Liang Jian: Lao Li, I'm really not a military expert

At 4:3 AM on March 6, 1943, at the front line of Niangziguan.

"College student, I've already arranged for the brothers to have dinner. The troops will launch the attack at 5 a.m. sharp."

"I originally planned to launch the attack around 8 o'clock, but plans can never keep up with changes. According to the intelligence from the mountain city, the Japanese Kwantung Army sent two divisions south to support the 12th Army."

"We can't wait any longer. We must launch an attack ahead of schedule and smash the little devils' turtle shell with fierce artillery fire."

Li Yunlong munched on a flatbread while recounting the situation of the troops.

"Old Li, my plan was the same as yours, but time waits for no one. Half of our main air force force has also been diverted to bomb the Japanese reinforcements."

"We mobilized half of our heavy artillery for this attack, leaving only about 20 fortress cannons in the base area."

"That old fellow Yoshio Shinotsuka is extremely cunning. He took advantage of the brief truce to build a large number of defensive fortifications."

"If we want to destroy the Japanese devils' turtle shell, we can't hold back at all. Once we launch an attack, we must make it a decisive victory and not give the Japanese devils any chance to survive."

"Heavy artillery is responsible for destroying the Japanese fortifications, rocket artillery is responsible for killing Japanese personnel, anti-aircraft guns are responsible for intercepting incoming enemy aircraft, giant barrel bombs are responsible for destroying the stubborn Japanese fortifications, and armored units are responsible for providing artillery cover for the infantry."

"This battle is of great significance to us. It is a rehearsal for annihilating the main force of the Japanese Kwantung Army. We must find out the problems in each unit during the battle and ensure that similar situations do not happen again in the next major battle."

Lin Zhenhua put down his binoculars, took the flatbread Wei Dayong handed him, rolled it up with some pickled vegetables, and started eating it with a crunchy sound.

"College student, Lao Li, the three field hospitals are ready, the stretcher teams have arrived at their designated locations, all kinds of medicines have been allocated, and more than 1000 medical personnel are on standby. Now all that's missing is the order to start the battle!"

With a big smile on his face, Zhao Gang arrived at the command post and reported on the logistical preparations, reassuring the two people inside.

"Good! Old Zhao, you did a great job, damn it. I was worried that the hospital wasn't prepared, but I didn't expect you to have thought ahead. With you as the head steward of the base, I, Li Yunlong, am completely at ease."

The three of them ate a simple breakfast and waited for the moment of final assault.

When the clock struck 5, Lin Zhenhua picked up the phone and roared, "Attention all units! This is the command post. It is 5 a.m. All units must immediately launch a general offensive according to the pre-established plan. This battle is one of victory or defeat!"

The moment Lin Zhenhua finished speaking, Wang Chengzhu, who was in charge of artillery command, gave the order to fire to the six heavy artillery battalions.

"In accordance with the pre-marked firing data, immediately launch an artillery barrage against the Japanese forward fortifications to clear the way for the armored forces' advance!"

At the same time, Kojima commanded two rocket artillery regiments to launch an artillery bombardment of the Japanese forward positions.

"Fire two salvos of rockets simultaneously, completely covering the Japanese central position. Immediately contact the air force and have them provide the enemy's coordinates at any time!"