Sword: Heart of Iron

Chapter 133 Report! We captured a tank
2 month 28 day.

noon.

After a continuous forced march day and night, the main force of the 1st Red Flag Corps successfully arrived at the west bank of Yishui.

It posed a powerful threat to the Japanese army's side supply lines.

Inside the command post.

Zhang Hu is dispatching troops for deployment.

Wu Guangsheng strode in: "The artillery unit is ready and can be deployed at any time!"

Zhang Hu nodded: "Okay, let's wait and see what happens. Let's see what the devils do first."

There is a force equivalent to a brigade stationed on the west bank of Yishui. Even if they remain motionless, it will be enough to give the Japanese a hard time.

During this long-distance raid, the 16st Red Flag Corps carried 4 Type infantry guns and Type mountain guns.

When fighting during the day, in order to reduce the losses caused by air raids, we can only deploy troops in a dispersed manner.

Wu Guangsheng: "Just now a cavalryman came to deliver a message. The corps used the backup code book and has now restored radio communication."

"The first order has come down. The commander requires our regiment to hold on here for at least three days."

Zhang Hu responded and turned around to issue a tactical order: "All levels of troops, prepare immediately. Even if the Japs are beaten to death today, there is no way they can take the position!"

Wu Guangsheng received the order, turned around and left quickly.

Fifteen minutes later.

hum-

There was a sharp whistling sound overhead. Several Type 7.7 heavy bomber planes flew by at low altitude. While dropping bombs, three mm heavy machine guns fired wildly downwards.

Da da da--

The bullets hit the ground like they were free, creating clouds of dust.

"Hide! Hide quickly!" The officer ran around in the trenches with his back bent, maintaining order on the battlefield.

The 1st Red Flag Corps is Wang Feng's top elite force. The veterans have rich combat experience, and even the new recruits are not inferior.

The soldiers who can be assigned from the reserve to the 1st Red Flag Corps are all top-notch talents.

The junior officers yelled at the top of their lungs: "Disperse! Disperse and fight back!"

"Machine Heavy! Machine Heavy! Squeak if you're still alive!"

The machine gunner shook off the dirt covering his body and said hurriedly, "Sir, he's not dead yet!"

The officer shouted hastily: "The Japs are coming, fire in bursts! Shoot at the ones in front!"

The machine gunner pulled the safety and pulled the trigger: "Fuck the Japs!"

The yellow bullet casings flew out of the bolt, and the ammunition handler was standing by, waiting on the side. After the bullets were used up, he immediately installed a new feed plate.

The Type 30's firepower sustainability is far from satisfactory. Its maximum magazine capacity is rounds, and when firing in bursts, all the rounds can be fired in less than a minute.

boom--

The Japanese army used their three usual tactics, and heavy artillery roared across the field.

In less than half an hour, nearly one ton of artillery shells were poured over ten square kilometers of land.

Facts have proved that under powerful firepower suppression, even the most backward tactics can achieve good results.

Inside the command post.

Zhang Hu put down the telescope, stared forward, and said viciously: "Did those damn Japanese devils get high?"

"Why so fierce?"

Wu Guangsheng stood aside, grinning miserably: "We have helped our friendly forces a lot. According to the scouts from Linyi, the Japanese are only surrounding us but not attacking us. They have turned their spearheads to our side."

Zhang Hu: "Looking at the situation, there is at least a regiment of Japanese soldiers on the other side of the river, and a tank squadron."

"Where is our main force? When will it arrive at the battlefield?"

Wu Guangsheng glanced at the time: "Probably tomorrow!"

Zhang Hu pondered in his heart.

tomorrow?

It seems we can't continue fighting like this.

We have to think of a way to make the Japanese feel pain.

Zhang Hu turned his head and asked: "What are the casualties of each unit?"

Wu Guangsheng said quickly: "The battle has only been going on for less than an hour, and the statistics have not been calculated yet."

Zhang Hu frowned, walked out of the observation hole, and looked at the battle map nailed to the wall: "Which two troops are deployed on the two wings?"

Wu Guangsheng thought for a moment and asked, "Is it the Fourth and Fifth Brigade?"

Zhang Hu drew a semicircle on the map with his finger: "Order the Fourth Battalion to go around in a circle and harass the Japanese flank. The rest of the troops should disperse their formations and fill the gap!"

