Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 444: Good news came frequently, and the whole country was excited! Chu Yunfei was transferred to the post of director of the headquarters?
This battle.

Completely annihilate the 20th Division, the main permanent force of the Japanese Army.

The division commander Ushijima Sanetsugu, the commander of the 39th Brigade Sekigahara Roku, and the commander of the 40th Brigade Takahashi Tagaji were killed.

From the division commander down, it was estimated that more than 18,600 Japanese invaders were killed or wounded.

During this battle.

The Japanese Army's 3rd Mixed Brigade, 4th Mixed Brigade, 41st Division and the 15th Mixed Brigade that came to support them suffered heavy losses.

To sum up, the estimated total number of enemy troops annihilated in this battle in northern Shanxi is around 30,000.

Of course, they don’t count puppet troops.

If the puppet army was included in the battle results, the results would be very impressive.

In reality, puppet troops often have little combat effectiveness.

Even troops trained and commanded by Japanese officers often performed just so-so.

The news of the great victory in Datong spread like a whirlwind.

It spread all over the country in just a few days.

In the mountain city, in Hengyang! The people rushed to tell each other, and were extremely excited.

In Xi'an, in Yan'an, in Changsha, and in Lanzhou.

Many people spontaneously took to the streets and joyfully launched a victory parade.

Countless soldiers and Central Bureau of Investigation agents who were struggling to hold on in the enemy-occupied areas, patriotic businessmen and civilians in the occupied areas, and underground party members listened to the passionate voice of the Central Daily News announcer coming from the radio.

"The Japanese 20th Division was surrounded by our Flying Tigers and the 14th Army using a roundabout tactic in the vicinity of Datong City. The Japanese fled in the northeast direction of Tianzhen with their remaining troops.

Our main force was well-rested and fought bravely and bloody.

The 20th Division of the Japanese invaders was completely annihilated, and the commander of the division, Lieutenant General Ushijima Sanetsugu, and more than 28,000 Japanese invaders were killed. "

"Okay!"

Songhu, in a private house somewhere.

A senior intelligence officer of the Military Control Commission who was hiding as a small businessman couldn't help but burst into tears.

And in the basement of a library less than a kilometer away from him.

Several members of the Red Party's underground organization were also extremely excited when they heard the news from the front line in northern Shanxi.

"Based on the current momentum of the war, the Japanese won't be able to hold out for much longer!"

"Comrade Nongfu, Wang Zhaoming has recently arrived in Songhu. Is there any new news?"

The "farmer" in a long gown, glasses and a traitor's hairstyle pushed his glasses and said slowly: "We have received news that Wang Zhaoming went to Songhu to establish his own government of the Republic of China."

"However, his trip encountered considerable obstacles. The Japanese wanted to take this opportunity to sign a series of unequal treaties with the soon-to-be-established Wang Puppet Government."

"Will Wang Zhaoming agree?"

The farmer shook his head slowly. "From the information we have received so far, he has not agreed, but he will agree in the end. As far as I know, the Military Control Commission has never given up its plan to assassinate him. He now lives in fear of being assassinated every moment."

"In addition, as far as I know, neither the puppet government in the Pingjin area nor the puppet government in other parts of North China has any intention of joining forces with Wang Zhaoming. Because of their non-cooperation, Wang Zhaoming was unable to convene a legislative meeting with 300 "KMT members"."

"Obviously, this was a Japanese conspiracy. They were using the Military Control Commission and these puppet government officials. Their ultimate goal was to force Wang Zhaoming and others to surrender and sign a series of unequal treaties with them in order to achieve the goal of colonizing North China and other Japanese-occupied areas."

The staff at the station nodded slowly: "Comrade Farmer, your information is very important. We will pass the relevant information to our superiors. In addition, please continue to hold on. We have already communicated with the Military Control Commission, but from the current point of view, there has been no progress."

