Sword: Heart of Iron

Chapter 241 Breakout
Zhao Fangyuan: "To penetrate the Japanese front?"

Wang Feng nodded and picked up the command baton: "Although our unit has not yet obtained the exact deployment of the Sixth Division, based on combat experience, the Japanese army frequently moves troops along a 40-kilometer front, and gaps will inevitably appear in the positions. We should seize the opportunity and find a way to penetrate into the enemy's rear."

The General Staff had not received any definite information, but from his vantage point, he could see everything clearly.

On the left flank of the 6th Division, a weak point about two kilometers wide appeared. With the combat power of the 1st Column, it would not be difficult to quickly penetrate through it.

Zhao Fangyuan looked at the battle map and was astonished by the "unconventional" battle command:

"Sir, isn't this too risky?"

Wang Feng: "Remember this: fortune favors the bold. War is a gamble. This word may not be the most appropriate, but I can't find a better one."

"Overall, we are at a disadvantage in terms of weaponry and the quality of our troops. If we blindly follow the rules and fight battles we are confident of winning, we will not be able to achieve victory at all!"
"Moreover, my reasoning is not without merit."

Zhao Fangyuan frowned. Even after racking his brains, he couldn't understand it, but he still chose to believe without hesitation.
"Alright, I'll pass on the order right away!"

------

Zhang Hu sat in the command post, cigarette butts scattered all over the ground.

Wu Guangsheng walked over: "The 84th Army has withdrawn another brigade and is currently resting on the south bank."

Zhang Hu: "What time is it?"

Wu Guangsheng glanced down at his watch: "It's 12:34, it's already noon."

Zhang Hu lit a cigarette: "Why is it so slow? At this rate, we won't finish the mission even by this time tomorrow."

"The brother units on the Anqing defense line are about to be overwhelmed by the Japanese army."

Wu Guangsheng sighed: "How about we send a telegram to the headquarters to inquire about it?"

Zhang Hu waved his hand to interrupt: "No way!"
"Old Wu, we've been working together ever since before the Japanese invaded the country. Back then, I was the battalion commander and you were the deputy battalion commander. We only had a few hundred brothers under our command, and we always followed our superiors."
"But things are different now. We can't ask our superiors for permission for everything. Otherwise, what would be the point of having us, the column commanders, here?"

Wu Guangsheng sat to the side and also took out a pack of cigarettes.

Amidst the swirling smoke, he rested his hand on the table, head bowed, silent.

Zhang Hu's words make sense.

The First Column is recognized as the elite force in the entire garrison.

Any advanced weapons and promising recruits were first assigned to the First Column. Given this, it was truly outrageous that they still had to treat each other like children, being taught by their superiors step by step during battle.

People live for their pride; if this gets out, they'll be laughed at to death behind their backs.

Wu Guangsheng: "Whatever you say, we'll do it!"

Zhang Hu finished his last puff of cigarette: "Although the Sixth Division's offensive focus is not on the front, its firepower is still not much inferior."

"A tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives." Staying in one place and fighting to the death is not a solution. Since we can't cross the Yangtze River, let's change direction and break through the Japanese army's positions from the front, giving the little devils a flanking maneuver and encirclement!

Wu Guangsheng was startled: "Break through from the front?"

Zhang Hu: "It's not about breaking through, it's about outflanking and infiltration. If we can find the Japanese command post, the entire Anqing battle situation will be turned around immediately!"

Wu Guangsheng pondered for a while before finally speaking, "This matter is of utmost importance. Perhaps we should consult the headquarters?"

This is completely different from what happened earlier.

One reason is that they are completely clueless and don't know what to do, so they ask for instructions.

Now, Zhang Hu has put forward a general battle plan, which only needs to be approved by the General Command.

As the two were talking, the communications chief strode over: "Sir, urgent telegram from the rear!"

Wu Guangsheng threw away his cigarette butt, stood up, and glanced at the telegram: "Order the 1st Column and the 84th Army to immediately halt their southward crossing of the river, concentrate their superior forces, and launch a flanking maneuver along the Japanese left flank."
"Great, no need to ask for permission, sir, you and I are on the same page!"

Zhang Hu jumped up and immediately snatched the telegram, reading it word for word.

"Okay! That's great!"

As he spoke, he looked at the communications chief: "Has this telegram been sent to the 84th Army?"

The communications section chief quickly replied, "It's already been sent, and we're currently waiting for a reply!"