Between the two armies, he chose the Fourth Brigade.

His outstanding performance in completing the forced march mission made him look at him with new eyes.

Wu Guangsheng stroked his chin and said, "I think it's okay. Let the Fourth Squadron bring more grenade launchers to deal with unexpected events."

There was only one regiment on the other side of the river, but from the perspective of other troops, it would take at least a division to defend it.

But this is the most elite First "Red Flag" Mountain Tactical Corps in Wang Feng's army.

Not to mention a fully-strength regiment, even if there were two more battalions, we would be able to handle it.

Listening to Wu Guangsheng's suggestion, Zhang Hu nodded: "Okay, let's do it! As soon as the Japanese planes leave, we will take action immediately!"

Combat orders were issued quickly.

five minutes later.

The Japanese fighter planes overhead hurried away after dropping all their ammunition.

Taking advantage of this gap, the 1st Red Flag Corps quickly launched an operation. Although the battle line was ten kilometers long, the point-to-point defense did not require too many troops, and the withdrawal of more than a thousand soldiers had no effect on the defense.

3pm.

In the lush grass, more than a thousand soldiers walked forward with their backs bent, their cloth shoes soaked through, water oozing out wherever they stepped on the ground.

Rustling!

An officer walked up to Yuan Yelin and said, "Sir, where should we go?"

"It seems there are no devils around here!"

Yuan Yelin turned his head and looked behind him, waved his hand, and lowered his voice: "Come here! Show me the map!"

The soldier who was called stepped forward immediately and pulled out a map from the backpack behind him.

After stretching it out, Yuan Yelin glanced over: "Big guy! Move over there, you're blocking the light!"

A soldier next to him scratched his head, responded, and took two steps back. His burly body had difficulty moving in the grass, making a rustling sound.

Yuan Yelin checked the geographical location and thought about countermeasures in his mind.

In order to ensure that everything would go smoothly, the Fourth Squadron chose a very remote location for crossing the river, completely away from the battlefield.

If nothing unexpected happens, there will be no trace of Japanese soldiers within a radius of one or two kilometers.

After confirming the location, Yuan Yelin closed the map and said, "Keep going forward. There should be a main road ahead. It is the only way for the devils to transport supplies!"

"Go over there and beat him up!"

The soldier beside him nodded: "Yes!"

They then dispersed and passed the message to lower-level troops.

A few minutes later, the troops continued their journey and, taking cover from the bushes, advanced towards the Japanese hinterland.

At this moment, the Japanese army had not yet realized that an army was quickly detouring to their flank.

Inside the command post.

The commander of the corps, Keihei Matsui, stood in front of the observation hole, placed the scabbard on the ground, put his hands on the hilt, and squinted his eyes at the opposite bank.

The most elite unit in the Second Division, the 4th Infantry Regiment, was responsible for attacking the st Red Flag Corps.

"How far has the war progressed?" Matsui Keihei turned his head and asked the staff officer beside him in a low and hoarse voice.

The staff officer replied: "The enemy's resistance is very stubborn. Our attacks have been repelled many times and we have not achieved any substantial results so far."

Matsui Keihei nodded, with a slight smile on his face: "Sou Ga!"

"As expected of China's elite troops, only a battle like this can demonstrate the bravery of our 4th Regiment!"

He knew too well what the national army was like.

Although this was his first time directly participating in the war against China, his resume was not shallow.

He was an officer of the same generation as the division commander, General Okamura Yasuji, and the two had collaborated many times.

During the Jiangsu-Zhejiang War in 1924, he followed General Okamura Yasuji to China and served as Sun Chuanfang's military adviser.

It was this experience that made him truly understand the combat effectiveness of the Chinese military.

A bunch of clay chickens and dogs are not worth mentioning. Fighting is just like children playing house!
It is no exaggeration to say that in Matsui Keihei's opinion, any student picked out from the non-commissioned officer school can have military qualities that surpass most of China's division-level officers.

Even after more than ten years, there has been no obvious improvement.

The staff officer smiled and said, "Your Excellency is wise! The logistics supply station sent a message that another batch of supplies has arrived at the front line, and there is also a Type 89 tank."

Matsui Keihei responded.

During the morning battle, the tank squadron lost a tank numbered "21".

In order to ensure the integrity of the attacking team, it is understandable to temporarily add one more vehicle.

