Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 343, Section 341: The Blockade at Xinkou – A More Advanced Combat Method Than the Japanese Army

11 month 2 day.

Due to the fall of Niangziguan on the eastern front, Yan Xishan, commander of the Second War Zone, ordered the entire army to retreat and concentrate forces to defend Taiyuan.

Commander-in-Chief Wei Lihuang ordered all corps at the front in the Xinkou area to withdraw in an orderly manner.

Once the order was issued, all departments began preparations.

After dusk on the 2nd, a small rearguard was left behind, and they gradually retreated southward.

Initially, because they were prepared, they were not discovered by the Japanese troops on the other side of the river.

Until a certain Japanese unit launched a probing attack.

Their troops that attempted to cross the river were repelled, only to discover that the defensive forces on the other side had significantly weaker firepower.

This situation was reported, and subsequently, several small-scale attacks occurred along the Xinkou defense line.

Through these probing attacks at night, the Japanese army finally discovered that the defending troops on the opposite bank of the river were withdrawing.

It was already the early hours of November 3rd.

The Japanese army then launched a full-scale pursuit.

At dawn on November 3, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

The Taishan Independent Regiment and the Provisional 7th Division were on high alert, with the entire army on high alert.

On the west side of the position, there was also the 72nd Division of the 19th Army of the Jin Army, who had entered the newly dug defensive fortifications and were waiting for the Japanese army to appear.

Gunshots could be faintly heard in the distance, indicating that the Japanese army had begun its operation.

To get an accurate understanding of the situation, Wu Yingzong dispatched a company of Sichuan Army reserves to inquire about the situation ahead from the retreating troops along the roadside.

The soldier, speaking with a Sichuan accent, asked questions while reporting back what he had learned.

This information was then reported by Wu Yingzong via radio.

This primitive and traditional channel of information gathering was not the only source of frontline intelligence for the Taishan Independent Regiment.

At an altitude of 3000 meters, Fang Wen piloted a gunship aircraft to conduct aerial reconnaissance alone.

Fang Wen immediately activated his mechanical perception ability to understand the military situation below.

From a high altitude, with the help of mechanical eagle eyes, the movements of the Japanese army were clearly visible.

He saw.

The Japanese army has already launched river-crossing attacks at multiple locations in the upper reaches of the Hutuo River.

The defending troops did not show any intention of putting up a strong resistance, and some positions had already begun to be abandoned and retreated.

Meanwhile, several thousand Japanese troops also arrived at the downstream section of the river where the Independent Regiment and the Provisional 7th Division were located.

Based on this, Fang Wen deduced that it might take half a day for the Japanese troops upstream to arrive, so he decided to deal with the Japanese troops preparing to cross the river downstream first.

He immediately instructed the communications officer to issue orders to the ground.

[The Japanese army was about to cross the river; the 3rd Battalion of the Independent Regiment and the forward defensive forces of the Provisional 7th Division were ordered to prepare for battle.]

The reserve forces dispatched the 2nd Regiment and the 1st Regiment to stand by in the combined defensive fortifications next to the 72nd Division's positions.

After the order was issued, each department acted in accordance with the order.

Fang Wen waited for the air strike group to arrive so that he could coordinate with the ground troops to intercept the enemy.

More than half an hour passed.

Japanese troops were spotted on the opposite bank of the Hutuo River.

Several thousand Japanese troops arrived and immediately began preparations to cross the river and launch an attack.

They unloaded the wooden boats from the military vehicles and pushed them into the river. Then, squads of soldiers boarded the boats, mounted machine guns on sandbags at the bow, and rowed across the river.

Because the river was only 200 meters wide, the soldiers of the Independent Regiment and the Provisional 7th Division on the opposite bank began firing as soon as the Japanese troops boarded the boats.

The machine guns on the Independent Regiment's position fired flashes of light, stirring up waves on the river. Some bullets hit the wooden boats, causing several Japanese soldiers to fall into the river.

Furthermore, sharpshooters from the 3rd Battalion of the Independent Regiment picked up their 98k rifles, equipped with Zeiss Dialythan rifle scopes, and began firing at Japanese soldiers in pick-up shots.

Meanwhile, on the positions flanking the Third Battalion of the Independent Regiment, the new recruits of the Sichuan Army also began firing.