Zhang Hu slammed his hand on the table: "Now that the higher-ups have given the order, we can go all out and do it. Immediately scout the Japanese left flank positions. There must be a gap in the battle line there!"
"Quickly, it needs to be fast!"

Just as Wu Guangsheng was about to turn around and leave, a communications soldier rushed in.

"Sir, a second urgent telegram from the rear! These two telegrams were sent less than two minutes apart!"

This time, Zhang Hu rushed forward and snatched the telegram before Wu Guangsheng could reach it.

"The First Column Command Post is located five kilometers south."

Wu Guangsheng leaned closer: "What does it say on it?"

Zhang Hu handed over the telegram and ran towards the battle map, saying, "The commander has clearly told us the infiltration point. Look, it's right here!"

Wu Guangsheng looked over and said, "It's only five kilometers away. The Second Battalion is nearby. We can send them as the vanguard to advance quickly!"

Zhang Hu: "Immediately assemble the troops and act according to the commander's orders!"

Wu Guangsheng: "Yes!"

------

Wang Feng sat in a chair and lit a cigarette: "If the First Column moves quickly enough, the entire Jiangbei battle situation will be revitalized immediately. Have the support troops transferred from the Anqing defense line set off yet?"

Zhao Fangyuan: "They have already set off. After learning of the tense situation, Wei Yunsong, the commander of the 31st Army, handed over command of his troops to Jin Lei and led a division. They are expected to arrive at the combat zone in four hours."

Wang Feng grunted in agreement: "The situation has changed. The troops that have withdrawn from the Qianshan defense line no longer need to build fortifications along the river. After a short rest, they will immediately go to support the 189th Division!"

Commanding such battles, he increasingly felt like a patchwork maker, with problems everywhere, and sometimes he could only rob Peter to pay Paul.

Zhao Fangyuan: "Yes!"

"By the way, sir, a telegram has been sent from Wuhan. Commander Chen is urging you to complete the specific defense arrangements for the Ninth War Zone as soon as possible."

Wang Feng smiled and said, "I was so busy at the front that I almost forgot about this. Here, take this. Don't send a telegram. Have someone deliver it to the Central China Garrison Command by express courier."

As he spoke, he pulled a small booklet out of the drawer.

Zhao Fangyuan took it and saw four large characters written on the cover: "Military Secret". "Don't worry, sir. We have reliable brothers around us. I'll make the arrangements right away."

Wang Feng: "I'd like to pass on a message to Chen Cheng: I'm on the front lines and can't make timely and effective judgments about things back home. In urgent situations, you can make your own decisions."

Zhao Fangyuan nodded: "Understood!"

------

The 6th Division.

Inaba Shiro looked exhausted: "The Chinese people's will to resist has far exceeded our expectations. It seems they have improved a lot since the Battle of Nanjing!"

Kamei Tatsusuke flattered from the side: "General, even the strongest fighting will will eventually be crushed before the iron hooves of the Empire!"

Inaba Shiro looked at the sand table on the table; the island in the middle of the river was covered with small flags.
"Then Mr. Kamei, why don't you tell us why we've been unable to take over this small island in the river for so long?"

Realizing he had hit the horse's leg, Kamei Tatsusuke quickly tried to cover it up: "General, it's highly likely the Chinese received prior intelligence and built some strong fortifications on it, which is why this happened."

Upon hearing this, Inaba Shiro flew into a rage: "Nonsense! Our front-line troops haven't even crossed the Yangtze River yet, and victory hasn't been ours. How can you be so complacent?"

As he spoke, he pulled out a stack of photos and slammed them heavily on the table: "Take a look for yourself! These were taken by the combat troops. There are absolutely no fortifications on the island in the river. Even if the Chinese had prior intelligence, they only arrived about fifteen minutes earlier than us!"

Kamei Tatsusuke's forehead was covered in sweat: "General, it was my oversight for a moment, this..."

Inaba Shiro didn't want to hear his explanation and said directly, "Before the war, at the division's military deployment meeting, I repeatedly emphasized that our opponent was none other than Wang Feng! He was the greatest enemy of the Imperial Army, and we had to be extremely vigilant. As the chief of staff, what did you do?"

You really disappoint me!

Looking at the staff officer he had personally promoted, he began to feel a pang of regret.

It's unclear when it started, but Kamei Tatsusuke changed from his former humility to arrogance and complacency. His continuous victories went to his head, and he no longer took his opponents seriously.

Kamei Tatsusuke lowered his head and remained silent.

