Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 498 Reactions from all parties, Xue Yue is upset (Part ) (Subscribe)
Shancheng, National Government Committee.

The continuous rain and overcast weather failed to dispel the tension and anxiety that filled this wartime capital.

The Japanese army also launched a corresponding offensive operation in the country, and the Third War Zone launched a counterattack.

It is known in history as the Zhejiang-Jiangxi Battle.

However, an urgent encrypted telegram came from the Joint Command.

Like a ray of dazzling sunshine in the gloomy sky, it instantly detonated the highest level of the National Government’s Military Commission.

People in the command headquarters judged that this Mindang counterattack far exceeded the previous Biaoguan victory.

As part of the counterattack, the expeditionary force had already annihilated an infantry regiment and a reinforced battalion in just the initial combat.

According to the headquarters' initial plan, the expeditionary force would be fortunate to be able to hold Rangoon and preserve the Burma Road during the Burma campaign.

As for the counterattack, that is even more distant.

In just over half a year, Chu Fei not only stabilized his position, but also commanded his troops to achieve a series of jaw-dropping victories, almost destroying the main force of the Japanese army in the south.

This is incredible!

Command meeting room.

Although Chang Ruiyuan did not directly attend this emergency military meeting due to handling other military and political affairs, the high level of the meeting was enough to highlight its importance.

Minister of Military Affairs He Yingqin, Minister of the Political Department of the Military Commission Chen Cheng, Minister of the Military Affairs Department Xu Yongchang, Chief of the Military Affairs Department Bai Chongxi, Director of the First Aide-de-Camp Zhang Zhizhong and a group of high-ranking generals gathered together, all with excitement and excitement that were difficult to conceal.

"Everyone, we have just received the latest battle report from the Joint Command!" He Yingqin spoke first. He tried to calm his excitement, but his voice was still trembling. "The main force of our expeditionary force is under the command of the Joint Command..."

There was a burst of discussion in the conference room.

Chen Cheng's eyes were burning, he slammed the table and said excitedly: "Chu Yunfei's visit to Burma this time has lived up to the trust of the chairman!
This glorious victory not only wiped out the decline of the Allied forces on both sides in the Far East battlefield, but also greatly armed the confidence of the entire national army and people in the war of resistance!
I think it's time to establish our permanent military presence in the Burma region!

Yangon must be firmly in our hands and the Burma Road must be unobstructed!
We should even consider establishing a military base for the Chinese in Maodan Mian and Mandalay as a strategic fulcrum for our future counterattack in Southeast Asia and support for the Pacific battlefield! "

He Yingqin nodded and said, "What Cixiu said is exactly what I want."

"The strategic situation of consolidation is extremely important. This great victory in the battle has won us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"We must seize this opportunity and firmly grasp the fruits of victory in our own hands."

Zhang Zhizhong also asked, "Regarding the establishment of a permanent military presence in Burma, I will report to the chairman and strongly promote it. What are your opinions?"

Other generals also spoke, their words full of admiration for Chu Yunfei's command ability and optimistic outlook on the future battle. Of course.

There are also some relatively stable voices, reminding people to pay attention to the possible counterattack of the Japanese army and the attitudes of the allies such as Britain and the United States.

But in general, the entire command was immersed in a long-lost, hearty feeling.

They seemed to see the dawn of victory in the War of Resistance, and Chu Yunfei and his expeditionary force were undoubtedly the brightest light that illuminated this dawn.

In contrast to the jubilation in the mountain city, the atmosphere inside the British command seemed somewhat complicated and subtle.

Major General Smith and his 1st British Burmese Division, under the deployment of Chu Yunfei, participated in a flanking operation against the remaining Japanese troops in Mindan.

It is a task of flank containment and interception, which is much easier than the brutal frontal assault.

Under the powerful offensive of Zhang Lingfu's newly formed 29th Division and Chu Yunfei's precise artillery support.

"Shared" part of the fruits of victory, seized some equipment abandoned by the Japanese army and captured prisoners.

