Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 396: Dramatic changes in Europe! The Battle of Nomonhan ended without any ripples! (Subscribe)
"Commissioner, Madam, please come over."

"What's the matter?" Chang Ruiyuan turned his head to look at Wang Shihe beside him, with a hint of doubt in his tone.

"I think I want to have dinner with you."

Wang Shihe told the truth and carefully observed Chang Ruiyuan's expression.

Chang Ruiyuan waved his hands irritably after hearing this: "I'm busy with military affairs and can't get away. I won't go back tonight."

After Liu Fei heard the voice, he immediately stepped forward and said, "Chairman, according to the time, Yun Fei's telegram should have been sent. There shouldn't be anything major tonight."

Battle of Northern Shanxi.

It is indeed related to the war situation in North China.

It is normal for Chang Ruiyuan to be worried.

only.
His worries actually had no practical significance.

He could neither offer good command advice.

It is also impossible to provide more logistical support to the Second War Zone at this point in time.

But this old man realized this.

He sat in the war room stubbornly.

Pure self-torture and self-consumption.

Just when he was about to say something when facing Liu Fei's puzzled look.

Lin Wei walked up to him in a hurry and said, "Commissioner, the latest news is that the Germans have taken action."

"When?"

"It is said that the Poles took the initiative to use the border radio station to announce the beginning of the war between Poland and the Germans. Hitler immediately made a radio speech to the world, saying that the Germans would respond to the Polish attack with bombs."

Chiang Kai-shek smiled dumbly: "It's a poor self-directed performance."

The Germans' tactics were not very sophisticated.

They used a small elite force to cross the border.

They occupied a small town called Gleiwitz and then used the local radio to "declare war on Germany"

Chang Ruiyuan frowned slightly: "I guess they have already started the attack?"

The Japanese estimated that the European war broke out in 41 or 42.

The judgment of Chang Ruiyuan and other important officials of the National Government.

In fact, there is not much difference with Japan's judgment.

Scattered records indicate respective views.

Basically, the judgments are all made 40 years later.

Because after 40 years.

Only then can Germany truly complete the construction of its national strength and armaments.

Similarly, the construction of major countries such as Britain and France would take around 41 or 42 to complete.

This sudden change of situation.

Chang Ruiyuan was actually caught off guard.

In fact, there are no international law norms in this world.

In essence, whoever has the bigger fist has the final say.

When the Soviet Union and Germany divided Poland, their territorial sovereignty was severely violated.

As for the internal reasons why Poland was invaded.

In fact, it is very different from the Republic of China.

Simply because of its decline and backwardness.

Lin Wei nodded, his face also serious: "Early this morning, Hitler assembled 1.5 million troops, 2,500 tanks and 2,000 combat aircraft to launch an attack on Poland."

"The Polish cavalry (armored) units launched a counterattack at the first opportunity, but it soon turned into a one-sided massacre.

According to news from the Americans.

The Germans deployed a large number of tanks and armored vehicles on the front line.

Following closely behind were large numbers of motorized infantry riding in trucks.

This is a completely new tactic, a bit like what Okamura Neiji used in the Battle of Nanchang."

Chang Ruiyuan interrupted: "How can the Japanese have so many motorized infantry?"

"The so-called mechanized forces they have are only four divisions."

"These four divisions are simply equipped with a large number of trucks, which makes it easier for them to maneuver quickly."

Liu Fei nodded, agreeing with Chang Ruiyuan's analysis and judgment: "For the Japanese, the threat mainly comes from the sea. Almost all of the Japanese resources are tilted towards the navy. They even started preparing for war with the Americans five years ago."

Lin Wei also spoke up at the right time: "The Germans' style of play is actually very clear, just like what we discussed before."

"Capture the railway hub of Poland as soon as possible."

"To prevent the Poles from rapid war mobilization."

"After their army group deployed on the front line was defeated by the powerful Germans, there was no possibility of a comeback."

"Poland's terrain is different from ours. The Polish plains are very suitable for their armored forces to charge, making it easier for them to advance and attack quickly."

Speaking of this, Liu Fei's eyes suddenly became sharper: "This is a battle of national destiny. The Poles have lost the initiative."

"If Poland had taken the initiative to attack the Germans, it would have been able to gain some advantages, at least the battle would not have been lost so quickly."