Inaba Shiro yawned, forcing himself to overcome his fatigue: "Kamei, I hope you can make some progress."

Kamei Tatsusuke nodded repeatedly: "Thank you for your guidance!"

Inaba Shiro: "How is the situation on the main battlefield?"

Kamei Tatsusuke picked up the baton: "In fact, after the crossing operation began, the focus of the battlefield around Qianshan began to shift. Not only us, but the Chinese also began to reinforce this area, and the main battlefield became less important."

"According to information sent from the front lines and friendly forces, on the main battlefield, the Chinese, perhaps in order to preserve their strength, have begun to gradually withdraw their troops and organize large forces to cross the river."

"If the intelligence is reliable, they are probably trying to build a new line of defense in Jiangnan."

Inaba Shiro stared at the sand table: "Crossing the river?"
"If the retreat was to preserve manpower, then it makes sense."

Kamei Tatsusuke breathed a sigh of relief.

Inaba Shiro's gaze was grave: "However, the situation of the Chinese army is far more complicated than we imagined. Most of the troops currently fighting in Anqing and Qianshan are not Wang Feng's direct subordinates. Preserving their strength may not be their real objective!"

Tatsusuke Kamei: "So, what do you mean, sir?"

Inaba Shiro rested his hands on the table, his knuckles rhythmically tapping the edge.

Based on the information currently available, the enemy's withdrawal of troops to the south bank of the Yangtze River has a very clear purpose.

As mentioned earlier, it is to preserve our manpower.

But Inaba Shiro always felt uneasy.

"Where is the Kuroda Battalion located?"

"Kuroda Battalion." Kamei Tatsusuke was taken aback, not expecting the division commander to inquire about the battalion's movements, but he immediately pointed it out on the sand table, "Here it is!"

Inaba Shiro looked to the left flank, where a long battle line five kilometers wide stood with a lone small flag.

"The defense here is too weak!"

Kamei Tatsusuke: "General, this weak point was exposed due to the troop movement. The Chinese may not discover it in a short time. Moreover, there are 3,000 reserve soldiers deployed behind the front line. If the Chinese troops counterattack here, they will be walking into a trap."

As he spoke, he moved the chess pieces, displaying the battle rehearsal to Inaba Shiro.

The Chinese advanced rapidly, forcing the front line to retreat briefly and creating a huge "V"-shaped gap.

Three thousand reserve soldiers filled the battle line, the enemy's offensive was thwarted, and the left and right flanks began to attack, cutting off the enemy's rear. The offensive and defensive positions were reversed, and the infiltrating force was surrounded and finally wiped out.

Inaba Shiro lowered his head and remained silent, seemingly making a decision in his mind.

Kamei Tatsusuke: "General, our troops are being moved too frequently. Some front-line units are unaware of this oversight. I don't think the Chinese can keep up with this information."

Inaba Shiro: "Hmm, I hope I'm overthinking it."

The 6th Division's battle lines are stretched too wide, with two battlefields open at the same time and troops deployed everywhere. They currently have no troops available to reinforce these areas.

Moreover, Tatsusuke Kamei just made it very clear.

Even if we take a step back and assume the worst, there are still nearly three thousand reserve soldiers behind this weak point in the battle line.

------

Wu Guangsheng put down his binoculars and jumped down from the mound: "Brothers, are you all ready? When do we begin the attack?"

People were coming and going in the command post, walking hurriedly.

Zhang Hu, a cigarette dangling from his mouth and eyes bloodshot, shouted: "Attack! Launch a full-scale offensive in five minutes!"

Wu Guangsheng walked over. He knew what Zhang Hu was worried about: "The brothers who are fighting for reinforcements on the periphery are all very capable. If you are really worried, I can stay here to command."

In this infiltration operation, Zhang Hu deployed two battalions from the First Column and an elite brigade from the 84th Army along this five-kilometer-long front.

The remaining troops remained scattered along the long front, awaiting the Japanese offensive.

However, after the troops broke through the 6th Division's front line, other troops had to quickly advance towards the breakthrough point while ensuring that the front line did not collapse, and use this opportunity to bypass the Japanese army's rear. This process could not be flawed in any way.

Otherwise, the vanguard of these two battalions and one brigade would be in danger.

Zhang Hu took a drag on his cigarette: "I'll lead the troops through; the front line is up to you."

Wu Guangsheng smiled, and seeing that Zhang Hu had finished his cigarette, he immediately offered him one: "You can rest assured about how I handle things!"

(End of this chapter)