The War of Resistance: My Expedition, My Country

Standing behind Division Commander Wu Bairen were several division commanders and deputy division commanders from the 17th Group Army. They used binoculars and gun scopes to watch the 602nd Division's 1st Regiment's thrilling blocking battle. Deeply shaken, one division commander flattered Wu, "Commander Wu, a strong general commands no weak troops. How are you organized and trained? I believe that with your tactics, it would be a fantasy for the Germans to pass through your positions." The other generals echoed his sentiments.

Wu Bairen quickly waved his hands and said modestly, "Dear seniors, please don't say that. When you were rolling around on the battlefield, I was probably still wearing open-crotch pants."

"You're just not used to mechanized warfare yet. I believe that after this blocking battle, you will definitely have many ways to deal with the Germans. What I'm doing here is just child's play. Please forgive me!"

Leading the team was Lieutenant General Liang, Deputy Commander of the 17th Group Army. He waved his hand, and everyone immediately quieted down. Lieutenant General Liang immediately said, "You have all seen how the 602nd Division fought. Without further ado, I believe you all know what to do. Let me tell you, the main mission of our 17th Group Army is to hold this place to the death. Don't take any chances. This is a battle for the future of our country. Put aside your little tricks, show your true abilities, and show your strength on the battlefield!"

Lieutenant Liang continued, "The defensive zone and positions are just like this. There are no highlands or hills, just the plains and black soil underground. As you can see, the main method of dealing with the German army is to dig fortifications continuously. The more fortifications, the better, the deeper the better. Trenches, ambush points, firepower points, infantry and artillery combined, drag the German army into the quagmire..."

At Huang Wei's command post, Yu Shao, Chief of Staff of the 200th Group Army, walked over with a relaxed expression and chuckled to Huang Wei, saying, "Old Wu pulled off a stunt that completely stunned the veterans of the 17th Group Army. I heard that Deputy Commander Liang issued a death order on the spot: any division that can't hold will have its commander deployed on the spot."

Huang Wei heard what Chief of Staff Yu said and sighed, "Old Liang, he still can't change his old ways. If executing people could hold the position, the Japanese would have been driven out long ago. It seems I have to rush to the 17th Army as soon as possible."

Huang Wei continued, "Chief of Staff Yu, the 200th Army will rely on you while I'm away. The 599th and 600th Divisions have been withdrawn, and the 598th and 601st are still in the Taganrog direction. Here we only have the direct team and the 602nd Division, and we also have to take care of the 17th Army. They need some transition time, so your burden is not light."

Yu Shao said, "Commander Huang, don't worry and go to the 17th Group Army. Although there's only the 602nd Division here, Division Commander Wu was once your partner, and his ability is beyond doubt. I won't touch the direct subordinates unless it's absolutely necessary. I have to keep them for you. They may end up being a commando or a fire brigade!"

Huang Wei nodded and whispered to Yu Shao, "I estimate we have to hold out here for at least 3-5 days. The German army is not a simple force. You and Lao Wu should keep some backup plans. I think Lao Peng will soon transfer some Soviet troops here. Defense should be no problem. The most important thing is to counterattack. We must have a certain counterattack force. If Lin's operation is successful, our counterattack will be very important!"

黄伟到达 17 集团军司令部后，立即与李、梁二人围坐在作战地形图前，聚精会神地听着 17 集团军参谋长高中将的介绍。17集团军的计划是：35、39师分别在602师的左右翼与602师形成品字型纵深防御，34师因为是17集团军唯一的坦克师，他们准备用作最后的反突击使用。至于36、37师，他们准备为35、39师的补充，

Huang Wei was initially quite satisfied with the 17th Group Army's deployment, nodding slightly in approval. However, when discussing the arrangements for the 36th and 37th Divisions, his brow furrowed slightly.

Huang Wei said in a deep voice, "I fully agree with the arrangement of using the 34th Division for the counterattack." "However, I think it's inappropriate to use the 36th and 37th Divisions as supplementary forces. Although the 37th Division suffered a defeat at Schacht, its organization is still intact. Although the 36th Division has a minor problem, its overall combat effectiveness has not been affected. We should organize them into a powerful assault force, find the right opportunity, and deal a heavy blow to the German army!"

He swept his eyes over every general present and continued, "This will not only let the Germans know that we have both the ability to defend and the resolve to counterattack, but will also force them to deploy more troops. This will give General Lin's 115th Army more opportunities to encircle and annihilate them."

Huang Wei continued, "The soldiers need morale. Only through fighting can they recover from their defeat and regain their confidence." He stood up, resting his hands on the table, his voice growing more passionate. "The 17th Army must have the courage to fight tooth and nail! The 35th and 39th Divisions must hold the line at all costs. If necessary, the Army's direct troops must also step up! We've endured countless hardships and dangers in the war of resistance back home. The conditions were truly difficult back then. Now we have better weapons and equipment. Are we still afraid of these Germans?"

His words were like a torch, igniting the fighting spirit of the generals present. Li Pinxian was the first to stand up, his eyes burning with anger. He shouted fiercely, "Just do as the Chief of Staff says! I don't believe that a proud Chinese soldier like me, a descendant of the Five Guangxis, would be afraid of the Germans!"

General Gao was also inspired to be heroic. He said, "I will go to the front line myself. I will die alone. Even if I die, I will bite a piece of meat off the Germans!"

Lieutenant General Liang said, "Lao Gao, you're the Chief of Staff. It's not your turn to lead the charge. I'm the Deputy Commander, so it's my turn. I'm going to the front lines. I don't think that bastard dares to take a single step back!"

Huang Wei waved his hand, stopping everyone from talking any further. After everyone quieted down, Huang Wei said meaningfully, "You still don't understand. War isn't just about dying. You shouldn't assume that every tough battle is a fight to the death. The cost of training a senior military commander in the Flower Country is far higher than in Western countries like Germany. They have a systematic education, while we use the blood and lives of countless soldiers!"

"You can't just think about death. It's good to have the will to die, but our battle isn't just about sending people to their deaths. Our defense here isn't just about holding on to our lives. The reason we have the 35th and 36th Divisions organizing a counterattack is to constantly hang a sword over the Germans' chests, letting them know we have the power to strike back, letting them know there's a hanging sword waiting for them!"