Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 291 This is a gamble that cannot be lost, the situation is set! (Subscribe)
"Boom boom boom!"

The 77th Infantry Regiment of the Japanese Army was blocked by the 1st Infantry Regiment as soon as it returned to Shouyang to provide support.

The battle immediately entered a white-hot state.

The 1st Infantry Regiment, reinforced with a large number of American mortars, completely beat up the 77th Infantry Regiment.

The exchange of fire lasted less than ten minutes.

The Japanese left dozens of corpses on the spot and retreated quickly.

I was completely stunned.

The 107mm heavy mortars were transferred to the regiment level, and the 81mm mortars and mm mortars were transferred to the company level as support equipment.

The First Infantry Regiment is the largest and most combat-effective unit among the three main regiments.

It can be said that except for the lack of mountain artillery.

In terms of firepower in other aspects, it is even stronger than the 358th Regiment during the Battle of Northern Shanxi.

If the Japanese hadn't run fast, this squadron in the lead would have been...

It must be completely reimbursed.

just.

After the Japanese army learned about the firepower allocation of the 1st Infantry Regiment.

In a very short time, they launched another attack under the cover of the Type 92 infantry gun.

He seems to be determined not to turn back until he hits the wall.

This style of fighting confused the officers and soldiers involved in the battle.

soon.

Commander of the Flying Tiger Honor Division, Bian Fucheng, received the latest battle report from the front line.

"Commander, the enemy has launched a powerful attack on our outer blocking positions in a short period of time, and they seem to be determined not to give up until they achieve their goal. Could it be that they have received a death order?"

Bian Fucheng nodded silently: "It is possible, but we cannot rule out the possibility that the Japanese army is bluffing."

"But if they take a detour, it will take at least 14 more hours, and by that time, the daylilies will be cold."

Zhang Fugui’s judgment also makes sense.

In their view.

At present, the 4th Infantry Regiment has launched an attack on Shouyang County.

Even if the current attack is blocked, it is only a matter of time before we can break into the county town.

It would be fine if the Japanese support troops arrived in time.

If they stop us...
No, something's wrong.

Zhang Fugui had come to his senses by now.

Encircling a point and attacking its reinforcements is a conventional combat strategy.

The 7th Infantry Regiment was theoretically used as a reserve.

Whether it is attacking or supporting, they can ensure the smooth progress of this battle.

But right now, in terms of their combat effectiveness.

There is a chance to completely wipe out the current Japanese support forces.

How could Commander Chu give up?

He is not a person who follows the rules.

Zhang Fugui's eyes lit up, and he said, "Could it be that the 7th Infantry Regiment is planning to take a detour and attack from behind?"

"This possibility is higher..." Bian Fucheng chuckled, "It's a good idea to eat this fat meat right in front of your mouth. If we don't eat it, it will be a waste. When it comes to field battles, our combat effectiveness is not inferior to that of the Japanese army."

"We just don't know the size of this Japanese army yet. If there is only one field infantry regiment, we can really defeat them with the strength of our two regiments."

"If I were the commander of the Japanese, I would definitely retreat when I saw such fierce firepower. There would definitely be problems if we continued fighting like this." Zhang Fugui simply put himself in their shoes and then picked up the pencil in his hand to draw the most suitable evacuation route for the Japanese army on the current combat map.

"Even if we retreat to Yu County and defend it, it is better than continuing to support it. Even if Shouyang County is captured by our army, our army will not be able to continue to hold on."

"That's what happened."

the other side.

Inside the temporary combat command center.

Chu Yunfei looked at the telegram sent by the headquarters.

I was lost in thought for a moment.

In order to cooperate with the Second War Zone's strategic counterattack, the Eighth War Zone simultaneously reported its offensive plan.

It is expected that an attack on the strategic strongholds of Japanese troops in Mongolia will be launched in the near future.

The Third War Zone, the Fifth War Zone, and the Ninth War Zone also have corresponding attack plans.

But it is slightly different from the Second War Zone.

What Chu Yunfei's troops are currently conducting can be called a tough battle.

The order received by the other war zones was to avoid attacking the stronghold.

Chiang Kai-shek and his entourage were very optimistic about Chu Yunfei and his troops, and hoped that he could demonstrate the style of a Chinese soldier.

And in the telegram.

Chiang Kai-shek also told Chu Yunfei a new piece of good news.

The Burma Road is now fully open to traffic, and the military aid provided by the Americans will enter the country through the Burma Road.

Chu Yunfei had been urging for days to get anti-aircraft guns and other related weapons and equipment.

It will be transported to the southeastern Shanxi region as quickly as possible.

To support Chu Yunfei's troops' continued combat.

This is really good news.

The importance of the Burma Road is self-evident.

Americans have always advocated selfishness.

After the Marco Polo Bridge Incident broke out, the United States always made verbal condemnations.

In reality, it is American appeasement.

Just to safeguard interests in China.

After the Battle of Wuhan, Japan's exports to the United States, Britain and France accounted for 70% of its total annual exports.

All its income is used to purchase industrial raw materials.

These things will eventually be transformed into war-related weapons and equipment and used in the war of aggression against China.