"The organization hopes that you can join the Green Gang for protection and sell out some intelligence about the Japanese. This will also provide an extra layer of protection."
-

"Extra, Extra, Guanghua Daily is giving it away for free. Great victory in northern Shanxi, countless enemies killed, a major victory!"

"Extra, Extra~!"

"Newspapers are given away for free, and a great victory in northern Shanxi has killed countless enemies."

Outside Xi'an Railway Station, Shaanxi.

A group of hurried passers-by took the newspapers from the newsboy.

They stopped to read.

Not long after.

There were heated discussions throughout the city of Xi'an.

"Have you heard? We have won another great victory and completely wiped out the 20th Division, the elite main force of the Japanese army!"

"The commander seems to be the famous National Army commander Chu Yunfei!"

"It's him. I heard that not only the main force of the National Army but also the Eighth Route Army participated in the battle this time."

"The entire North China region was in chaos, with some winning and some losing, and no one knew what exactly happened!"

"But looking at this posture, it can be regarded as revenge for those suffering people!"

"These damned Japanese pirates will not continue to be rampant now, will they?"

The captain who was walking back to the station was startled, then he smiled and bowed to one of them: "Sir, can you lend me this newspaper?"

Seeing that the person coming was a soldier, the middle-aged man who was discussing the war situation with his companions generously handed over the newspaper in his hand: "Here, it's from Guanghua News Agency."

"Thank you."

Inside the station platform.

The garrison company commander surnamed Wu lowered his head and glanced at the contents of the newspaper.

Basically, Chu Yunfei commanded with great confidence, and the soldiers fought bloody battles. After going through all kinds of battles of wits and courage, and surrounded by dangers, they finally defeated the enemy and achieved the final victory.

Although Guanghua News Agency’s writing style is slightly official, it is generally aimed at ordinary people and the general public.

Like the chain strategies and fire bull formation used in the content.

Naturally it is impossible.

He had previously seen the so-called Empty City Strategy in Guanghua Daily.

This time.

He saw a familiar name in the newspaper again.

Chen Zejun.

The boy left a deep impression on him.

Two years ago, he was just a second lieutenant in the Third Department of the Imperial Guard.

Two years later, he had become a major general with outstanding military achievements.

It's really sad.

On the other hand, his old leader was promoted to major and battalion commander because he married the daughter of the regiment commander.

So far there has been no opportunity to go further.

Obviously, relying on nepotism to gain power is far less satisfying than relying on military exploits.

Before my father-in-law can go any further.

You can only be a battalion commander forever.

As for him, he can only continue to waste time at this station.

This is not what he wants, killing enemies on the battlefield, making achievements, and defending his country.

Instead of wasting time at a station that hasn't been raided again in the past six months!
Think of this.

The garrison company commander surnamed Wu immediately walked quickly back to his office. He wanted to report to his old leader on this trip, cross the Yellow River to the north, and go to the front line to fight against the enemy, instead of staying here to maintain order in the station!
-

The battlefield at Kunlun Pass finally came to an end.

The victory of this siege came at a huge cost to the Fifth Army.

There were more than 11,000 casualties and more than 5,000 deaths.

Eight hundred officers and soldiers were missing or their whereabouts were unknown.

The combined casualties of the 66th and 99th Armies also exceeded 10,000.

The Japanese Fifth Division suffered a total of 5,000 casualties.

The casualty ratio between the two sides was about 1:4.

When Chu Yunfei received the news, he couldn't help but sigh: "After such a battle, it will probably take at least half a year for the five armies to catch their breath."

The battle to capture Kunlun Pass lasted for more than twenty days.

Fifteen divisions were assembled, especially the Fifth Army.

This is enough to prove the command’s determination to retake Nanning.

The significance of victory is not just the capture of Kunlun Pass.

Instead, it further aggravated the morale of the Japanese army.

Why is Japanese Army Minister Hata Shunroku so pessimistic about this war?

It's because they haven't had a decent victory for a long, long time.