Matsui Keihei thought for a moment and pointed to the supply line on the battle map: "Let the logistics squadron send troops to support them. The Chinese army is very cunning!"

The staff officer responded.

Matsui Keihei: "Go down and prepare. Lord Okamura said in the telegram that in half an hour, heavier artillery with a larger caliber will be deployed in the battle."

The staff officer was a little surprised: "Bigger caliber?"

In the previous attack, the heavy artillery brigade had used the Type 105 howitzer for support. With a caliber of mm, its lethality was already terrifying enough.

Larger caliber heavy artillery?
Matsui Keihei smiled and said, "It's the Taisho 45th-year model howitzer."

The staff officer was amazed: "Taisho 45th-type howitzer? If the battle goes well, the soldiers can camp on the other side of the river tonight!"

Listening to his subordinates' praise, Matsui Keihei stroked the hilt of the knife and couldn't help but smile.

The Taisho 240th-year type howitzer had a caliber of an astonishing mm.

Among the entire imperial army, only the Kwantung Army had a small number of heavy field artillery of this caliber.

The Second Division was equipped with two guns.

It weighs 38 tons and can only be disassembled into more than ten parts of various sizes for transportation. Even so, it still requires at least 13 trucks and hundreds of mules and horses.

During combat, in addition to the tedious and lengthy assembly process, artillery fortifications must also be constructed.

Because of its huge weight, it was impossible to use conventional gun mounts and supports, so they had to dig deep pits on the spot and deploy it like fortress guns or coastal defense guns.

It took ten days just to build the artillery position.

Now it finally comes in handy!
Upon learning that a powerful weapon was about to be used on the battlefield, the staff officer became excited and hurried out of the command post to convey the combat orders.

240 mm
What’s the difference between this and the navy cruiser guns directly hitting Linyi?
After more than an hour of covert movement, the Fourth Brigade completed the ambush on both sides of the main road.

The Japs were a bit too cautious.

In order to prevent the enemy from suddenly jumping out of the bushes on both sides, in addition to building fortifications, they also burned the weeds on both sides of the supply line, creating a vacuum zone three to four hundred meters wide.

Rustling——

A light breeze blew across the ground, making the grass rustle.

Yuan Yelin hid in the grass, quietly poked his head out, and observed the situation ahead with a telescope.

"Sir, look!"

"Is it the devil's transport team?"

Yuan Yelin put down the telescope: "Stop making noise, I saw it!" "Why are there tanks?"

The officer at the side lowered his voice and said, "Sir, should we fight or not?"

"The Japs have tanks, so it's hard to take them!"

Yuan Yelin squatted down and whispered, "Beat him! How can I not beat him when the meat is right before my mouth?"

"Notify the brothers and prepare for battle!"

Officer: “Yes!”

After giving the combat orders, Yuan Yelin stared at the Type 89 tank in his sight, thinking about countermeasures in his mind.

Light infantry were completely defenseless against heavy armored units.

Fortunately, there is only one tank and the number of Japanese infantry is not large, probably only two or three hundred. With the advantage in numbers, they should be able to deal with it.

"Where is the grenadier? Call him over to me!" Thinking about it, Yuan Yelin turned his head and shouted softly.

After a while, the captain of the grenadiers came over with his head lowered: "Sir, I'm here."

Yuan Yelin pointed at the tank in the distance and said, "How about it, do your grenadiers have the confidence to destroy that tank for me?"

The grenadier officer placed his right hand across his forehead, squinted his eyes, and then showed a bitter expression: "Sir, let's not talk about the caliber and power. The grenade launcher is a fragmentation grenade, and it is indirect fire. It can't hit a tank at all."

Yuan Yelin was a little depressed.

What the Grenadiers said does make sense, but it is a bit of a fantasy to think that you can destroy a Japanese tank with just a few grenade launchers.

But he still did not give up: "When the battle starts, mobilize all the grenade launchers to shoot at the Japanese tanks. No matter whether it works or not, cover the infantry first."

"At worst, I'll just use a bomb to kill him!"

There was not a single cover in the open field. According to the nature of the Japs, as soon as they heard the gunshots, they would definitely move closer to the only tank.

Even if we can't destroy the tanks, we can prevent the Japanese soldiers from finding cover.

The grenadier officer nodded heavily: "Yes!"