These new recruits from Sichuan, despite their short training period, were still willing to fight. They aimed and fired with clumsy movements, then loaded five-round magazines, following the shooting method taught by their superiors.

Although their accuracy was somewhat lacking, the sheer number of guns firing still put considerable pressure on the Japanese troops.

The first attempt to cross the river was repelled.

The Japanese army also set up machine gun positions on the riverbank, attempting to exchange fire and seek fire suppression to launch a second river crossing attack.

But they didn't know that they were facing a mechanized force with multi-layered firepower.

In the air, Fang Wen led the air raid squadron and launched a strafing attack on the Japanese troops on the riverbank.

The dense barrage of bullets forced the Japanese troops on the ground to retreat in panic, as they had no defenses to withstand the threat from the air.

As Fang Wen piloted the gunboat into battle, he looked at the terrain across the river and a topographic map with contour lines appeared in his mind.

This map uses a grid to divide the area across the river into different squares. Each square represents a firing parameter. As long as the accurate number is given, the artillery behind can make adjustments and fire accordingly.

Therefore, Fang Wen said, "Give the order to the artillery positions to fire two rounds of artillery fire at positions 32 and 33 of the Bingzi formation."

The communicator sent out the command.

The independent regiment's artillery position, located 3 kilometers behind the front-line positions, also has a mobile armored command vehicle.

The communications soldier in the command vehicle immediately reported the order to the artillery position commanding officer.

"Company commander, the regimental commander has ordered us to fire two rounds of artillery fire at C32 and C33."

"Understood." The commanding officer shouted, "Initiate shelling immediately, two rounds, targets C32 and C33."

The independent regiment's artillery immediately adjusted the gun barrels.

After adjustments were completed, the infantry guns and mortars fired towards the target area.

With a range of over 3000 meters, the shell took 14 seconds to fly before landing among the Japanese troops.

The series of explosions stunned the retreating Japanese troops.

Such accurate artillery fire was something they hadn't expected.

They never imagined that the enemy on the other side of the river would be so formidable.

It has infantry, decent firepower, air suppression, and even deep artillery attacks.

After a series of attacks, the Japanese army suffered hundreds of casualties and surprisingly did not launch a second offensive.

This scene was also witnessed by the officers and soldiers of the 72nd Division who were watching from the sidelines.

Commander Li of the 72nd Division put down his binoculars: "This is how war should be fought. I think the Japanese army is not even as good as them."

The adjutant nodded enviously: "Yes, they've got planes and artillery all in one place, and they're so accurate. They seem more disciplined than the regular army."

Commander Li sighed, "Only Fang Wen would dare to do something like this. He's using his own wealth to fight the war. But some of us are taking advantage of this crisis to make a fortune off the country."

"But he is only one person after all, and no matter how big his family fortune is, he can't support a larger army. I think this is the best he can do."

"Look, we cooperated fully in this ambush, and we can learn a lot from his independent regiment."

The commander of the 72nd Division was talking with his adjutant when his subordinates came to report new developments.

"Commander, this is bad! The enemy has crossed the river ahead, and the defensive positions there have already fallen."

Division Commander Li was shocked: "How could we have lost the position? Damn it, they must have seen that we were stationed here and slipped away beforehand. Pass on my order: the entire division is on high alert. If you see any Japanese troops, give them a good beating and let the Taishan Independent Regiment know that our 72nd Division is not a coward."

The 72nd Division began its operation.

Meanwhile, on the Independent Regiment's defensive line...

Fang Wen's composite, three-dimensional mechanized warfare once again proved remarkably effective.

Under his command with a global perspective, artillery shells were accurate, aircraft gained air superiority, and ground troops were also effective, causing the elite Japanese 5th Division, which was regarded as a force to be reckoned with by other units, to suffer another defeat.

Under such multi-layered fire suppression, the Japanese army had no chance of crossing the river.

But at this moment, Fang Wen suddenly noticed unusual activity on the 72nd Division's position to the west.

They had actually entered a state of full alert, defending the northwest direction.

what happened?

Fang Wen ordered the air strike squadron to take off and temporarily halt the attack, while he used his mechanical eagle eye to observe the northwest.

Before long, Fang Wen discovered the reason for the unusual movements of the 72nd Division.

The Japanese army actually completed the river crossing 3 kilometers in front of the 72nd Division's defensive position.

The rearguard troops covering that section of the river have all disappeared.