"Although the Polish air force is much inferior to the Germans, they are still capable of fighting in terms of the size of their army."

"If it weren't for the appeasement policy of Britain, France and other countries, the Germans would never have become so powerful in such a short time. Austria, Czechoslovakia, and now Poland, a world war is inevitable."

Lin Wei sighed: "I think this incident will directly affect the direction of the relationship between the Soviet Union and Germany, and it is very likely to affect the Soviets' support for our war of resistance."

"Once Germany and the Soviet Union engage in direct warfare, they will no longer be able to help us contain the Japanese in the Far East. As for the Japanese, they can draw more elite troops from the Kwantung Army to support the battles in the interior."

Lin Wei's news is actually lagging behind.

It is precisely because of the appeasement policy of Britain and France.

As a result, the anti-fascist front was not established for a long time.

The Soviets were no pushovers either.

He immediately chose to sign a Soviet-German Non-Aggression Pact with the Germans.

The Soviets also sold out Britain, France and Poland.

Poland is just an unlucky old bastard, and Britain and France deserve it.

The Germans sold out the Japanese.

In order to form a de facto military alliance with Germany, Japan held dozens of negotiations with Germany.

During the negotiations between the Germans and the Japanese.

In Northeast China.

There is a place on the border of Outer Mongolia.

His name is Nomonhan.

The Battle of Nomonhan is quite well-known.

It was because of this battle that the Japanese military never mentioned the "northward" strategy again.

Instead, he firmly chose to go south.

It was also because of their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor that the United States, the world's first industrial country at the time, joined the Allied camp in World War II.

From a Japanese perspective.

The Kwantung Army has strong military strength.

And because of the full mobilization, the combat effectiveness is relatively strong.

There were constant frictions between China and the Soviets in the Nomonhan area.

It eventually turned into a border war.

In fact, it was done deliberately by the Japanese.

Tokyo's judgment.

The Soviets were preparing for war in Europe.

And because of Stalin's internal purge.

Most of the outstanding officers in the Soviet army were affected to varying degrees.

Many of them were even shot.

A more important point.

The Japanese attach great importance to logistics.

The Kwantung Army controlled the railway lines.

It’s less than 200 kilometers to Nomonhan.

If the Soviets wanted to supply the front line, it would take them 800 kilometers.

If the Soviet Union wanted to fight for the Nomonhan area.

It will cost a huge price to do so.

The Japanese army also had this consideration.

Only then would they fight the Soviets without hesitation.

however.

The Japanese underestimated the Soviets' determination.

To fight this battle well.

Stalin transferred Zhukov from Belarus.

He flew to the Nomonhan front and took command of the Soviet army.

Not only that.

Stalin also dispatched the corresponding air force commanders, artillery commanders, and armored commanders to the Nomonhan front.

This posture is basically no different from if he were there in person.

The command lineup is quite luxurious.

Zhukov not only transferred three more infantry divisions and a tank brigade.

A large number of artillery were also dispatched.

A large number of outstanding pilots were drawn from the Air Force to support the front battlefield.

The war had only been going on for a week.

The Japanese air force was defeated.

Under Zhukov's command, the Soviet tank group bravely charged towards the Japanese army.

Under the cover of hundreds of heavy artillery and air force units.

The first Japanese army to be defeated was the same tank unit.

Their small tanks had little ability to withstand the Soviet Union's fast tanks.

But this is the battle.

The casualty ratio between the two sides was quite embarrassing.

The Japanese army had a troop advantage in July.

In early July, the Japanese troops attacking along the Khalkha River were 7 plus the Manchurian Army 21953.

The Soviet army consisted of: 9000 Soviet troops + 4800 cavalry troops from Outer Mongolia.

In August, the Soviet army began to have a numerical advantage.

The military strength of both sides is basically equal.

The Soviet Union had a total of 51,000 troops, but the actual number of people participating in the war was around 40,000.

But it is worth mentioning that the Soviet Union had twice as many tanks, aircraft, and artillery as the Japanese.

That's how the battle is.

The Soviets suffered 9,000 killed and 15,000 wounded.

More than 350 armored vehicles and 250 fighter planes were lost.

The Japanese suffered 8,500 killed, 8,700 wounded, and lost 30 tanks and 180 aircraft.