The capture of Nanning was not a victory for South China.

The only focus they have to do is to annihilate the main force under Chang Ruiyuan.

They attacked Nanning only to cut off Vietnam's channel for aid to enter the country, nothing more.

Chu Yunfei led a group of staff officers to briefly analyze the battle situation on the map: "The problem lies here, once the Fifth Army withdraws.

No one can fill the defense gap, and the combat effectiveness of other combat units is far inferior to that of the Fifth Army."

"The mistakes in this battle were actually the responsibility of the Chairman, the General Staff, and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Bai Jiansheng. The former judged at the Nanyue Military Conference that the enemy would never attack Nanning, and Chief of the General Staff Xu also judged that the Japanese landing direction should be Guangzhou Bay."

"When the Japanese army was attacking Kunlun Pass, the Guangdong troops did not actively launch a flanking attack. It was obvious that even if Bai Jiansheng was given full command, he would not be able to command the Guangdong troops."

Chu Yunfei paused and said, "As for Bai Jiansheng's command of the Guangxi Army to advance into western Guangdong, whether it was to defend the important town of Liuzhou or to seize the Guangdong faction's territory for his own selfish reasons, we still don't know it clearly. But judging from this situation, there must be many more conflicts between the Guangdong faction and the Guangxi faction."

"One thing that is certain so far is that the Japanese army will definitely launch a counterattack,"

“Even if we capture Kunlun Pass now, it is difficult to defend it.”

"The situation there is quite complicated, and it is different from our situation in the Second War Zone."

"The Second War Zone is now able to be united."

"And the armies on the battlefield of the Southern Guangxi Campaign are still engaged in intrigue and scheming."

Luo Weiguo added: "Your Excellency, in my opinion, a counterattack on Nanning is probably not realistic anymore."

"The command has assembled so many troops, but there are less than 30,000 combat-capable troops. It is almost impossible to recapture Nanning under such circumstances."

As Chu Yunfei spoke, he wrote and drew on the map with a pencil in his hand: "It's just that the Japanese army's current battle line is too long, and the rear is empty."

"If a unit with a certain degree of combat effectiveness were to penetrate the enemy and the main force were to follow up and advance, it would be very likely that the battle line would be stabilized in the area around Kunlun Pass, and it would be difficult for the Japanese army to recapture Kunlun Pass, and it would be impossible for them to advance any further."

Chu Yunfei threw the pencil in his hand on the table, looked at everyone, slowly stood up, and then said: "Forget it, Bai Jiansheng will never accept my opinion, just like before the battle of Kunlun Pass, the chairman would not accept my suggestion. Our suggestions are only based on military considerations, but these people are thinking about political influence. The way they think about problems is completely different from me."

"When you discuss issues, you should consider them from a military perspective, not the same as them."

"Yes!"

The staff officers of the Operations Department looked at each other and continued to simulate the battle situation.

Chu Yunfei, Luo Weiguo and others turned around and left the operations room.

the other side.

In the duty room, Zhang Dayun handed over a cup of scented tea at the right time: "If the Shancheng side can end the factional struggle and end this state of intrigue, perhaps our battle will be smoother."

Chu Yunfei nodded and took a sip: "Not bad, where did you get it from?"

"It was sent by Chen Zejun's elders. It tastes pretty good. I heard that it was made using some special ancient method. I don't know what was added to it. According to Chen Zejun himself, it was probably some honey water."

"It's a special ancient method. It sounds amazing. I didn't expect it to be honey water."

Chu Yunfei took another sip and said, "I see. Speaking of Chen Zejun, their Seventh Infantry Regiment also performed very well this time. I plan to adjust their troops as well."

Luo Weiguo and Zhang Dayun looked at each other.

Chen Zejun didn’t give these things in vain.

At least when Chu Yunfei saw this thing, he could remember Chen Zejun and his Seventh Infantry Regiment.

