Even if I'm a useless bum at Whampoa Military Academy, I'll be invincible in the War of Re

Chapter 291: Japanese Reinforcements Arrive, the 107th Division Never Passively Takes a Beating

The offensive of the Sugawa Regiment was once again blocked. When they reached within a few dozen meters of the defending troops' position, the Second Battalion opened fire. Forcing a charge would only result in casualties, so the Japanese could only lie on the ground to avoid the onslaught.

The battle entered a stalemate, with both sides relying on their own abilities. The Japanese attempted to break through several times, but were repelled by the powerful firepower of the Second Battalion, suffering heavy casualties.

Even if an entire regiment were to press forward, let alone a battalion, they wouldn't be able to break through. If the forces were too concentrated, the artillery company of the 647th Regiment would provide fire support.

The Second Battalion's position cannot be breached in a short time; it will require lives to be lost.

Colonel Sukegawa seemed to understand this as well, and knew that he could only wear them down slowly; he couldn't risk his own safety for the sake of the 14th Division.

With the southwest direction at a standstill, Colonel Sukegawa sent another battalion to seek a breakthrough from the south, but they were also blocked. The 647th Battalion also had a battalion on the front.

Colonel Sukegawa had no choice but to request tactical guidance from the division commander.

At the headquarters of the 107th Division, Zhao Yunwen closely monitored the movements of the 16th Division Regiment; the troops under his command were not just for show.

The 647th Regiment can withstand the attack of a single regiment at most; any more than that would cripple it.

The small map shows that the 16th Division has only one infantry brigade deployed towards Lanfeng, while another brigade is advancing westward, its forces heading straight for Kaifeng, and is entangled with the 66th Army.

Another Japanese mobile force, the 13th Mixed Brigade, was also fighting on the western front, more than a day's distance from Lanfeng. Nakajima Kesago believed that one brigade was sufficient to handle the battle for Lanfeng.

Xie Polu said to the map:

"The main force of the 30th Infantry Brigade is rapidly approaching and will be able to join forces with the 38th Infantry Regiment within two hours. Meanwhile, a part of the 14th Division is also heading south, attempting to encircle and blockade the city. The 647th Regiment is under considerable pressure!"

Qiu the Madman volunteered for the battle:

"Commander, I am willing to lead the 323rd Brigade to block the Japanese reinforcements and relieve the pressure on the 647th Regiment. They really think my 107th Division has no one to rely on."

Wang Guohua stepped forward and said:

"Commander, should I lead the 648th Regiment to flank the 38th Infantry Regiment from the east?"

Both of these plans could have alleviated the pressure on Lanfeng City, but Zhao Yunwen rejected them both, having made another decision:

"Brothers, now that the 16th Division has exhausted its resources, the nearest reinforcements will take a day to arrive."

If we're going to do something big, let's do it big. I've decided that while the 30th Infantry Brigade is still establishing itself, the 323rd Brigade will launch a full-scale counterattack from the west, while the cavalry regiment, the 648th Regiment, and the Independent Regiment will launch from the east and southeast, with the artillery regiment providing support.

After dark, all units secretly moved towards the Japanese assembly area, launching a general offensive at 5:00 AM to fight a decisive battle with the 30th Infantry Brigade!

Everyone was very excited after hearing this. They thought it was just a small skirmish to defend Lanfeng City, but they didn't expect Zhao Yunwen's goal to be the entire 30th Infantry Brigade.

Deputy Division Commander Lu Ping suggested:

"Commander, there are still at least three hours until dark. I'm worried that the 647th Regiment won't be able to hold out. Should we send troops from Maji to reinforce Lanfeng City? They are the closest to the city."

The defensive gap at Maji was filled by a battalion from the 644th Regiment, and with that force complete, they could deal with the southward advance of the 14th Division.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Yunwen said:

"Alright, then send the troops from Maji to reinforce them. Every extra battalion adds to the strength. Once the troops are down there, make sure they are prepared and don't get too close, lest we alert the enemy."

Everyone accepted the order and left. The troops that had been scattered and hidden would need time to regroup, as they were generally more than ten kilometers away from Lanfeng City.

The main force of the division completed its assembly before dark and quietly surrounded the Japanese under the cover of darkness, giving them plenty of time.

At 4:30 p.m., Colonel Sukegawa was very excited; he had finally received reinforcements.

步兵第30旅团原来下辖33联队、38联队,在33联队被游击纵队缴获军旗后,步兵第33联队就裁撤了;

This time, the Japanese headquarters did not resort to underhanded tactics, but they formed the 133rd Regiment, leaving the 16th Division as a four-regiment unit.

After Major General Sasaki arrived, he did not rush to launch an attack. Instead, he summoned the two regimental commanders for a meeting and first listened to Colonel Sukegawa's introduction.