The British side was also surprised by Major General Smith's performance, or more accurately, surprised at the results achieved under Chu Yunfei's command.

Their hastily assembled army was able to achieve decent results.

As soon as Wavell received the telegram, he summoned Alexander.

"Smith," General Alexander said with a hint of curiosity in his tone, "You did a good job in the direction of Mindang this time. Although it was mainly the expeditionary force that took the lead, we also fulfilled our responsibilities."

"Chu Yunfei in the Joint Command is indeed a general with real abilities."

Wavell smiled bitterly in his heart. He knew that although it was a "victory" of the Imperial Army, it was more due to the Chinese Army.

But he straightened his back and said, "Generals, the Chinese army's fighting spirit is indeed admirable. Chu Yunfei's command is indeed effective. At least it is not a bad thing for us at this time. We must pay close attention to China's next plans, especially their attitude towards Myanmar, which is crucial to our army."

"But General, Chu Yunfei thinks it is not appropriate to continue the pursuit at this time. They should stay at the Maodanmian line. They are not familiar with the terrain in Thailand and may fall into the trap of the Japanese."

Weville nodded: "Such concerns are justified..."

"General, if we don't continue the pursuit, these Chinese will have enough reasons to stay in Yangon. This will have an adverse impact on our army's takeover of Burma after the war. Obviously, they are also coveting this land!"

What Alexander was referring to was Wavell's concerns.

This was the situation he least wanted to see.

It’s not that there is no way out of this situation.

All Smith needs to do is lead his troops to continue the pursuit, expand the results of the battle, and achieve a phased victory.

Chu Yunfei and other main forces of the expeditionary force naturally had no reason to stop their attack.

At Wavell's suggestion and Alexander's instigation.

Smith refused Chu Yunfei's order to stop the pursuit and planned to expand the results of the battle.

As Alexander reported.

While commanding the main force of the expeditionary force to pursue towards Mawlamyine, Chu Yunfei suggested through the joint command that Smith's 1st British Burmese Division should temporarily rest and reorganize after completing the elimination of the remaining enemy in Mindan, strengthen the defense zone, and await follow-up orders.

however.

Smith made a bold decision based on Alexander's hint and his own actions.

He also believed that since the Japanese army had been defeated in the direction of Mindang, why not take advantage of this opportunity to pursue independently to the south, seize some strategic points, and win some "independent" military exploits for the British Empire on the battlefield?

Washington, DC, USA.

White House.

Roosevelt and other senior officials were also surprised by the progress in the Far East battlefield.

The victory at Biaoguan, the annihilation battle at Mindang, and the subsequent unstoppable pursuit by the Chinese Expeditionary Force made the decision makers in Atlanta and the Pentagon once again see the huge potential of the Expeditionary Force on the battlefield.

"Mr. President," Army Chief of Staff General Marshall said with undisguised excitement as he reported the latest battle situation to Roosevelt: "The Chinese Expeditionary Force is creating miracles one after another under the command of Chu Yunfei!
The main forces of several Japanese divisions were severely damaged, and their entire defense system was on the verge of collapse!
General Stilwell said in a telegram that this was the most brilliant victory achieved by the Allied forces on the Asian continent since the outbreak of the Pacific War!

President Roosevelt also had a long-lost smile on his face: "Great! Great! George, this proves that our decision to increase aid to China is absolutely correct!

The Chinese people have repaid our trust with their bravery and sacrifice! "

Admiral King, the Chief of Naval Operations, also said: "Mr. President, victory in the war will greatly relieve our pressure on the Japanese battlefield in the Pacific.

The Japanese Navy will inevitably be distracted by the Army's disastrous defeat in Southeast Asia, which buys us valuable time to gather a stronger force and form an alliance to launch a counterattack on the mainland. "

"Yes," President Roosevelt nodded, and then instructed, "At the same time, the domestic media began to prepare for the hype, and various news headlines announced the great victory of this expedition.