"I once heard Ziqiang say to me with a smile: If you just run around but don't send gifts, your position won't change. Only if you run around and send gifts can you be promoted faster."

"So I kept sending gifts to the commander's headquarters. Brother Yufa, and even Commander Xu, Commander Chu, Commander Yan, and Commander Yang in Baoding all accepted my gifts."

Seeing Chu Yunfei taking the initiative to talk about this matter, Zhang Dayun reminded him in a low voice: "It is better not to mention these things in the future. If they are spread out, it may affect your image."

Chu Yunfei put his hands behind his back, as if he had no regrets about his previous actions: "This is not my dark history, it's just the way I got here."

"Zejun knows that I like to drink tea these past two years, and he has sent me many gifts. He is doing a good job, and it is time to move." "The battle in northern Shanxi is basically coming to an end, and the Eighth War Zone is also clearing Suiyuan City. According to our previous analysis, the Japanese troops in the north are likely to flee eastward."

Speaking of it.

Luo Weiguo could not wait to remind him: "The chairman hopes that we can go north to garrison Fengzhen and send troops to garrison Jining."

In his opinion.

There is nothing wrong with Commander Yan’s move, and by being able to control more places, his strength will naturally increase a lot.

When Chu Yunfei heard Chang Ruiyuan's suggestion, he immediately shook his head and refused: "There is no need to intensify the conflict with Commander Fu's troops. We have suffered these losses before."

Zhang Dayun nodded: "Yes, we should eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time."

"The chairman's move is to divide the Jinsui region into three parts, but I can't do what he wants, otherwise the two war zones will be like before, with endless intrigues!"

Several people were discussing something.

A phone call came in to the former headquarters.

Luo Weiguo quickly stepped forward and answered the phone: "Hello, former commander-in-chief."

[I am Zhao Pengcheng. The Soviet delegation has already left and the new foreign trade contract has been finalized.]

"Has the new foreign trade contract been finalized?"

[Yes, we also obtained a credit loan of 7 million to maintain the normal operation of trade routes and the construction of transit stations! ]

"Okay, okay, I understand. I will convey this to you immediately."

A dozen people in the command center turned to look at Luo Weiguo.

Luo Weiguo also cleared his throat at this time: "Everyone, I just received a new piece of good news. We have reached an agreement with the Soviet Union to expand trade by 3 million US dollars per year."

"We have also secured a credit loan of 7 million yuan, which will be used to maintain trade security and build a transit station."

Everyone was extremely happy.

As long as we can win the battle, good news will come one after another.

If we lose the battle, troubles will come one after another.
Command headquarters.

Chang Ruiyuan was extremely excited by the news of victory in the war on the northern Shanxi front.

He walked with a light step, leaning on his cane, and smiled at everyone he met, completely dispelling the sad expression on his face.

The front line in northern Shanxi was victorious, and most of the enemy forces were annihilated.

Although the casualties themselves were not small, the number of casualties was acceptable overall.

Southern Guangxi.

His ace Fifth Army troops also suffered heavy casualties.

But they also killed the brigade commander, Major General Masao Nakamura, and won the battle.

Relatively speaking, the Fifth Army faces more difficulties and the challenge is more difficult.

After all, the Fifth Army does not have the heavy artillery equipped by Chu Yunfei's troops.

In addition, he intends to promote the five military systems.

The victory of this battle also occupies an important position in the current domestic public opinion propaganda.

"The Chairman is here!"

As Wang Shihe's voice sounded.

Everyone in the conference room stood up quickly.

Chang Ruiyuan quickly came to the seat at the head: "Everyone sit down, everyone sit down."

"I'm sure you all have heard the news from the front line."

"We have achieved a considerable victory, which has established the advantage in North China."

"Shihe, please tell us about the casualties on both sides, as well as the losses of captured items."

"Yes!"

Wang Shihe opened the folder in his hand, and then slowly read aloud: "Commanders, the casualties of both sides on the front line of northern Shanxi are as follows.