Despite this, the Nationalist government repeatedly proposed an embargo on Japan to Britain, the United States, France and other countries.

To weaken Japan's national and military strength, alleviate the suffering of the war suffered by China, and provide assistance to China's war of resistance.

But actually.

Between 1937 and 1939, the Americans exported $ million worth of various materials to the Japanese.

It was five times the trade with China, and it was only in 1938 when the Nationalist government had a more difficult time in direct combat.

The amount of strategic materials Japan obtains from the United States accounts for more than 55 percent of its total imports.

Despite the few loans the US government has given to China.

That is also obtained using other industrial raw materials such as tung oil and tin.

As for the time when the Japanese army launched a massive attack on China's hinterland.

American arms dealers continued to sell aircraft parts, and even the export of heavy aerial bombs, gasoline, steel, machinery and other military supplies did not stop until the outbreak of the Pacific War.

After all, the United States is not the Republic of China.

There is no such thing as friendship between countries.

As for the military aid and supplies provided by the Americans on him.

There is also a real exchange of interests between the two sides.

It would cost so much money to observe Chu Yunfei's troops in combat.

Allowing them to stay in Changzhi for observation is already a great favor.

If you want to watch the battle next to Chu Yunfei, there is another price.

Compared with the United States, Britain's attitude and position towards China is even worse.

Let’s not talk about the Opium War or anything like that.

After Japan invaded China, Britain had always been secretly colluding with Japan.

The Burma Road was opened to traffic ahead of schedule in August thanks to the efforts and hard work of the Yunnan people with almost no pay.

However, it was not put into use until the end of October.

It was because of the obstruction of the British.

The British strategy is "while the snipe and the clam quarrel, the fisherman gains."

British Ambassador to Japan, Clayton, was even more blunt in his report to the British Foreign Secretary: "In order to maintain good relations with both sides so as to play an appropriate role during the peace negotiations and thereafter, our policy should be to delay time and hope that both sides will eventually be completely exhausted, allowing us to help achieve a reasonable solution to the tragic conflict."①
For the UK.

The more intense the fight between the two sides, the more benefits he can gain after the war.

With the disclosure of Japan's new order in East Asia.

Only then did the United Kingdom, the United States and other countries react.

Japan's invasion of China was not only to conquer China, but also to drive these Western forces out of China.

Only then did the British relent and the Americans speed up their aid.

Zhao Pengcheng picked up the telegram on the empty ammunition box with a curious look on his face. After reading it carefully, he asked, "Sir, is there any other mystery in this telegram?"

Chu Yunfei motioned Zhao Pengcheng to sit on the ammunition box nearby: "The Americans' aid has accelerated. What does that mean?"

"Does this mean that they are now aware of the growing threat from the Japanese?"

"Yes, the opening of the Burma Road illustrates one thing, which is the change in Britain's attitude towards China. It prompted them to make this choice because they deeply realized a truth."

Zhao Pengcheng thought for a moment and said, "Although the Japanese have done their best to occupy Wuhan, we still did not surrender. The Nationalist government that led the war of resistance has not collapsed. Avoiding China's war setbacks means avoiding losing the bargaining chip to check and balance the mad dog of Japan?"

Chu Yunfei nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, who taught you international politics?"

"It's Director Du Xinyuan."

"Very good insight, his views are basically the same as mine."

Chu Yunfei went on to say, "At this time, they only have three choices. First, they can increase their support and provide strong assistance to China. They can actively fight against Japan to protect their interests in China. However, with the crisis already happening in Europe, they are more worried about the alliance between Japan and Germany. Previously, there was news from Yamashiro that the commander of the Japanese North China Front, Terauchi Hisaichi, had already left for Germany."

"Second, a comprehensive compromise can only bring temporary stability to the situation so that they can concentrate on dealing with the Germans. This situation is likely to lead to an imbalance in the strategic pattern and strategic interests."

“The third is a compromise policy, using our resolute resistance to the war to curb the expansion of the Japanese, and then looking for opportunities to sacrifice some of our interests in exchange for concessions from the Japanese to achieve a compromise between the two sides. Obviously, Britain and the United States want both.

We must guard against wolfish ambitions."

"I remember you said before, sir, that the premise for winning interests is national strength, and international relations are always a game of interests."

Chu Yunfei nodded with satisfaction: "Yes, we need to show our value and add bargaining chips to the Republic of China. Only in this way can the Chairman have a better chance of winning more assistance and our battle can continue."

While the two were talking.

Another telegram was sent to Chu Yunfei.

The telegram came from the Eighth Route Army Headquarters.

According to the latest news from the 129th Brigade of the 385th Division.

The 114th Division of the Japanese Army once again advanced towards Xiyang, and less than two months later, it invaded the southeastern Shanxi region again.

Chu Yunfei grinned: "It seems that the Japanese army has really taken the bait. As expected, the 114th Division launched an attack on the southeastern Shanxi region."

"After we have cleared Shouyang County and severely damaged or even completely wiped out the 77th Infantry Regiment in the first half of tomorrow, we can directly return to defend the southeastern Shanxi region."

