Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 86: A devastating blow against the British and American allied forces – the pinnacle of the Steel Seventh Company's mobile warfare!

Wind, wind, strong wind!

A biting, icy wind swept through the valley!
The main force of the Seventh Steel Company charged towards the British army, following the direction of the cold wind.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Large numbers of British troops raised their Lee-Enfield rifles and fired in fear to block their path.

However, with the British troops not daring to peek out and aim, these rifle bullets were quickly swallowed up in the snowy darkness.

Three British Vickers Mark I heavy machine guns roared and swept across the Steel Seventh Company's ranks, trying to halt their offensive.

"Bang! Bang!"

Pinghe made an abrupt stop and fired two shots at a heavy machine gun emplacement.

In an instant, that firing point went silent.

The other two heavy machine guns were also shot down by other soldiers in the reconnaissance platoon almost simultaneously, and their gunfire instantly dimmed.

Not long after, the few remaining Bren light machine guns of the British army were also accurately knocked out by mortars.

The soldiers of the Seventh Steel Company quickly rushed to the front of the British army and used their powerful firepower to wipe out the remaining main force of the British army.

"Quickly clear the battlefield; just bring light machine guns and grenades!"

Wu Qianli picked up a Lee-Enfield rifle, examined it, and finally shook his head before giving the order.

The Seventh Steel Company was basically equipped with American weapons. British weapons were hard to replenish, and they would soon become useless.

"Company commander, this pistol is interesting."

"I don't really like using handguns, you can take it."

Not long after, Pinghe handed a pistol to Wu Qianli and said.

"A gadget for British officers."

"Okay, I'll give it to Wanli to play with later."

Wu Qianli fiddled with the Webley revolver in his hand for a few moments and grinned.

"Company commander, the battlefield has been cleaned up."

"It's a real waste to bombard them with mortars; we can't even replenish our shells."

Lei Gong said with a hint of heartache.

"No rush, maybe Wanli is carrying shells for you from the ammunition depot right now!"

"I guess he wouldn't be willing to just blow it up; he must have some backup."

"Comrades, charge towards the American reinforcements and join Wanli and the others in attacking them from both sides!"

After comforting him with a smile, Wu Qianli gave a loud order.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the members of the Seventh Steel Company quickly agreed.

....................................

South of the water gate bridge, in the distance from the ammunition depot
Inside a tank
"Wanli, are we really going to just blow it up?"

How many weapons and ammunition are in there?

"If the Thunder God knew, he would definitely say you're a foolish spendthrift."

Yu Congrong, sitting in the driver's seat, said with a hint of regret.

"fry!"

"We can't afford to waste any more time; the American reinforcements are definitely coming back!"

"In mobile warfare, it's all about who can wrap the dumpling first!"

After Wu Wanli finished speaking resolutely, he adjusted the cannon muzzle and fired a shot.

At the same time, the other two tanks also aimed at the ammunition depot and fired straight at it.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

A flash of light appeared at the tank's cannon muzzle, followed by the muffled thud of a shell being fired.

Three shells, like arrows in a raging storm, pierced the sky and accurately struck the ammunition depot.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..."

The ammunition depot was like a heart struck by a giant hammer, instantly erupting with a deafening roar.

The bombardment from tank shells caused a chain reaction of explosions in other stockpiled explosive charges, rockets, and other artillery shells in the ammunition depot.

Flames shot into the sky, the crimson flames seemingly capable of devouring everything, illuminating the surroundings as if it were daytime.

The shockwave from the explosion spread rapidly, mercilessly sweeping dust, debris, and snow into the air.

The powerful shockwaves from the series of explosions caused even the distant Watergate Bridge to tremble slightly.

"Crackling..."

Inside the warehouse, supplies, weapons, and everything flammable were set ablaze, flames dancing wildly and turning the night into an apocalyptic crimson.

"It breaks my heart, it breaks my heart!"

"Wanli, we've destroyed at least a battalion's worth of weapons and ammunition!"

Inside the tank, Yu Congrong said with a look of regret.

"Never mind all that, let's go back and rejoin the other comrades!"

Mei Sheng reminded him via radio.

"Yes!"

Yu Congrong maneuvered the tank around and drove it toward the American military camp.

....................................

South Military Camp of Shuimen Bridge
"Damn it, these idiots!"

"The Chinese army was thrown into complete chaos by their surprise attack!"

"Charge back and regroup the soldiers!"

"Charge bravely and fearlessly, crush the enemy, charge!"

A U.S. Army lieutenant brought two squads of U.S. troops from the north side of the bridge to provide support, shouting loudly.

In his view, the American soldiers in the camp were simply caught off guard and were unable to fight back in the chaos.

Once they break through, they can reorganize the troops.

"Attack, attack, attack again!"

"Conquer every inch of land!"

The American soldiers roared in unison and charged toward the barracks.

At this moment, they were filled with fervor as they shouted slogans.