As of December 30, the cumulative casualties of Chu Yunfei's troops were 13,400, and the number of officers and soldiers sacrificed was about 10,000.

As of December 29, the 14th Army had suffered a total of 21,400 casualties, including approximately 17,000 officers and soldiers killed.

The Sixth Army suffered a total of 2,100 casualties, with approximately 1,400 officers and soldiers killed.

The Fifth Army suffered a total of 460 casualties, including about 350 officers and soldiers killed.

The Ninth Army directly under the theater of operations suffered a total of 1,730 casualties, including approximately 1,400 officers and soldiers killed.

The 71st Army directly under the theater of operations had a total of 1,867 casualties, including 1,350 officers and soldiers killed.
Including casualties of other direct troops, local troops, and cavalry troops, the summary is as follows.

The cumulative number of casualties was approximately 48,700, with 39,960 deaths and approximately 1,900 missing persons whose whereabouts or whereabouts are unknown.

It is estimated that 63,000 Japanese and puppet troops were killed, including 41,900 Japanese troops and 22,000 puppet troops.

Other.

The amount of equipment lost is as follows.

First, light weapons.

There are 4,367 Type 65 rifles made in Jin.

3,650 Type 24 rifles (Zhongzheng).

Three hundred and seventy-eight Czech light machine guns.

One hundred and thirty Type 65 machine guns made in Jin.

Seventy-eight Type 24 heavy machine guns.

In terms of support weapons, thirteen 60mm mortars, six 82mm mortars, six 107mm mortars, and seventy-eight grenade launchers were lost.

The losses in heavy weapons were quite severe:
Thirteen 37mm direct-fire artillery pieces were lost, two 45mm direct-fire artillery pieces were lost, and three Type 92 infantry guns were lost.

It is reported that, as of now, all of the remaining twenty-four 76mm anti-aircraft guns, except for the twelve in the rear, have been lost in the battle.

Thirteen Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft guns were also lost in this battle.

Four 75mm mountain guns and four 105mm howitzers were lost, and four 76mm Soviet field guns also malfunctioned and cannot be repaired at present.

The number of bullets consumed is as follows: 13.5 million rounds of 6.5 rifle bullets.
Everyone was silent.

The amount of bullets consumed is also quite astonishing.

All kinds of ammunition basically amount to about 30 million rounds.

This time the battle.

There were about 200,000 Nationalist troops participating in the war. In a month and a half, such a large amount of ammunition consumption was actually very good.

What surprised everyone was not the number of bullets consumed, but the number of artillery shells consumed.

A total of 75 105mm shells, 155 mm howitzer shells, and mm shells were consumed.
As far as anyone knows.

Before the war, the entire Second War Zone had only 75 105mm artillery shells left, plus the number of mm artillery shells in the warehouses. This was the number after the latest batch of American aid arrived.

The consumption of 155mm shells was even more astonishing. Of the shells in the aid contract, had already been used.
If the cost of each minute of fighting was one hundred dollars.

So the battle lasted for 45 days and the amount was 6.48 million US dollars.
The consumption of this battle in northern Shanxi was far greater than this figure.

Taking into account the subsequent pensions and the early training of soldiers, as well as the losses and consumption of this battle, local economic losses and subsequent construction, this figure is estimated to exceed 60 million US dollars, which is equivalent to 200 million national currency.

A more intuitive expression is what T.V. Soong said.

After Wang Shihe finished his report.

The officers remained silent.

Even with such huge consumption, they were unable to command and win this battle.

Finance Minister Song Ziwen sighed: "The battle in northern Shanxi wiped out three years of the central government's fiscal revenue. The country's current strength is no longer able to support another large-scale offensive."

This is the fiscal revenue after Chang Ruiyuan issued a large amount of patriotic bonds and war bonds.

The wartime economic system mainly focuses on food.

39 was also the only year in the entire history of the War of Resistance against Japan with a bumper harvest.