"General, the garrison of Lanfeng City is Tangtou's guerrilla column. It has now been reorganized into the 107th Infantry Division and is responsible for defending the Lanfeng, Yangguji, and Shuangtaji line. Its combat strength is still formidable and it will not be easy to defeat them."

Sasaki's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he almost jumped up from his chair, shouting:

"Are you talking about Zhao Yunwen's guerrilla column?"

"That's right, it has now been expanded into a first-class division with three brigades and six regiments!"

Sasaki Toichi took a deep breath and said:

"Oh my god, it's them. What a small world!"

133rd Regiment Commander Fujita Saburo said with a disdainful look:

"Is the 107th Division that strong? My 16th Division defeated several Central Army divisions in Qixian. Do you think we'd be afraid of just one Chinese division?"

Colonel Sukekawa quickly explained:

"Fujita-kun, you must not be careless. You may not know this, but the predecessor of the 133rd Regiment was annihilated by the 107th Regiment."

"Nani, it's them! Then we must annihilate them and avenge this humiliation!"

Although Colonel Fujita did take it seriously, his tone suggested that he didn't really consider the 107th Division a threat; otherwise, he wouldn't have said he would annihilate it.

Although Major General Sasaki was displeased, he did not show it. He also had his pride and could not admit that he was afraid of the 107th Division.

"Yoshi, I've heard about Fujita-kun's bravery before. The 133rd Regiment needs to turn the tide."

Let's discuss and come up with a plan first, see how to fight. Zhao Yunwen is very cunning, we can't be careless.

After Sasaki finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Colonel Sukegawa, who was experienced and had fought many fierce battles with Zhao Yunwen's troops, so he knew them well.

Colonel Sukegawa stepped forward and said:

"After dark, three infantry battalions were dispatched to launch simultaneous attacks from the west, southwest, and south. Another battalion was sent to the east to provide cover, and another battalion was sent to launch a feint attack on Yangguji."

One battalion serves as a reserve force, with artillery support in the operation.

Sasaki was very satisfied and immediately issued combat orders, assigning the main infantry 38th Regiment to attack Lanfeng City, with the 133rd Regiment assisting.

Although Colonel Fujita was unwilling, he could only endure it, as Colonel Sukegawa was much more senior than him.

After the meeting, the Japanese began to mobilize their troops and operate openly, without trying to avoid the eyes and ears of the 107th Division.

Zhao Yunwen simply smiled faintly and said:

"The Japanese are planning a night attack. Let them be arrogant for a while longer; tomorrow's dawn will be their death day!"

At 8 p.m., the Japanese soldiers, having eaten and drunk their fill, launched an attack. Shells rained down on the city and its surrounding positions, and the shouts of battle shook the heavens.

At the same time, the Second Battalion of the 133rd Regiment launched a solo attack on Yangguji, committing all its forces in the first round of attacks, showing no awareness of playing a supporting role.

Colonel Fujita gave a direct order to capture Yangguji before Lanfeng fell, so that Sasaki could see the might of the 133rd Regiment.

The 647th Regiment fought with all its might, with three battalions holding off three Japanese battalions. The 1st Battalion of the 343rd Regiment, which came to reinforce from Maji, served as a reserve force, while the regimental artillery company provided support for the front.

The battle quickly intensified, with the Japanese offensive coming in waves. The 647th Regiment responded calmly, gradually stabilizing its defensive line with firepower comparable to the Japanese and strong fortifications.

At midnight, after four hours of fierce fighting, the Japanese had still not made any breakthrough and suffered heavy casualties. More than 200 seriously wounded soldiers were evacuated. Sasaki Toichi's face turned very ugly.

Colonel Fujita was no longer as arrogant as before. His battalion that launched the fiercest attack on Yangguji suffered the most casualties.

"General, should we send Shinohara's battalion to reinforce the central area and open a breakthrough in the southern direction?"

Major General Sasaki was somewhat tempted after hearing this, but he resisted the temptation and said in a deep voice:

"The reserve team cannot be moved lightly. Zhao Yunwen is very cunning, and we must always be on guard against him."

Colonel Fujita wanted to say more, but Sasaki Toichi stopped him:

"Fujita-kun, keep your cool. We're just here to reinforce the 14th Division. We need to act within our capabilities."

It's already past midnight, and the Warriors are exhausted. Since they can't break through, they should retreat!

The southward detachment of the 14th Division will arrive by dawn, at which point they will launch a pincer attack.

Colonel Fujita had nothing to say, and the 30th Infantry Brigade then ceased its offensive and switched to a defensive posture.

At five in the morning, Zhao Yunwen suddenly opened his eyes and shouted coldly:

"We can begin!"

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