Nanyang Storm 1864

In a secret army firing range dozens of kilometers from Angeles
On the grassy slopes of the firing range, a dozen light tanks were changing formations and organizing a tank company's tactical attack, followed by a large number of infantrymen in a coordinated attack.

The iron horses roared, and dust billowed.

The diesel engine of the tank roared loudly, the steel tracks rolled over ditches and bumps, and huge clouds of dust rose behind the vehicle, giving people an extremely strong sense of oppression.

A tall reviewing tower was erected on one side of the training ground.

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Dynasty sat on the reviewing stand with a group of high-ranking military and political officials accompanying him. Binoculars were placed in front of him, and he would occasionally pick them up to observe carefully, pointing and commenting as he looked.

"This kind of company-level armored offensive has front and rear layers, with some units launching the main attack and others providing support. Overall, it's a very innovative approach, but it still needs to be tested on the battlefield."

"In my opinion, tank attacks should be carried out under enemy artillery fire and gunfire. The formations between tanks should be spread out further and not clustered together."

"Hahaha... Those tanks on the right did a good job, maintaining a good distance."

"By the way, stop shelling, especially take out the heavy gun emplacements first. The 37mm gun is very good at this."

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Dynasty enthusiastically commented that, with everyone's combined efforts, the tank offensive tactics were quite remarkable. The combination of artillery and heavy machine guns unleashed a barrage of firepower, making the audience's blood boil.

Watched for a while
Several tanks were stuck in place, clearly having malfunctioned and broken down on the spot.

According to the officers present

The Scorpion Tank is equipped with a high-torque, medium-speed diesel engine with up to 67 horsepower, enabling it to reach a top off-road speed of 26 mph in hilly and mountainous terrain, making it quite agile and maneuverable.

This is thanks to the fact that the total weight is kept within a reasonable range, and the turret is defended on all sides, but the top is open, which allows for ventilation and saves weight.

The biggest hidden danger is that the reliability of the tank still needs further improvement.

With the advent of the Scorpion tank and its mass production and deployment, officers at all levels of the Royal Army were thrilled, clearly recognizing the immense role tanks played in combat.

Unafraid of gunfire and with fierce firepower, it is simply a powerful weapon for charging into battle.

However, Emperor Zheng Guohui not only watched the tank attack demonstration, but also sat inside a tank to experience it firsthand, showing a strong interest in machinery.

The tank was crowded and noisy, with a harsh working environment.

Fortunately, the open turrets overhead can quickly disperse the thick smoke generated during the battle, preventing the environment from becoming worse.

"How many have been deployed so far?"

"Your Majesty, 227 standard Scorpion tanks have been deployed, exceeding the deployment target. The Army has placed an additional order for 120 units, which are now in urgent production."

"Yes, these iron machines are indeed quite good. They can also be used in daily duty. Just park them at any major traffic artery, and they're like a one-man fortress, impenetrable to ten thousand!"

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. The Ministry of War is currently studying the deployment of tanks. The plan is to assign one tank battalion to each field division engaged in external operations."

"Oh, how many vehicles are in a battalion?"

"Your Majesty, a tank company has 12 tanks, and a heavy tank battalion has 36 tanks."

"Yes, heavy tank battalions do need to be deployed to front-line troops as the vanguard in the charge."

"Your Majesty is holy."

After learning the details, Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu returned to the reviewing stand to continue observing the results of the field troops' new recruit training, including battalion and regimental-level combat drills and practical exercises such as capturing key locations. During the live-fire exercises, the Royal Army officers and soldiers demonstrated high combat skills, exhibiting strict discipline and formidable fighting power.

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Empire was very satisfied with the inspection. At the end of the inspection, he gave an impromptu speech, encouraging the officers and soldiers participating in the exercise to hone their skills, defend their country, and make great achievements in foreign lands, demonstrating the might of the Great Chu Empire.

His speech was met with waves of cheers from all the officers and soldiers, making their young faces flush with excitement.

After concluding his inspection, Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu immediately returned by special train.

In the luxurious private room

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Dynasty gazed intently at the scenery rushing past on both sides of the train, as villages, towns, and fields quickly receded into the distance, pondering the situation.

The planned war operation at the end of the year will be mainly carried out by the Royal Navy, with the aim of annihilating the main force of the Japanese Combined Fleet in one fell swoop, which has not been able to recover for more than a decade.

This would completely eliminate the hidden dangers and allow them to dominate the Pacific Ocean.

However, the course of the war will not unfold exactly as the Great Chu Empire intended. Unexpected events may occur, and the surprise attack may fail, thus failing to achieve the goal of a swift victory.

For example, after being frightened, the Japanese Combined Fleet retreated and huddled in the port, just like the Russian Pacific Fleet hid in Port Arthur, waiting for a change in the situation.

under these circumstances
That would require the Royal Army to step in and carry out further amphibious operations to completely dismantle the main force of the Fusang Navy and inflict heavy damage on its garrison.

Consider everything from the worst-case scenario, and strive for the best possible outcome.

If they were to land on the Japanese mainland or bombard Tokyo Bay, it would inevitably violate the Anglo-Japanese military alliance treaty, which would be a major problem.

However, the Great Chu Empire has developed to the point where it is no longer the ignorant and incompetent state it once was.

On this issue
The Great Chu Empire is willing to risk everything to completely eliminate the military threat from Fusang, no matter who comes, including the British.

Based on the worst-case scenario, the Royal Army had to win the battle quickly, unlike the Battle of Port Arthur which dragged on for a year. The battle had to be completed within three months, and the final victory had to be achieved.

this time period

This military plan was made in consideration of the worst-case scenario where the British Royal Navy had to rush to the aid of the British fleet, and the Red Sea fortress would delay the British fleet for a month and a half.

Of course, the possibility of the British sending troops is less than 10%.

Especially as the tide of war rapidly turned in favor of the Great Chu Empire, weighing the pros and cons, the British were most likely just putting on a show.

The key to a swift victory lies in the newly equipped Scorpion Tank, which will become an invincible weapon for conquering cities and fortresses.

In order to achieve a decisive victory and quickly break through the stubborn resistance of the Fusang Kingdom's defensive army, the Royal Army of the Great Chu Empire also prepared special mortar carts.

This is a heavy artillery vehicle with thick, square-shaped armor welded to the top of the hull. It cannot rotate and has a speed as low as 13 kilometers per hour, making it move relatively slowly.

When moving to the enemy's front line, the heavy artillery spade should be lowered and operated by the artillery crew inside the vehicle to bombard the enemy's fortified defensive points and clear obstacles to the advance.

This heavy mortar vehicle looks like a giant water tank. Currently, only 6 units have been developed, but the number will increase to about 35 to 40 units in the future, and they will be assigned to offensive army units.

One shot, and even a heavily fortified fortress couldn't withstand it.

This was a heavy artillery unit specially prepared and formed based on the experience of the Battle of Port Arthur, only equipped on tank platforms, turning it into a mobile heavy artillery force with astonishing destructive power. (End of Chapter)