This meant that the Japanese army no longer needed to force their way across the Independent Regiment's defenses and could reach the other side of the Hutuo River much faster. Fang Wen immediately observed the rear.

Sure enough, the several thousand Japanese troops on the opposite bank of the Independent Regiment's defense line actually turned back, probably to cross the river through that gap.

Fang Wen did not order a follow-up air raid on these Japanese troops.

He had to lead the air raid squadron back to base, refuel and replenish ammunition, in preparation for the Japanese offensive to the northwest.

This time, however, there will be no river to obstruct them, and the Independent Regiment and the Provisional 7th Division will face even greater danger.

Therefore, he notified the ground troops to make tactical adjustments.

The air strike group immediately returned to Taiyuan.

The battle took an unexpected turn when the Japanese army broke through the middle section of the Hutuo River defense line due to the early withdrawal of friendly forces.

The Japanese army is now converging on this gap, and it's impossible to recapture that crossing point.

The Japanese troops that crossed the Hutuo River immediately headed south, where they were intercepted by the 72nd Division 3 kilometers away.

The battle began, and spurred on by the Independent Regiment, the soldiers of the 72nd Division fought tenaciously, keeping the Japanese troops at bay.

Simultaneously.

The 3rd Battalion of the Independent Regiment and the Provisional 7th Division also underwent adjustments.

The entire Third Battalion was transferred to the joint defensive position of the First and Second Regiments of the Provisional Seventh Division to assist the 72nd Division in its defense.

The defenses on the river remained unchanged, except for the departure of the 3rd Battalion of the Independent Regiment, in order to guard against the Japanese army suddenly returning to cross the river.

The artillery positions and anti-aircraft gun positions were also repositioned, turning northwest.

Meanwhile, Fang Wen's Taishan Air Force returned to Taiyuan for emergency resupply.

Eight aircraft landed in Taiyuan, including four gunship aircraft at the sea airport and four fighter jets at the runway of the Third Battalion of the Independent Regiment.

Ground crew on both sides were busy refueling, inspecting, and reloading ammunition for the aircraft.

After 20 minutes of emergency resupply, Fang Wen led the air strike squadron to take off again.

The air strike formation flew for 20 minutes before returning to the battlefield.

Fang Wen, having activated his mechanical senses, first checked for any enemy aircraft nearby.

The radar detection system detected no enemy targets, suggesting that the Japanese pursuit was too hasty and they did not request support from the Army Air Force in Tianjin.

this is a good news.

Fang Wen then observed the situation below.

The 72nd Division was engaged in fierce fighting with the Japanese army. The Japanese army rushed to a mound 500 meters away from the 72nd Division's position and used the slope of the mound to hold out against the 72nd Division.

Behind the earthen mound, a large number of Japanese troops were gathered. They bypassed the mound and attempted to launch a surprise attack on the left flank of the 72nd Division.

However, the 72nd Division's left flank had two regiments from the Provisional 7th Division, as well as the 3rd Battalion of the Independent Regiment that had been transferred there.

The two regiments of new recruits were somewhat flustered when faced with a large group of Japanese soldiers charging at them.

Fortunately, the veterans of the 3rd Battalion of the Independent Regiment set an example by bravely firing at the Japanese troops. Seeing their comrades' actions, the new recruits lost their fear and fired along with them.

But this time the Japanese army was very determined.

Officers were even assigned to supervise the battle from behind. Under the supervision of officers wielding samurai swords, the Japanese troops charged towards the temporary positions, managing to shorten the distance between them to 300 meters.

300 meters is the most effective firing distance for rifles, and also the most difficult to attack.

For this reason, the Japanese army dispatched a special type of soldier: grenadiers.

These soldiers, armed with grenade launchers, fire small grenades and hand grenades. The effective firing range is 300 meters. Although the accuracy is not high, the rate of fire is fast, and the explosion can cover an area of ​​5 square meters.

This immediately threatened the joint defense position, resulting in casualties among Sichuan soldiers.

Some of the shells fired from grenade launchers would even explode, releasing poisonous gas.

This was a vomiting gas; upon smelling it, the Sichuan soldiers were unable to control themselves and vomited incessantly, thus losing their fighting ability.

(Grenade launcher)

Upon seeing this, Fang Wen immediately led the air strike squadron to launch an attack.

Four fighter planes swooped down and strafed the Japanese troops on the ground.