"Go to the forward command post of the Fourth Infantry Regiment and inform Pang Junming that the artillery regiment will conduct 30 minutes of artillery preparation tomorrow morning. If Shouyang County cannot be captured within half a day, then stop the attack according to the original battle plan."

"Yes!"

As Chu Yunfei got into a fight,

The deputy commander-in-chief and others at the Eighth Route Army headquarters also could not sleep all night.

If according to the original battle plan.

The main force of Chu Yunfei's troops advanced into the Wutai area, but now the main force is not only staying in Shouyang to attack, but also fighting a field battle with the Japanese army's reinforcements heading north.

Every step was inconsistent with the previous battle plan, and there was not even a relevant emergency plan.

At this time, between the Eighth Route Army and Chu Yunfei's troops.

It was just a simple communication through telegram, each of us calling each other.

Regimental and brigade commanders might be better at this style of fighting.

But for senior commanders, when the situation is unclear, they will tend to choose conservative options.

The original raid plan was also cancelled, and the main force assembled to hold key defensive positions, ready to meet the invading Japanese invaders.

Jincheng.

"Commander, the 88th Division has already gone to Changzhi to garrison as originally planned."

"Have I reminded you of everything I should have?" Song Xilian frowned slightly, concentrating on thinking about something.

"Well, I have issued a strict order that no disturbance of the public will be allowed. After all, this is Chu Yunfei's base. If something happens, it will be difficult for you to explain it, sir."

"Our 71st Army was selected as the attacking force in this battle because of Chu Yunfei's favor. If anything goes wrong, it will not only be difficult for me, but also for the chairman."

"Yes, please rest assured, Commander."

The 88th Division, the main force of the 71st Army under Song Xilian, which is also an ace unit and part of the battle attack army sequence, has all crossed the Yellow River and is heading towards Changzhi.

When setting foot on the land of southeastern Shanxi, Song Xilian visited many places in Jincheng accompanied by Sun Wemou.

Song Xilian was quite pleased and happy about the folk customs and practices of the army supporting the people and the people supporting the army.

He knew very well how much the high command expected from this secret counterattack.

The entire 71st Army, 33,000 men, were secretly equipped with Soviet weapons.

It became the only Soviet-equipped attack force in the entire National Revolutionary Army.

This is the only one of its kind.

Even Hu Zongnan's First Army, which was originally scheduled to be equipped with Soviet weapons, did not accept the Soviet equipment.

Except for a few core senior generals of the KMT, almost everyone did not know that the 71st Army was secretly deployed to the southeastern Shanxi region.

Naturally, it also includes veterans such as Yu, Lin, Sun, and Wang Zhaoming.

This is a combat plan that is so confidential that even Chiang Kai-shek is reluctant to talk about it too much. It is also a risky move.

It's more like gambling, a gamble that can only succeed, not fail!
Victory would lay the foundation for victory in the strategic counter-offensive in the Second War Zone, greatly weaken the Japanese army's war potential, and even make it possible to shift to a comprehensive strategic counter-offensive ahead of schedule.

We will also be able to obtain more aid supplies.

If they lose, the war situation in the Second War Zone will continue to deteriorate, and there will be no possibility of a turnaround.

No matter how much Chu Yunfei struggles, it is useless. This is the trend!
The situation is set, they only have this one chance, as long as they seize it, they will have a chance.

Before the war officially began, Chiang Kai-shek received the latest news from the United States.

According to intelligence obtained by American agents.

The amount of gold Japan had in stock for trade settlement was less than half of the amount of foreign exchange it could raise during the war.

What does this mean?
The "regular currency" that the Japanese army stockpiled during the war was converted to only 2.8 billion yen.

It’s less than half of that during the Russo-Japanese War!
Before the end of the Battle of Wuhan, the Japanese army increased its military expenditure four times in a row, and the total military expenditure exceeded 8 billion yuan.

It is even 1.6 times Japan's military expenditure in the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, the First World War, and the September 18th Incident.

Although the news came from the Americans.

But Chiang Kai-shek believed it firmly.

The huge consumption of war potential has plunged the Japanese economy into a vicious cycle.

Since the outbreak of the July 7 Incident, the war lasted for nearly twenty months.

The Japanese have permanently lost 200,000 combat troops, and the cumulative number of casualties has exceeded 450,000!
This was far beyond the cost that the Japanese military could bear.

Chiang Kai-shek saw the data compiled by the Ministry of Military and Political Affairs.

He Yingqin, who was even quite optimistic, said that only one final blow (a decisive victory in the 100-division offensive) would be enough to force the Japanese to face reality!
China will win this battle!
The 71st Army is another of the two ace armies that were highly expected in this battle.

They had suffered even greater casualties in the Battle of East Henan.

The quality of officers and soldiers in the current army is actually not as good as that of the 71st Army that fought a bloody battle outside Lanfeng.

But they were equipped with complete Soviet weapons.

The firepower of heavy weapons is a whole level higher than before
Regarding the victory of this battle, Song Xilian was just like Chu Yunfei.

With full confidence.
(End of this chapter)