Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 96 Sichuan Army arrives in Yangquan, Zhuo Tianyu's bragging is true (please subscribe)

"Is this Yangquan City?"

Zhao Weibin, Chief of Staff of the 122nd Division, raised the telescope in his hand and looked over.

Outside Yangquan City at this time.

The soldiers of the baggage camp transformed into Tumu men.

Build fortifications by plastering frantically.

Barbed wire, anti-tank concrete piles, trenches, and bunkers.
After putting down the telescope in his hand, Zhao Weibin was quite emotional.

"This place has been built into a strong city in such a short time. I think Commander Yan has made a great determination."

Zhao Weibin was a graduate of Sichuan Military Academy.

Although he was a soldier, his character and hobbies were more literary. He often searched various ancient books and took famous officials of all dynasties as his role models.

After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War.

He abandoned his family and children, sacrificed his life for his country, and resolutely stepped onto the anti-Japanese battlefield.

Wang Mingzhang, the commander of the 122nd Division of the Sichuan Army, who was also riding on horseback, nodded and said, "These Jinsui troops who are building fortifications are not simple either. Their machine gun fire points are set up in a very methodical manner."

Lieutenant General and division commander Wang Mingzhang.

He is famous in the military for his integrity, bravery and fighting skills.

"Commander Yan must have arrived by now. Let's go into the city!"

At the gate of Yangquan City at this time.

Chu Xichun, deputy chief of staff of the Second War Zone, received the news and was waiting in front of the city gate.

Wang Mingzhang and Chief of Staff Zhao Weibin looked at each other and walked up quickly.

See Wang Mingzhang coming.

Chu Xichun stepped forward to greet him: "Commander Wang, you have worked hard on this journey!"

Wang Mingzhang also doesn't like those polite words.

After they saluted and shook hands, he continued, "Excuse me, sir. Where is Commander Yan?"

"I'm waiting at the station. Please follow me."

"please!"

Yangquan Station at this time.

The special forces battalion accompanying the two senior officials was now acting as porters.

Old Yan also knew that now was the time to give up his family fortune.

"Commander Yan, Commander Wang is here!"

Follow the direction given by the accompanying staff.

Commander Yan turned his head and looked.

General Wang Mingzhang is full of vigor and vitality, while Chief of Staff Zhao is a scholar with high spirits.

For a while.

Yan Laoxi's mood also improved a lot, and he slowly walked forward.

Wang Mingzhang and Chief of Staff Zhao immediately saluted: "Commander Yan, the 122nd Division of the Sichuan Army has arrived under orders."

"Yeah!"

Yan Laoxi reached forward with both hands, pulled Wang Mingzhang, and patted his arm: "It's good that you're here, it's good that you're here."

Then he learned about the equipment situation of the 122nd Division of the Sichuan Army.

"My division currently has four infantry regiments, with a total combat strength of over 5,400 men."

"Each infantry regiment has a mortar company, and the entire division is equipped with 22 mortars."

"Each infantry regiment was equipped with four heavy machine guns and two light machine guns"

"But...most of our equipment is made in Sichuan and has poor performance."

Yan Laoxi frowned slightly: "How can we defeat the Japanese with such equipment?"

Wang Mingzhang remained silent.

Chief of Staff Zhao understood and said, "We still need Commander Yan's support."

They had received the news earlier.

The commander-in-chief of the Second War Zone, Yan Laoxi, made a promise to the commander of the 22nd Army Group, Deng Jinkang.

All combat supplies for the Sichuan Army were supplied by the headquarters of the commander of the Second War Zone.

The appearance of the Shanxi Suiyuan Army in the city.

The standard weapons they were equipped with left a deep impression on the two.

If we could get the same equipment as the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army.

They are also confident that their Sichuan troops will perform well!

"This is nature, this is nature!"

Speaking of equipment, Yan Laoxi's brows instantly relaxed.

He only lacks soldiers now, not equipment.

In order to save Taiyuan, he took out all the inventory he had accumulated over the years.

Yan Laoxi pointed to the supplies that were being unloaded from the train not far away.

Deputy Chief of General Staff Chu at the side immediately introduced: "Inside the station are cotton-padded clothes, cloth shoes, weapons, and ammunition that have been allocated in advance!"

"The first batch of combat supplies totaled 5,000 cotton-padded clothes and 5,000 pairs of shoes and socks."