They seemed to see that great American motherland calling to them!

"Rumble--"

As they charged halfway, the roar of a tank engine suddenly came from behind.

The American officer turned around and was instantly stunned.

Amidst billowing dust, the armored behemoths of tanks slowly rolled in, their tracks leaving deep marks on the snow, their massive cannons clearly being adjusted to face them.

In the distance, more than twenty American soldiers scattered frantically among the snowdrifts, their once resolute faces instantly turning into expressions of utter terror.

Inside the tank

"Instructor, what are those American devils yelling and screaming about so excitedly?"

"Isn't it similar to the Japanese shouting 'Long live the Emperor'?"

Wu Wanli adjusted the cannon's muzzle and said through the radio, puzzled.

"Americans don't have an emperor."

"I guess he thinks he's the embodiment of the American military spirit, right?"

Mei Sheng smiled slightly and responded via radio.

"Restore the American military spirit?"

"I'll smash him to pieces with one shot!"

Wu Wanli roared and opened fire on the densely packed American troops.

At the same time, the other two tanks also fired almost simultaneously.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

With a series of muffled thuds, heavy shells traced parabolic arcs through the air, whistling down with the sound of death friction against the air.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Explosions rang out one after another, and three fireballs instantly burst into the American troops' ranks.

In an instant, the unsuspecting American soldiers were blasted into the air by the explosion, their bodies instantly torn into pieces of blood.

"Lie down!"

The U.S. military officer staggered to the ground and shouted.

However, he was too late.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

With the muffled thud of a tank shell leaving its barrel, another round of artillery fire came, and the orange-red flames instantly enveloped the remaining American troops.

Under the overwhelming firepower, more than twenty American soldiers were either killed without a trace or were seriously wounded and rendered unable to fight.

At this moment, several more American soldiers ran out of the camp.

But when they saw this scene, they were stunned, completely unaware that Wu Wanli was pointing the cannon at them without even aiming.

"Oh!"

With a muffled thud as a tank shell left its barrel, it traced a graceful arc and landed precisely in the middle of the fleeing American soldiers.

"boom!"

The violent explosion sent them flying on the spot, scattering snow particles mixed with blood mist in all directions.

The original body could no longer be found intact on the ground.

Not long after, the fire support platoon, having dealt with most of the situation, rushed out of the camp. Upon seeing the three tanks, they couldn't help but feel a bit shaken.

Although they all knew that Wu Wanli's plan had this aspect, it was still somewhat unbelievable that it was actually completed so smoothly.

"Comrades, let's plant red flags on our tanks!"

Wu Wanli opened the tank's hatch, poked his head out, and said spiritedly, "Let's go!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Daxing, who was not far away, quickly led his men over.

……

Soon, the bright red flag was planted on the tank and secured.

The red flag fluttered in the breeze, seemingly telling the story of the passion and glory of Chinese soldiers.

The tank's hull had just been through a battle; the paint on the armor was peeling and dented, and the tracks were deeply embedded in the snow due to the tank's weight.

The fires of the military camp shone on the tank turrets, their metallic surfaces reflecting golden light like teardrops shimmering in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Gao Daxing and the others looked at the three tanks, a hint of pride flashing in their eyes.

They are the only company equipped with tank armor!
And not just once!
"Comrades, we need to speed things up!"

"There's limited space inside and on the tank, so let the wounded sit there first. Can the rest of you fit?"

Mei Sheng then opened the upper hatch and asked loudly.

"can!"

Upon hearing this, the soldiers of the firepower platoon immediately shouted loudly.

"Those who want to get on the tanks, get on now!"

"After we finish, let's break through and ambush the American reinforcements!"

Mei Sheng nodded slightly in satisfaction and gave the order loudly.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the soldiers responded loudly.

After Gao Daxing finished shouting, he went straight to Wu Wanli's tank and quickly secured a position to move shells for Wu Wanli.

The other soldiers were assigned to their posts shortly afterward and were all in place.

……

"Rumble--"

Three tanks roared toward the American military camp, their heavy armor providing mobile steel cover for the fire support platoon behind them.

Meanwhile, the soldiers behind them also alertly raised their guns and fired at the blind spots of the tank to protect it from being destroyed by a surprise attack from the American forces.

After the brief lull, the remaining American troops in the camp abandoned firefighting efforts and were organized by a U.S. Army Lieutenant Kevin.

"guys!"

"Do you remember the bloody battles in the Pacific theater?!"

"On Iwo Jima, we launched one attack after another against the Japanese pillboxes, fighting to the death!"

"Are we really going to be ambushed by those damned Chinese today?!"

"Soldiers, follow me closely and hold off this enemy force!"

U.S. Army Lieutenant Kevin looked at the remaining U.S. troops and shouted.

"Courage, honor, loyalty!"

After being pumped up, some of the U.S. soldiers shouted excitedly.

However, some American soldiers had solemn expressions and no fighting spirit in their eyes.