As for the casualties of the puppet state of Manchukuo.

There is no conclusion yet, judging from the memoirs of some Japanese people.

The casualties were mostly within 4,000, with 1,000 killed.

The total number of casualties was about 22,000.

If you look at it this way.

The casualty ratio between the two sides was quite ugly.

Judging from the data on paper.

This should be a crushing victory.

but.

Zhukov delivered a satisfactory answer.

but.

This is not difficult to see from the records in Zhukov's memoirs.

The main reason for the Soviet casualties was the large number of new recruits in the infantry divisions.

As for the losses of armored vehicles and tanks.

It has something to do with their usage strategy.

The Soviet Union's armored forces were not particularly strong, and the equipment used in the battle was mainly BT tanks and BA armored vehicles.

It is also a thin-skinned tank, a toy that can be penetrated by a 37mm gun.

Of course, the Japanese Type 94 37mm anti-tank gun was able to achieve such good results.

It's not because they have enough anti-tank weapons and equipment.

Quite the opposite.

Their anti-tank weapons were woefully inadequate.

It’s just that the Soviet Union likes to use light tanks to separate from the infantry and advance rapidly.

Then they were beaten up by the Japanese army.

This is a cerebral palsy-like style of play.

With the arrival of Zhukov things improved slightly.

The Soviet army made the same mistake again during the Winter War.

There was also the appearance of Lieutenant Colonel Fedorov from the 5th Machine Gun Brigade on the battlefield. He abandoned his troops and fled on his own.

The casualty ratio between the Soviet Union and Japan was about 1:1.5.

Despite being at a huge disadvantage in equipment, the Japanese army was able to defeat the Soviets in such a terrible way.

This also indirectly shows that the Japanese Army is indeed quite capable.

Zhukov also gave it high praise, because the Japanese grassroots troops had a strong fighting will and caused considerable casualties to the Soviet army.

This war.

Fortunately, it was the Japanese and the Soviets who were fighting.

It is also because of fear of the Soviets.

A large number of troops were stockpiled in the Northeast.

If these tanks, planes and soldiers were used on the domestic battlefield.

Not to mention that Chu Yunfei's front line was about to collapse completely, he had to go to Taihang and fight guerrilla warfare.

Chang Ruiyuan estimated that they would have to fight a battle to defend the temporary capital.

Just saying this.

We really have to thank the Soviets.

However, from Chang Ruiyuan's perspective.

Especially the records in his diary.

While he was looking forward to a border war between the Soviet Union and Japan, he was also worried that the Soviets would refuse to leave.

It also fully reflects his contradictory life.

Lin Wei and Liu Fei discussed this matter back and forth.

The two were in the process of communicating and discussing.

In fact, the views expressed are also intended to provide Chang Ruiyuan with some reference.

When the two talked about the use of armored forces.

Chang Ruiyuan suddenly remembered the two sides currently fighting in the Datong Basin.

One of the parties.

They are armed forces similar to the Germans and use almost the same tactics.

However, the cavalry deployed on the front line were puppet cavalry.

Their infantry units are assigned to the second line.

Trucks and a small number of armored vehicles.

Such troops are naturally unstoppable when they attack.

So, why were Chu Yunfei's troops able to stop these Japanese devils?

And carry out encirclement and annihilation warfare?
Chang Ruiyuan frowned slightly, puzzled.

Is it possible?

The fundamental reason for the slow progress of the previous battle in northern Shanxi.

Is it because Chu Yunfei anticipated that the Japanese army would deploy armored cavalry units on the second line?

If that's the case.

That's a little scary.

Everyone has had the luck of a blind cat catching a dead mouse.

Out of caution, it is normal to build a defense line in advance.

But for those like Chu Yunfei who had made preparations for encirclement and annihilation in advance, the Japanese offensive was thwarted and the battle directly switched to an encirclement and annihilation situation.

This has never happened before in the world's military history.

Chang Ruiyuan stood there and listened quietly.

Waiting quietly.

Soon.

Wang Shihe returned with a new telegram in his hand.

Looking at the smile on Wang Shihe's face.

Chang Ruiyuan understood and stepped forward to greet him: "Good news?"