"There are also 2,000 Type 65 rifles manufactured in our Taiyuan Arsenal, 50 Czech-style light machine guns manufactured in Jin, and one million rounds of ammunition.

Eight 60mm mortars and one thousand shells.

In addition, Commander Yan has prepared 5,000 Jin-made grenades considering the possibility of a city defense battle."

Wang Mingzhang and Chief of Staff Zhao looked at each other and were both extremely surprised.

Generous!
This is definitely a big deal.

The weather in Shanxi was already quite cold at this time, and the soldiers leaving Sichuan were only wearing light clothing.

My body definitely can’t bear it.

Mr. Yan was very thoughtful and prepared so many cotton-padded clothes, shoes and socks for them.

If you calculate this, how much money would it cost?
Let’s not talk about that.

Let’s talk about these weapons!
Two thousand rifles and fifty machine guns.

Not to mention their 122nd Division.

Even the entire 41st Army does not have so many light machine guns.

More importantly, the calibers of these weapons are unified!
Once the fighting begins, it is very convenient to supply.

There won't be seven or eight calibers and models in one regiment.

Due to lack of bullets, the rifles in their hands became firewood sticks.

The Sichuan Army had just arrived at the Yangquan front.

The top leader gave us so many weapons and ammunition.

Before this, everyone said that Yan Laoxi was stingy and petty.

At least at this moment.

It's simply an outrageous rumor and vicious slander!

They were given so much equipment, plus the weapons and equipment they carried with them.

Not to mention five thousand people.

Even if there are only 8,000 people, it is enough to equip them! "I know it is not easy for you Sichuan troops."

"Brother Jinkang told me that you walked along the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway for more than 50 days, wearing straw sandals without even socks."

"We in Shanxi are different from Sichuan. The weather has turned cold now. If people are shivering from the cold, how can we fight and kill the Japanese?"

While speaking in private, Yan Laoxi promised loudly: "These are just the first batch of combat supplies. There will be other supplies later, such as cement, steel bars, mines, etc. I will give you as much as you need from the Second War Zone."

"At present, the frontline troops of Niangzi Pass are fighting fiercely with the Japanese army and lack depth. Commander Yan asked you to come here to give the soldiers on the front line a reassurance and increase the depth of the position."

Deputy Chief of General Staff Chu emphasized the word "please".

Wang Mingzhang was naturally deeply moved. The Sichuan Army had been in civil war for many years and had a bad reputation.

Eighty years later, warlords of all sizes collected local taxes.

Because they never put down their pipes, they were called the Double-Gun Army at that time.

Now, he feels unprecedented respect from Yan Laoxi.

Sichuan people are born with the character of being able to endure hardships, be brave and fight bravely.

The battle is also quite tenacious.

Yan Laoxi believed that they were the most suitable troops to defend Yangquan at the moment.

"The 30th Artillery Regiment of the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army is on its way."

Deputy Chief of General Staff Chu said, "The 75th Regiment is equipped with mm field infantry guns."

"We will also provide heavy firepower support to your 122nd Division at that time."

"Commander Yan, you have already been very kind to us by providing us with so many supplies and equipment. I didn't expect that you would dispatch an artillery regiment to assist our army in defense when the situation on the front line is so tight."

Commander Yan emphasized again: "At this time, I don't need you to be grateful to me. I just hope that in this defense of Yangquan, the Sichuan Army can kill the enemy and serve the country, win honor for the Sichuan Army, and win glory for the Chinese people."

"I have something very important to give you."

Wang Mingzhang was very curious.

What exactly is this most crucial thing?
Yan Laoxi just turned his head and gestured to Deputy Chief of General Staff Chu who was standing beside him.

Then he ordered someone to hand over three battle maps.

One of them is a rare large-scale combat map of the entire Shanxi Province.

Let's say that.

Even Sun Lianzhong, Zeng Wanzhong and others who were fighting in Niangzi Pass at that time did not have this thing.

Deputy Commander-in-Chief Huang Shaohong didn’t have it, and even Chu Yunfei didn’t have it.

Wang Mingzhang also had a serious look on his face at this time: "Chief Yan, please give your orders."

"this way please"

At Yan Laoxi's signal, Deputy Chief of General Staff Chu spread out the map on the ammunition box not far away.

"Commander Wang, the situation on the Niangzi Pass front is critical. Nearly one-third of our troops have been killed or wounded."