Hopkins, please make arrangements so that the New York Times and the Washington Post can highlight the bravery and fighting skills of Chinese soldiers, General Chu Yunfei's outstanding command, and gather the great friendship of our Chinese and American allies fighting side by side in Washington! "We want to let all American people know that in the far east, our Chinese troops are fighting against the brutal Japanese fascism with their blood and lives!
This will not only further win the support of the domestic people for the policy of aiding China, but will also greatly boost the morale of the entire Allied Powers! "

"In addition," President Roosevelt added, "in view of the outstanding performance of the Chinese Expeditionary Force on the battlefield, I have decided to further revise the Lease Contract with China.

Especially those heavy equipment, transport vehicles and aircraft that they urgently need, all their needs must be met!
Tell Stilwell to tell Chu Yunfei that the United States will spare no effort to support him until the last Japanese invader is driven out of Asia! "

The news of the glorious victory of the Middle East Expeditionary Force, accompanied by the "friendship" hype of the American media, spread like spring thunder across the war-torn Chinese land, and also caused different ripples in the various war zone headquarters in the country.

Perspective switch: Shanxi, Second War Zone Headquarters.

In Longcheng, inside the Second War Zone Headquarters, Yan Xishan was squinting his eyes, carefully studying the report on the latest battlefield situation forwarded by the Shancheng Command.

Central Daily News

Guanghua Daily

Changzhi Weekly

and translations from American newspapers.

There wasn't much expression on his face, but those shrewd eyes deep inside flashed with complex emotions.

Chief of Staff Chu Xichun and several core generals of the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army stood by, all with a look of joy and honor on their faces.

After all, Chu Yunfei was a military commander from Shanxi, and his outstanding military achievements indirectly added some glory to the Second War Zone.

"Commander Yan" Chu Xichun spoke for the first time, with a bit of emotion in his tone: "Yun Fei's entry into Burma this time really demonstrated the power of our Chinese soldiers!

It is not easy for such an exhausted army to inflict heavy damage on the elite Japanese invaders one after another!

It seems that Shancheng has made the right move.”

Yan Xishan slowly put down the newspaper in his hand and said slowly in his unique Shanxi accent: "Well, Burma is a place with high mountains and dense forests, and miasma is rampant. Even the British couldn't win the war, but he was able to win like this. It's not easy, it's not easy."

He paused and looked out the window, as if he was thinking about something: "However, winning the battle is a good thing, but we also need to see the doorway behind it.

The Americans spent a lot of money this time, with planes, cannons, tanks, and so many supplies.

What does this mean?
This shows that the Americans attach more importance to the Asian battlefield and our ability to hold back the main force of the Japanese army. ”

Zhao Chengshou was startled, then asked tentatively: "Commander, do you mean that our theater of operations can also obtain some American aid?"

Yan Xishan shook his head and said meaningfully, "It's difficult! The Americans are always good at adding icing on the cake, but they don't help when things are difficult.

Chu Yunfei was able to make a name for himself because he had a powerful expeditionary force at his disposal, the American General Stilwell backing him up, and the full support of the Supreme Command.

Our theater of operations is located in North China. Although the strategic location is important, it is not enough on the American chessboard. "

He picked up the telegram that Chu Yunfei had sent not long ago requesting the allocation of 500,000 dan of military rations, and tapped the table lightly: "Yunfei, this kid, hasn't forgotten us old guys.

We tightened our belts and supported him with hundreds of thousands of dan of grain, which was just the right thing to do.

I hope he can gain a foothold here and make a bigger name for himself.

In the future, if there is an opportunity, we can also help Shanxi."

The generals present were all well aware of Yan Xishan's thinking.

They knew that although the "King of Shanxi" was excited about Chu Yunfei's victory, he was more concerned about how to gain the greatest benefits and living space for Shanxi in the complex domestic politics and international relations.

This victory is unprecedented for them, but it is also a spur, and it is also a "variable" that requires calm observation and prudent response.