Can be imagined.

The cost of a large-scale battle is staggering.

He Jingzhi praised with a smile: "War is a clash of national strength. The fact that our army was able to achieve a corresponding victory is probably largely due to Yun Fei's command."

Chen Cixiu, in a rare move of unity, also spoke up: "Whether participating or instigating, Yun Fei has never been defeated in small and medium-sized battles, and has been able to successfully complete the established strategic tasks in large battles. In terms of strategic awareness and tactical command, Yun Fei's ability really makes us admire him."

The reason why the Republic of China was able to persist in resistance.

It is not only because of the establishment of the national anti-Japanese united front and the sacrifices of the vast majority of Chinese people.

The support and assistance from the world's anti-fascist forces are also very important.

These two people have always been more or less ambivalent about American aid and Soviet support.

And now.

It seemed that everyone was convinced by Chu Yunfei's command of the war, and no one thought that Chu Yunfei was spending money on fighting the war anymore.

"The direct economic losses caused by the Japanese invasion are immeasurable. As of now, Chu Yunfei can still save a lot of money on the construction costs of the northern Shanxi front."

Song Ziwen realized that something was wrong and subconsciously said some good words for Chu Yunfei.

The situation in Shanxi is special.

Because of the existence of the Construction Corps and the Agricultural Reclamation Corps.

This can save a lot of costs.

Similarly, because of the need to resettle refugees.

The reconstruction after this counterattack will also be able to further boost the local economy and create jobs for the refugees absorbed.

not to mention.

Song Ziwen had heard about it before.

Overcapacity has already appeared in Shanxi.

After this battle in northern Shanxi.

Naturally, there is also a need for reconstruction.

It can also be regarded as further boosting the local economy and maintaining local stability.

Let’s take a step back.

At least the fiscal revenue of the Second War Zone does not need to be a headache for him as the Finance Minister.

This is already pretty good.

"What do you think about the reward for this battle?"

Xu Yongchang, the head of the Military Affairs Department, was the first to speak up and express his opinion: "Now that the situation in the Second War Zone has stabilized, if we proceed step by step according to the established strategy formulated before the war, it would be better to promote Yun Fei to the position of director of the Tianshui Headquarters to guide the war in each war zone."

"As for the situation of the army reorganization in the Second War Zone, Yun Fei also has some corresponding experience. Perhaps he can take advantage of the situation to promote this work. Why not let him concurrently serve as the director of the Army Reorganization Department..."

Chen Cixiu also gave his own suggestions and gave up the position he held concurrently.

Chang Ruiyuan looked at Chen Cixiu in surprise, and finally set his sights on He Jingzhi.

He Jingzhi had no intention of singing a different tune: "The capable ones should naturally work harder, and the young people should bear more responsibilities. Although the enterprising reform will have an impact on the army as a whole, it is better than continuing to rot. It is time to get rid of the stubborn illness of the National Revolutionary Army!"

Chang Ruiyuan was quite satisfied with everyone's attitude, and then immediately announced: "Since everyone can reach a consensus on this matter, it means that Yun Fei's personal ability is still unanimously recognized by all the predecessors."

"So, Seiwa."

"Go and send a telegram to ask Yunfei's opinion and see if he is willing to transfer to Tianshui Headquarters."

"Yes!"

After Wang Shihe turned and left, Chang Ruiyuan looked back at everyone with a smile, and then said: "Next, let's discuss the second matter, which is the forecast of the subsequent development of the battle in southern Guangxi. Cixiu, you just returned from the front line in southern Guangxi, so this matter will be handed over to you."

Chen Cixiu stood up without hesitation: "Yes, Mr. Chairman."

He held the command post.

Although Chen Cixiu is relatively short and has short legs, he walks quite fast.

In just a few seconds, you were standing on the large-scale battle map.

Point the baton in his hand at the location of Kunlun Pass
(End of this chapter)