Yuan Yelin: "Go down and get ready!"

After receiving the order, the soldiers immediately moved towards the edge of the grass.

Yuan Yelin's eyes never left the Japanese transport team. When he felt the time was ripe, he immediately gave the order to attack.

"Beat them all!"

For a moment, there was a burst of gunfire on both sides of the main road.

Da da da--

The Japanese logistics soldiers were very alert and immediately went into defense mode when they heard the gunshots.

"Fight back! Fight back quickly!"

A few scattered Japanese soldiers used trucks for cover, and the rest of the Japanese soldiers rushed to the tanks as soon as the gunfire sounded.

"Damn it! We're under attack, quickly ask for help from the 4th Regiment!" The Japanese officer was furious and yelled at the signalman beside him.

After confirming that the surroundings were safe, the signalman quickly took off the radio he was carrying.

Drop drop!
The Japanese officer breathed a sigh of relief and slightly leaned his head out to observe the situation ahead.

The gunshots came from both sides, and it seemed that they were attacked from both sides.

Because there were tanks accompanying the transport, not too many protective troops were deployed for this transport.

boom!
A grenade accurately hit the ground on the left side of the tank. After the smoke and dust from the explosion dissipated, the body of the tank was completely intact, with only traces of shrapnel scratching the paint surface.

It’s harmless!

Inside the Type 24 tank numbered "".

The commander was completely enraged by the enemy's reckless behavior and shouted to the gun crew: "Turn the turret, right front 23 degrees, fire!"

After the order was given, the tank slowly turned its turret and aimed at a patch of grass in the distance.

boom!
A wisp of smoke burst out, and a 57mm shell was instantly fired out of the barrel, hitting the enemy in the distance in the blink of an eye.

When the explosion sounded, Yuan Yelin crouched down subconsciously.

I remember that during the training class, Staff Officer Sergei once said:
"Don't be overly afraid of tanks. A single armored vehicle actually poses little threat to infantry, especially Japanese tanks. The caliber of the tank gun is small, and its firing rate and power are not as good as a 60mm mortar."

"The vehicle-mounted machine guns are restricted by their installation positions, so the firing angle is very small. The actual power of the three 6.5mm vehicle-mounted machine guns is not as good as that of two Type rifles."

"The real threat is the ability to attack in groups. The steel body gives the tank a very strong defensive ability. Rifle bullets alone cannot effectively kill it. The infantry fighting behind it will provide fire cover for the tank, making it impossible for the defending army to get close."

Yuan Yelin raised his head and looked towards the battlefield ahead.

Under attack from all sides, the Japanese army could only stand still and passively defend when organizing a counterattack.

The same is true for the Type 89 tank.

Now that the tank is fixed in place and serves as a fixed turret, things will be easier.

Yuan Yelin turned around and shouted behind him: "Grenadiers! Don't save your ammunition, fire all your grenades at the enemy tanks!"

"Brothers! Spread out your formation and charge forward!"

"kill!"

After receiving the order, the soldiers immediately ran out from the bushes.

The soldiers lying in ambush in the bushes on the opposite side also received the signal and rushed out together.

The grenadiers also slowly advanced along with the infantry.

The current grenadier team has gone through several battles and its combat strength is no longer as strong as it was during the Battle of Xinkou, where they could not even hit the target accurately.

They even learned the tactics of coordinated infantry and artillery.

The grenades fired from the grenade launcher were densely distributed around the tank. Although they did not have much impact on the crew members, the infantry nearby suffered.

The grenade launcher is an indirect firepower that can hit any place around the tank.

Lacking the effective protection of bunkers, the explosion was like cutting wheat, and the Japanese soldiers fell down in large numbers.

It was only a distance of two or three hundred meters, but in the blink of an eye Yuan Yelin commanded his soldiers to rush to the front of the Japanese army.

The machine gun on the No. 24 tank spewed out flames and fired bullets continuously.

Yuan Yelin hid behind a truck and said hastily, "Damn it! Explosive pack! Blow up the tank for me!"

Bullets came in like raindrops, hitting the steel plates of the truck, making clanging sounds.

A grenade landed around the tank, blocking the view of the vehicle's machine gun.

The soldier carrying the explosive pack seized the opportunity, pulled the fuse, and threw the explosive pack under the tank.

boom--

A rolling air wave swept in, a violent explosion suddenly occurred, and the Japanese tanks were completely motionless.