Chu Xichun smiled and said, "Although Yun Fei never formed cliques, the number of generals who benefited from his kindness is increasing. If things continue like this, I'm afraid the chairman will have trouble sleeping."

"What does he have to worry about? The people he uses are either from the Whampoa clique or his old subordinates..." Yan Laoxi waved his hand, seeming not to care.

This was different from the relative calm in the Second War Zone and Yan Xishan’s “far-sightedness”.

The atmosphere inside the Ninth War Zone Headquarters seemed somewhat subtle and complicated.

Xue Yue, commander-in-chief of the Ninth War Zone, was a "tiger boy" who became famous both at home and abroad for his great victories in eastern Henan and Changsha.

At this moment, his expression was a little complicated: "What a great victory for Mindang."

Several senior generals under his command, including Chief of Staff Wu Yizi, Army Group Commander Guan Linzheng, Peng Weiren, Yang Sen, and key generals Li Yutang and Wang Yaowu, were silent and dared not say much.

"Under Chu Yunfei's excellent command, the main force of the expeditionary force launched an overwhelming offensive against the Japanese invaders in southern Burma. The Japanese defense line collapsed across the board and was fleeing towards Mawlamyine. Our army pursued and annihilated them with all its might, and the results were unprecedentedly brilliant."

"Okay, that's great!"

He said "OK" several times.

The ending tone was dragged out a bit, and to the ears of Wu Yizi and the others, they could taste several different flavors.

Chief of Staff Wu Yizi put down his teacup, carefully considered his words and said, “Sir, Commander Chu’s use of troops is indeed unique, and it is indeed gratifying that the expeditionary force can achieve such a major victory on the battlefield this time.

This not only dealt a blow to the arrogance of the Japanese invaders, but also created a more favorable international environment for our war of resistance."

"Yes, it is cause for celebration and should be celebrated by all." Xue Yue nodded, walked to the window, looked at the gloomy sky outside, and said leisurely: "The newspaper also wrote that US President Roosevelt highly praised this campaign and decided to further increase aid to China.

In particular, heavy equipment, transport vehicles and aircraft that the expeditionary force urgently needs will be given priority.

My chief captain Chu really has a lot of face. "

His words sounded like praise, but who among those present could not hear the sour taste in them?
Shang Zhen coughed lightly and tried to ease the atmosphere: "Commander Xue, the Burmese battlefield is the key to the international channel after all, and it is only natural that the Allied Forces attach importance to it.

General Chu was able to work closely with Stilwell to secure more reinforcements for the Party-State, which was also a credit to the Party-State. "

"Well, sincere cooperation, well said." Xue Yue turned around, still with a half-smile on his face, "I heard that General Stilwell obeyed Chu Yunfei's orders. If Chu Yunfei asked for the stars, Stilwell would give him the moon on the spot.

I’m afraid that the American equipment of the expeditionary force is more than the belongings of one of our war zones, right?

M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle, Thompson submachine gun, 105 howitzer, and those 'Stuart' light tanks, wow, how enviable! "

There was a barely perceptible trace of loneliness in Xue Yue's eyes.

Wu Yizi smiled bitterly and said, "Sir, the situation in each theater is different, and the strategic considerations of the headquarters and the Allied Forces are also focused. Our Ninth Theater is located in the heart of the Central Plains, and it is of great strategic significance to contain a large number of Japanese troops.

It’s just that in terms of equipment distribution, we do not have much advantage.

After all, we basically get domestic equipment. If American equipment is given priority to us, other war zones will not agree, right?"

Xue Yue waved his hand, with a hint of self-mockery in his tone: "

The three great victories in Changsha were so earth-shattering. What did they rely on?
It is the brothers who have sacrificed their lives to build this Great Wall of flesh and blood.

If you win the battle, you will receive a commendation and a medal.

What happened next? There was nothing next. The guns that were needed were still needed, and the cannons that were needed were still needed.

What is our Ninth War Zone? Is it possible that in the eyes of the Command, our Ninth War Zone is not that important? "

(End of this chapter)