"Rumble--"

At this moment, three Chinese People's Volunteer Army tanks in the distance slowly came to a stop, their cannons aimed at the American troops.

"Spread out and take cover!"

Upon seeing this, U.S. Army Lieutenant Kevin immediately shouted loudly.

Upon hearing this, the American soldiers scattered in all directions, relying on their experience.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Before they had even fully dispersed, the muffled thud of artillery shells rang out.

The main guns of the three tanks spewed out scorching tongues of fire, and three shells, carrying the roar of death, pierced the sky and hit their targets accurately.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

With deafening explosions echoing across the empty battlefield, flames and thick smoke mingled together, like a demon's revelry.

Seven or eight American soldiers were killed instantly by artillery fire. Before the remaining American soldiers could retaliate, another round of intense fire swept over them.

The soldiers of the fire support platoon followed the tanks, pressing forward with unstoppable force.

Even if the US troops peeked out and fired, they could only hit the tank armor, making a "thump thump thump!" sound.

But doing so would expose them, and they would either be shot or killed by a cannonball.

The US military, having fought to this point, could no longer hold out and began to flee in disarray.

The artillery platoon, with three tanks, quickly broke through the US military camp south of Watergate Bridge for the second time and charged into the distance.

Just then, Marshall arrived late with the main force from north of the Watergate Bridge.

"Sir!"

"That's it, it's never going to end!"

"The military camp was burned down by the Chinese, all the tanks were shot by the Chinese, and the ammunition depot was blown up by the Chinese!!!"

The U.S. Army Lieutenant Kevin, with a mournful face, wailed loudly.

"I'm late."

"Don't be discouraged. I believe in Captain Litichar. He is on his way back to provide support."

Marshall looked at the corpses scattered on the ground and said with a hint of guilt.

Actually, he could have gone all in with his main force a long time ago, but he didn't dare.

From the intelligence he knew, he understood that he was about to face a terrifying company that had recently wiped out an entire American battalion at Xiaogaoling.

In the darkness, he wasn't sure if the raiding party was the main force.

However, judging from the current battlefield situation, he felt that his approach was very wise.

"Sir!"

"Attack from both sides! We must go help Captain Littishar!"

"This is a war of attrition!"

"If we act quickly, we might be able to attack the Chinese army from both sides!"

Suddenly, U.S. Army Lieutenant Kevin had a flash of inspiration and quickly grabbed Marshall's hand tightly, shouting.

Do we still have tanks?

"What if the Watergate Bridge is breached after we deploy?"

Marshall's face darkened, and he reprimanded him.

"Are you going to send Captain Littichal and his men to meet their maker?!"

"You'll be court-martialed for this!"

U.S. Army Lieutenant Kevin shouted, his voice tinged with anger.

"Military court?"

"Only those who are alive are qualified to be tried in a military court!"

"I have faith in Captain Litichar's abilities!"

Marshall snorted coldly and refused on the spot.

"Fuck you!"

"The Chinese were able to defeat us because of scum like you!"

"Guys, he's an American soldier, come with me!"

U.S. Army Lieutenant Kevin pointed at Marshall's nose and cursed him, then loudly called out.

However, all he received in response were the evasive glances of the American soldiers and the sharp, howling wind.

Seeing this, U.S. Army Lieutenant Kevin sneered, silently picked up his submachine gun, and charged alone towards the distant battlefield.

He recalled the time when the American flag was raised on Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima.

He is an American hero, he was, and he is.

....................................

A makeshift armored force consisting of three tanks and a fire support platoon is rapidly advancing across the snow.

Inside the tank

"This tank is huge and imposing!"

"Hey! Wanli, what if we could have a batch of tanks too..."

"Could we form an armored reconnaissance company? Or even an armored reconnaissance battalion?"

"This is much faster than light infantry infiltration, and its effectiveness is completely different!"

Gao Daxing curiously touched the tank's interior, his face full of anticipation.

"Armored reconnaissance battalion..."

"There will be. Maybe in the future we'll have so many tanks that we won't even notice them anymore."

"Now you're touching it all the time, but who knows, our grandchildren might be pointing at it and cursing it for being driven away!"

Something seemed to have been touched on Wu Wanli's heart, and he couldn't help but glance at Gao Daxing, smiling slightly.

"A beat-up tank?"

"We risked our lives to capture just a few vehicles."

"If my grandson dares to be so ungrateful, I'll slap him across the face!"

Upon hearing this, Gao Daxing laughed and scolded.

"Thinking about it, it's alright. If it really comes to it, we'll just have to wait until later."

"We don't have any planes, and those things are too easy to get bombed!"

"I hope we can study those planes we seized in Hagaru-ri carefully and get those intellectuals to build them for us as soon as possible!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong, who was inside the tank, couldn't help but sigh and said...

"US forces spotted ahead, prepare for battle!"

At that moment, Mei Sheng's voice came through the radio.

(End of this chapter)