The War of Resistance: My Expedition, My Country

According to the analysis of the current situation, the enemy's Banchai defenders are clearly showing weakness. They deliberately shrink their defense line and pretend to be vulnerable, trying to lure our army into the quagmire of urban warfare, making it difficult for us to move freely in the narrow streets and densely packed buildings and unable to escape.

However, the enemy's true intentions went far beyond this. They launched a surprise attack from the north, a carefully planned surprise attack designed to force our army into a difficult situation, fighting on two fronts, both inside and outside the city. Then, they would advance their main force northward, forming a pincer attack on our army and crushing it in one fell swoop.

But the enemy apparently didn't realize that our forces at Ban Chai were relatively small, effectively forming a double-edged formation. Our primary objective was to encircle and attack the reinforcements, drawing the enemy's attention to Ban Chai while simultaneously waiting for the right moment to encircle the main force of the recklessly advancing 7th Division.

However, the 21st Brigade's sudden return north caught the People's Army by surprise. If the 21st Brigade were allowed to close in and launch a counterattack from the north, units like Nguyen Yuan Giang's 107th Division would be clearly understrengthened and unable to withstand a two-pronged attack. The entire plan would be exposed, and our troops would be trapped in an enemy trap, unable to escape.

At this moment, Chief of Staff Li (Liu Molong) and Wu Yuanjia are filled with conflict and anxiety. They know that they have only two options: one is to cancel the original plan and withdraw from Banchai, although this means abandoning previous efforts but can avoid greater losses; the other is to bite the bullet and continue with the plan, despite the huge risks.

Chief of Staff Li's brow furrowed tightly, his eyes revealing a resolute and decisive look. Evacuation was clearly unacceptable. Not only would it have a fatal impact on the troops' morale, but it would also severely damage Wu Yuanjia's prestige, and all previous plans would be wasted.

If you want to chew it hard, you must have a good set of teeth. Moreover, you need to weigh these three pieces of fat meat accurately and eat them bite by bite. You must not be greedy and you must not choke!

Chief of Staff Li calculated quickly: On the southern front, the 101st Division has about 8000 people, and has the favorable terrain and strong fortifications in Banan. Although the main force of the enemy's 7th Division is extremely powerful, he believes that as long as the 101st Division takes proper precautions, it should be no problem to hold out for 3 to 5 days.

The 107th Division has already entered Ban Chai City. If we continue to attack under the current circumstances, the enemies in Ban Chai City will never dare to act rashly. In this way, we should be able to delay the enemies in Ban Chai.

Therefore, Chief of Staff Li made up his mind and decided to transfer the 7nd and 102rd Divisions, which were originally prepared to ambush the main force of the 103th Division, to the north, and choose a favorable terrain north of Ban Chai to ambush the 21st Brigade.

但他很犹豫，102、103师加起来1.5万人，虽说3倍于21旅，但他们从班猜南部出发，一天内能不能抵达伏击点?能不能在一天内完成对21旅的合围聚歼? 能不能再从伏击点马不停蹄地赶回来? 在巴南与101师一起围困第7师主力?

Time, combat effectiveness, estimates of casualties during battle, soldiers' sustained combat effectiveness, etc., there are too many uncertain factors!

Wu Yuanjia watched intently as Chief of Staff Li gestured left and right on the map. His gaze followed the movement of Li's pen, gradually outlining a clear strategic blueprint. As time passed, Wu Yuanjia's doubts gradually dissipated. He saw the grand plan of Chief of Staff Li and was deeply impressed by the great strategic courage and broad vision displayed by this veteran leader.

When he saw the old commander's frown at the end, Wu Yuanjia immediately understood that Chief of Staff Li was worried about the combat effectiveness of the troops and whether they could get back in time. Chief of Staff Li had just arrived and was not familiar with the troops, but Wu Yuanjia knew the backbone of these troops very well. After all, these people were all trained by him.

Time was running out, and there was no room for hesitation. Wu Yuanjia took a step forward without hesitation. His voice was low and firm, as if conveying an unshakable confidence to Chief of Staff Li: "Old Leader, you don't have to worry about the combat effectiveness of the troops. They are absolutely capable of meeting your requirements. I firmly believe that they are capable of completing the difficult task you have assigned them!"

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Li turned and gazed deeply at Wu Yuanjia. His eyes revealed a cautious and questioning expression, as if testing Wu Yuanjia's resolve and judgment. Wu Yuanjia didn't flinch. He met Chief of Staff Li's gaze, nodded vigorously, then pointed to the route Chief of Staff Li had drawn on the map and began methodically analyzing it.

His thoughts were clear and concise, and every word was imbued with his understanding and trust in the troops. He elaborated on the characteristics and strengths of each unit and how to rationally allocate resources to ensure the smooth implementation of the plan. Finally, he openly addressed Chief of Staff Li's concerns and hesitations, as if to assure him that he had fully considered all possible scenarios.

"Old leader, as you calculated, the 102nd and 103rd Divisions must march day and night to reach the ambush point by tomorrow afternoon. Then, they must launch a swift attack, ensuring they annihilate the 21st Brigade before dawn the next day. They must then use the daylight to return and, within three days, encircle the enemy's 7th Brigade and other units around Banan."

Wu Yuanjia paused briefly to catch his breath before continuing, "I believe the 102nd and 103rd Divisions can meet your requirements. They once fought continuously in the jungle west of Saigon for a week, covering 200 kilometers in forced marches alone, and fought more than a dozen battles, both large and small. They are capable of completing this arduous task."

Chief of Staff Li's eyes flickered with admiration as he heard Wu Yuanjia's words. He nodded affirmatively, mentally calculating. After a quick calculation, he decisively issued an order: "Alright, that's it! You will lead the troops yourself. Bring along the vehicles of the 102nd and 103rd Divisions, the 311th Detachments, and the 113th Detachments. You must ambush the 21st Brigade by tomorrow night, at all costs."

Chief of Staff Li was fully aware of the importance of this mission. He emphasized again: "Remember, you must be fast, fierce, and ruthless! Fight with all your might!"

Wu Yuanjia nodded, his eyes also gleaming with determination. He understood Chief of Staff Li's expectations and was fully aware of the heavy responsibility he shouldered, but he also had his own considerations. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "Old Leader, I'd like to utilize the other guerrilla units used for logistics. Let them replace the 102nd and 103rd Divisions and launch a feint attack on Ban Chai from the south."