensive launched by Chu Yunfei's troops.

This is the headquarters of the 18th Group Army.

Corresponding discussions and deployments are also carried out for possible future combat operations.

"The harassment operations against Cangzhou, Wuqiang, Dezhou, Jinan, the Yellow River Estuary, Dagukou and other fronts will not only expose the anti-Japanese bases we have opened up behind enemy lines and cause Chang Ruiyuan to be wary of us, but we are also likely to be surrounded and suppressed by the Japanese invaders, which will seriously damage our vitality."

"According to the combat requirements of the Second War Zone, we do not need to cause too much damage to the Japanese army. The main goal is just to destroy the enemy's transportation lines and select some railway nodes to attack."

"According to the current report from the Second War Zone Command Headquarters, the first phase of the combat objectives will be completed within two months, mainly to eliminate the Japanese and puppet troops entrenched in northern Shanxi."

"Secondly, when weapons and equipment arrive and are relatively sufficient, we will launch an attack on strategic locations in northern Shanxi such as Datong and Tianzhen."

"Yan Laoxi didn't use the defensive fortifications he repaired in northern Shanxi, but these Japanese soldiers treated them as treasures and continued to reinforce them. It will be quite difficult for Chu Yunfei and his men to successfully recapture these lost defensive positions."

"No matter what, our main force still needs to prepare for war. If possible, this will be of great benefit to the current war situation."

The commander-in-chief paused, then looked at the deputy chief of general staff: "As for what attitude Shancheng holds and whether Yan'an supports this matter, further discussion is needed, but Yan'an is very supportive of deepening cooperation between the two sides."

The commander-in-chief's implication was to wait.

Although the price offered by Chu Yunfei was very tempting.

Moreover, attacking the Japanese invaders and destroying transportation lines was their daily work.

But this time the operation was organized to span the entire North China region.

It is not that easy, and the number of troops mobilized will inevitably be unprecedented.

Operations based on this involve all aspects.

Chang Ruiyuan's concern for them could even be described as malicious, and it was basically about to be revealed.

Exposing one's strength in this way is likely to cause further friction between the two sides.

"Has the previous plan to send relevant military personnel to study been approved?"

"The Second War Zone Command Headquarters rejected our request to study on the grounds that the industry is currently undergoing upgrading," responded a cadre in charge of military industry.

The commander-in-chief nodded and said, "It seems that this Mr. Yan still has some reservations about us."

"In such a chaotic world, guns are the most important. The military strength of Chu Yunfei's troops far exceeds the armed forces currently controlled by Yan Laoxi. I guess Chen Cixiu came to the Second War Zone for this matter."

"The chairman is best at what he likes to advocate, which is balance. He certainly doesn't want to see Chu Yunfei dominate, so he will definitely choose to support Yan Laoxi to balance the power of the three parties in Shanxi."

Brigade Commander Chen was silent for a moment and then asked, "What if the chairman chooses to support Chu Yunfei's integration of Shanxi?"

(End of this chapter)