"Great news." Wang Shihe smiled. "The puppet Mongolian Cavalry Division is preparing to rebel. The Japanese Second Independent Armored Brigade has been severely damaged and is currently breaking out to the north. It is estimated that twelve enemy tanks and thirteen armored vehicles have been destroyed."

"We have seized 35 Japanese transport vehicles and a number of other supplies."

"How many enemies were killed? How many casualties were there?"

Wang Shihe explained: "The telegram said that because of the fierce fighting, there was no time to count. Their current focus is on compressing the Japanese-occupied areas. The encirclement and annihilation has entered the second stage. It is estimated that if the encirclement is closed, these thousands of Japanese devils can be completely wiped out in two days."

Chang Ruiyuan was delighted but also noticed something was wrong: "How is the battle situation of the 14th Army? Why haven't I heard about their results?"

Wang Shihe was startled: "It was not mentioned in the telegram sent by Chu Yunfei's troops."

"No mention?"

Chang Ruiyuan paced back and forth, frowning, and realized that something was wrong.

Liu Fei and Lin Wei looked at each other and already had an idea in their minds.

In Chu Yunfei's previous telegrams, he would more or less mention the performance of friendly forces in this battle.

It is relatively objective, no matter whether the performance is good or bad.

I will always say a few words, and the content is relatively concise.

And now, in vain, I did not write about the performance of the 14th Army.
Specify if there is something wrong.

After a while.

Chang Ruiyuan seemed to have made a decision: "Send a telegram to inquire about the details..."

Wang Shihe stopped where he was, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

Seeing Chang Ruiyuan's eyes on him.

Wang Shihe then spoke up: "I'm stupid, should I send the telegram to General Manager Guo or..."

"To the Fourteenth Army."

"Yes!"

After Wang Shihe turned and left.

Telegrams from the Ninth War Zone were continuously delivered to Chang Ruiyuan and others.

Hunan-Jiangxi Campaign.

That was the First Battle of Changsha.

The battle officially started at this critical juncture.

"In the Gao'an direction, Luo Zhuoying's reserve force is Wang Yaowu's unit of the 74th Army?"

"Yes, they suffered heavy casualties in the Battle of Nanchang and are now barely recovering. If they have more time for training, their combat effectiveness may be restored to its peak."

"Commander-in-Chief Luo did not command the Nanchang Battle very well."

Chang Ruiyuan was a little worried that Luo Zhuoying would play more aggressively in order to prove himself.

What's more, now he not only commands the 32nd Army and the 49th Army.

There is also the 74th Army, which is listed as a combat attack army directly under the headquarters.

The slightest mistake in command can result in serious consequences.

After hesitating for a moment, Chang Ruiyuan gave up the micro-management and only issued a slightly more general order: "Send a telegram to the Ninth War Zone, do not rush for merit, and do not underestimate the enemy. Rely on the strong terrain and fight step by step. Don't worry about losing cities and territory, but focus on killing and wounding the Japanese invaders."

Second World War Commander Headquarters.

Old Yan raised his reading glasses on his ears and said, "Does Yun Fei want me to lead the troops and coordinate the battle at Pingxingguan?"

"Huang Baitao and Fan Hanjie are currently deploying the defense at Pingxingguan. We still need to clearly distinguish who is the main and who is the secondary."

Yan Laoxi nodded: "Of course I know this, but I don't understand who Yun Fei wants to achieve this great achievement in this battle."

"Since you are asked to command this defensive battle, you naturally want to support Huang Baitao."

Xie Ming placed a cup of tea in front of Yan Laoxi with a smile and added, "Although Fan Hanjie was not selected by the chairman because of the Fujian incident, he was recommended by Hu Zongnan after all."

"In addition, Yun Fei stated in the telegram that the three core regiments previously transferred from the 13th Army Group and the 10th Infantry Regiment under the newly formed 13th Division will form the reserve force, which will also be commanded by you, Commander Yan."

"In that case, Yufa, you go to Wutai first to prepare, I will leave in two days."

"There are tens of thousands of troops defending the Pingxingguan front. It's impossible that the Japanese invaders can break through in three days, right?"

Xie Ming smiled and said, "That's impossible. Even without the 27th Army, Huang Baitao's troops should be able to hold out for a while."

"Fan Hanjie's 27th Army is the main force of the Central Army, and its combat effectiveness is trustworthy."

(End of this chapter)