"At present, the various departments have adjusted their deployment as follows:"

"The mission of the 122nd Division of the Sichuan Army is to defend Yangquan City for seven days after meeting the enemy. After seven days, your troops can break out to Changzhi."

"While your troops are defending Yangquan City, your two wings will be assisted by the 358th Brigade directly under the theater and the th Division of the Third Army."

"The fundamental purpose of this battle is to make adequate preparations for the defense of Taiyuan, and also to buy time for the evacuation of industrial equipment and people in the Taiyuan area. It is a matter of great importance and the task is very arduous."

Yan Laoxi took the telegram handed over by the accompanying combat staff.

He took a glance and handed it to Wang Mingzhang.

This is a secret telegram from the Nanjing Secretariat.

"Tang Enbo will personally lead his elite Thirteenth Army to rush to the front line of Niangzi Pass. Commander Wang, please be firm in your faith in defending the city. We in the Second War Zone are not without reinforcements."

Wang Mingzhang walked with firm steps and stood straight, expressing his attitude: "Please rest assured, Commander Yan, our 122nd Division of the Sichuan Army swears to live and die with Yangquan."

At present, all the materials in the station have not been unloaded.

Yan Laoxi had no chance to leave.

I took this opportunity to inspect the defense of Yangquan City.

"Before this, the city defense commander of Yangquan was Chu Yunfei, the colonel deputy commander of the 358th Brigade of the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army."

"Since Commander Wang has arrived, I think it would be more appropriate for him to take on the position of Yangquan City Defense Commander."

Wang Mingzhang smiled and said, "I heard of Brigade Commander Chu's name on the way."

As for the city defense commander mentioned by Yan Laoxi?

This thing is just an empty title.

As a lieutenant general and division commander of the Sichuan Army, who can he command?

I'm afraid even the local security team may not obey his command.

Outside the field hospital.

The wounded soldiers from various frontline troops had just arrived with the assistance of the security corps.

at this time.

Zhuo Tianyu's shoulder was injured by a shell and he happened to come to the hospital to change the dressing.

I happened to meet the Northwest Army brothers who were withdrawing from the front line.

Zhuo Tianyu originally came from the Northwest Army.

I have a lot in common with these soldiers, and I feel very close to them.

After chatting for a while, these people couldn't help but give him a thumbs up when they heard that Zhuo Tianyu was from the 358th Brigade.

In the entire Niangziguan front, who doesn’t know the 358th Brigade?
A platoon leader of the 27th Division asked curiously, "Our division besieged the Japanese invaders in Guangou and Jiuguan for two or three days but failed to defeat them. How did you do it?"

The commander of the 27th Division, Feng Anbang, was Sun Lianzhong's relative.

This unit is the most loyal among the loyal troops.

The soldiers of Sun Lianzhong's army habitually called the 27th direct line of troops "Zuoshi".

Whether it was Guangou or Jiuguan, the main force was a battalion under Qian Bojun.

Zhuo Tianyu was very concerned about his reputation, so he decisively skipped this topic and started talking about the Battle of Ru Yuekou.

"That's nothing. Beat the devils."

"When we fought fiercely against the elite Japanese Kwantung Army in Ruyue, it was such a pleasure."

"At that time, I led four battalions under my command to support the 203th Regiment of the 427rd Brigade."

"The heads of those little Japanese soldiers were chopped off by our Fourth Battalion and rolled all over the ground!"

"But then again, the Japs over there are a little different from the ones we dealt with at Niangzi Pass."

"I remember when we first fought the Japanese, they were so arrogant that they charged forward with their bodies straight. They were not afraid of our machine guns and grenades, so they were much easier to fight."

"It's not like now, where you have to hunch over after walking a few steps, hiding your head and showing your tail. It's boring."

Wu Ziqiang was listening with great joy.

Suddenly, there were footsteps outside the big tent. Wu Ziqiang took a quick look and was very surprised. He immediately called out, "Commander Yan is here!"

The soldiers who were able to stand up straightened their bodies, and the soldiers who could not stand up also looked in the direction of Yan Laoxi.

Look at the wounded soldiers all over the ground.

Yan Laoxi's eyes were blurred with tears and his voice was trembling: "You are all great, you are all good soldiers!"

As he spoke, he took off his military cap, revealing his gray hair, and saluted everyone.

"On behalf of the people of Shanxi and the whole country, thank you for your dedication!"

All the soldiers present were deeply moved.

The arm that returned the greeting did not fall down for a long time.
(End of this chapter)