The machine gun shells struck the ground, creating plumes of dust two meters high. The Japanese soldiers hit by the machine gun shells were either killed or seriously wounded.

After the fighter jets strafed, even more suppressive gunboats appeared.

The four gunship aircraft completed a side-to-side circling flight posture while descending in altitude.

The gunners inside the aircraft immediately opened fire on the Japanese troops on the ground.

Such a fierce air strike brought an end to the Japanese charge, and the remaining Japanese troops fled back in panic.

After repelling the Japanese attack, Fang Wen did not relax his vigilance at all.

He saw the whole situation: more and more Japanese troops were gathering behind the earthen slope, and a new round of attacks had begun.

This time, the Japanese army dispatched a 2000-strong assault team.

Two thousand men were scattered in front of the position, launching an attack in skirmish lines.

Such a tactical arrangement makes it impossible to concentrate firepower for strikes, and even air strikes are much less effective.

Furthermore, the Japanese troops crossing the river also brought some mortars, which were being installed and tested in preparation for firing at our positions.

Facing this circumstances.

Fang Wen must make tactical adjustments.

After a brief moment of thought, he decided to lead the air strike squadron to destroy the mortar positions first.

The attack by these 2000 Japanese soldiers was dealt with by a tank company.

The order was issued immediately.

Upon receiving the order, the tank company immediately drove toward the northwest position.

Supporting their counter-offensive were 100 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion of the Independent Regiment and 300 Sichuan Army soldiers.

Before the operation, veterans of the Independent Regiment explained the precautions to the new recruits of the Sichuan Army.

"Listen up. The next operation will be coordinated with the tanks. Don't just charge forward recklessly. The tanks are our mobile defensive fortifications. We will rely on the tanks for defense and attack. They will break through, and we will provide support fire from behind."

After some explanation, the gist of it was: don't try to be a hero; if something happens, the tank will be in front and take the hits.

Hearing the veterans say this, the new recruits in the Sichuan Army relaxed a lot. They never expected that they could fight like this with the Independent Regiment.

Then they set off.

Two medium tanks, nicknamed "Taishan Pine," drove out from the side of the temporary position, followed by 300 soldiers.

Behind them, the soldiers on the position also opened fire, using suppressive fire to support the tank assault team.

Two Taishan Pine tanks advanced into the face of Japanese fire. The bullets from the opposite side sparked on the tank armor but posed no threat whatsoever.

Rifles wouldn't work, machine guns wouldn't work, and the explosion of a grenade launcher couldn't damage the armor of the Taishan pine.

The Taishan Songzhong tank, seemingly untouched by human hands, drove towards the Japanese army. As it moved, its short-barreled guns continuously fired grenades, and the machine guns at the bottom of the turrets also opened fire.

Meanwhile, the 300 soldiers following the tank kept firing their guns at the Japanese troops.

Under the pressure of the tanks, coupled with the firing of soldiers coordinating with the tanks, the Japanese army quickly could not withstand the pressure and retreated.

At that moment, the 72nd Division suddenly launched an attack.

Thousands of soldiers rushed out of their fortifications and charged toward the earthen slope opposite the position.

After a series of charges, they actually captured the earthen slope. Without the slope for defense, the Japanese troops had no choice but to retreat.

The momentum of the entire battle changed at some point, and even the soldiers of the 72nd Division dared to charge the Japanese army head-on.

Meanwhile, in the rear of the Japanese army, the Taishan air raiding team also launched an attack on the newly built mortar positions.

Under heavy aerial fire, the mortars were reduced to scrap metal.

Thus, although the Japanese army had a crossing point in the middle of the defensive line, they still could not break through the blocking force of the Taishan Independent Regiment.

If we can hold out for another three hours and retreat before the main Japanese force arrives, this blocking action will be successful.

What Fang Wen needs to do now is to give the Japanese army in the northwest a greater deterrent, so that they can't recover for a while, and then the troops can retreat.

To achieve this effect, a secret weapon must be used.

Fang Wen decided to take out napalm incendiary bombs.

Now that the war of resistance has progressed to this point, and I have become a target for assassination by the Japanese Special Higher Police, there is no longer any need to keep the use of napalm incendiary bombs a secret.

Besides, during the battle just now, the Japanese grenadiers actually fired shells containing poison gas. It would be only right to retaliate in kind.

(End of this chapter)