Yuan Yelin struck while the iron was hot: "Brothers, end this battle quickly!"

After three to five minutes, the battlefield gradually fell silent.

Two or three hundred Japanese soldiers were vulnerable, blood was all over the ground, and the smell of gunpowder in the air had not yet completely dissipated.

Yuan Yelin wiped the blood off his hands and walked to the lying Japanese tank.

After climbing onto the tank in a few steps, open the cover on the top of the turret first.

The devils inside are already dead.

"Come and give me two hands!" Yuan Yelin turned his head and waved to the back.

Judging from the appearance, the damage to this Japanese tank was very light. Apart from a large dent, there were no obvious holes.

As for the passengers in the car, they must have been killed by the shock wave generated by the violent explosion.

The explosive packs were loaded with a large amount of explosives, and the space inside the car was closed, so it was common for people to be shocked to death.

Two soldiers climbed up and hurriedly carried the Japanese corpses out of the car.

Yuan Yelin looked up and down at the spoils, and was extremely curious: "Is there anyone who can drive a tank?"

The tank wasn't badly damaged, maybe it could still be driven.

After these words were spoken, the surrounding soldiers looked at each other in bewilderment.

this.
Yuan Yelin scratched his head and realized that he had asked the wrong question.

Not to mention driving a tank, these soldiers, including himself, have only seen it a few times.

But even so, Yuan Yelin was still unwilling to give up the tank wreckage that he had captured with great difficulty.

I remember my boss said that technology can be copied.

If we can seize heavy weapons such as tanks and airplanes, the factories in the rear may be able to carry out reverse research and development.

But the question is, how to transport this lump of iron back to the west bank of Yishui?
Countless thoughts flashed through Yuan Yelin's mind.

But in the end, I denied it all.

I felt powerless, as if a beautiful prostitute was lying in front of me, but I didn't have the ability to do that.
"Bring another bomb to blow up this lump of iron!" Yuan Yelin sighed and had no choice but to give up.

At this time, a soldier hurried over and pointed to the rear: "Sir, there is a devil still alive!"

Yuan Yelin frowned and walked in the direction of the finger.

In a truck, a Japanese soldier was sitting in the passenger seat, dying.

His chest was rising and falling slightly, and his body was covered with blast injuries. It looked like he wasn't going to survive.

Yuan Yelin pointed at the devil and said, "Pull him down!"

Two soldiers walked up, pulled him down roughly, and threw him heavily to the ground.

"Cough" the injured Japanese soldier coughed, and his consciousness was already on his deathbed.

Looking at the dying Japanese soldier in front of him, Yuan Yelin frowned.

"Search him! This devil is dressed differently from the others. He might be a high-ranking official."

The other Japanese soldiers were wearing helmets and had bullet belts.

The prisoner lying on the ground was only wearing a simple cloth hat and had no weapons on him.

Yuan Yelin touched his chin.

This doesn't look like an officer's attire?
A soldier stepped forward and reached out to touch his pocket. Seeing this action, the dying prisoner widened his eyes and whimpered, but it was unclear what he was saying.

"Fuck you! Behave!" The soldier became furious and kicked him in the chest.

The army under Wang Feng has never had a rule of treating prisoners well.

After being kicked, the Japanese prisoner became much more obedient. He was lying on the ground, breathing out more than breathing in.

After searching up and down, the soldier did not find anything valuable except a document.

Yuan Yelin was a little disappointed.

I thought I could find something good?
"Sir! There's a box in the truck!" Another soldier jumped off the truck.

Yuan Yelin hurriedly said, "Open it and take a look!"

After receiving the order, the soldier opened the box and found it was filled with various tools and a blueprint.

Yuan Yelin raised his eyebrows.

Maintenance soldier?
"Bring me that paper!"

Seeing the box being opened, the injured Japanese soldier struggled back and forth on the ground.

"Be quiet!" The soldier at the side kicked the Japanese soldier hard again, sending him completely in front of Amaterasu.

Yuan Yelin opened the drawing. He couldn't understand the dense Japanese words on it, but he could still understand the pattern drawn.

"Is this a tank?"

Yuan Yelin looked back and muttered to himself

"Send a telegram to the Corps Command and tell them that we have seized the blueprints of a tank!"

(End of this chapter)