Anti-Japanese War: When I get promoted, the system will explode with soldiers

Both sides believed they had lost at this point. The Japanese army, advancing south from Tianjin with overwhelming momentum, was preparing to fight all the way to Huangpu River, but unexpectedly encountered setbacks in the provincial capital of Shandong and was unable to continue south, retreating instead. This was, of course, a defeat.

However, the Qingzhou Garrison Regiment did not manage to stop the Japanese army's advance, but the losses were too severe, with a casualty ratio of one to three. According to Regiment Commander Liu, they were too ashamed to write the report, and it was simply unacceptable.

If this were sent to the division headquarters, it would definitely be the worst army in the history of the 72nd Army, without exception.

The people of the provincial capital didn't care about all that. They didn't know anything about the casualty ratio or anything like that. All they knew was that the Japanese army had only occupied the provincial capital for less than two days when they began to retreat from the south of the city. Moreover, the retreat was very hasty, and some of the things that had just been unloaded were forgotten to be taken with them. Many people boldly pried open those wooden boxes.

There was no military equipment inside, only supplies used by soldiers, and some even contained whole boxes of canned food.

The common people all had a question in their minds: What exactly happened to these Japanese soldiers? Why did they retreat so hastily?

The retreat order issued by Division Commander Isogai required the troops in the southern suburbs and southern city to retreat within two hours, all to the line of the city hall and the railway station. If they could not retreat within the specified time, they would likely be annihilated by the 72nd Army.

The Japanese Army Air Force's reconnaissance planes have never stopped. At this moment, large numbers of troops from the 72nd Army are coming from both the south and the west. If they are given two to four hours, the troops in the south city probably won't be able to return. We have experienced firsthand how fast these guys can move in Tianjin. Therefore, abandoning the existing positions and preserving our manpower is what the Isogai Division should do.

The Itagaki Division was bombed by the 72nd Army Air Force on the way, which damaged the roads and destroyed a large number of vehicles. It was about 30 hours later than scheduled, so the Isogai Division had to hold the northern part of the provincial capital during those 30 hours.

Division Commander Isogai was a capable man; others wouldn't have dared to make such a drastic decision. The positions in Nancheng and the southern suburbs of the provincial capital were won by their lives.

Many officers and soldiers of the Isogai Division are still dissatisfied with the fact that they can retreat so easily.

Commander Liu's men weren't idle either; they had already contacted the city's police department and were preparing to form a commando team to give chase. In the distance, a rumbling sound could be heard, clearly the sound of tanks.

The Japanese tanks were thin-skinned and bulky, lacking the weight and power of their engines. So, just by listening to the sound, we knew it was ours.

The Wulian County Security Regiment was the first to arrive. According to orders from above, they would merge with the Qingzhou Garrison Regiment and obey Commander Liu's commands.

“I’m too ashamed to lead you into battle. Look at the mess I’ve made. Our 72nd Army has always been at the forefront in almost every battle we’ve participated in, but I’ve delayed you for a whole day here and haven’t even entered the city.”

When Commander Liu saw Commander Song of the Wulian County Security Regiment, his face showed a look of guilt. The two had been brothers in the same infantry squad, and now, when talking about the battle situation here, they looked utterly ashamed.

“I know your skills, and your men are stronger than my regiment. These divisions are not to be trifled with. I saw them along the way and heard from people around that there were several hundred men carrying bombs to attack. Your men are not an armored regiment, just an ordinary infantry regiment. It’s already quite good that you’ve done this well.”

What Lao Song said was true. The Japanese soldiers we faced in the past are different from the Japanese soldiers you are facing today. You can't just focus on speed. The resistance capabilities of these people at the front are also there. We have to be realistic.

"Alright, alright, you're better off cursing me than saying this to me. Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and bring out your armored units. Let them lead the charge and we'll enter the city immediately. I heard the Japanese in the south of the city have already withdrawn, and we have a police force in the city. The Japanese have already reached the railway station and the city hall line. I'll take my men to attack the railway station, and I'll leave the tough nut of the city hall to you."

Commander Liu knew that now was not the time to talk nonsense. Let's not waste time. We should seize the opportunity while the Japanese have just retreated and are not yet firmly established in the provincial capital, and launch a second attack.

"Brothers, show Commander Liu your weapons, don't embarrass our Wulian County Security Regiment."

Old Song is a decisive fellow. The two of us have been rivals since we were carrying guns together. Now that it's our turn to be the main force, we can't back down now. We have to show our brother units what we're made of. Although we've come a long way, we can immediately form combat capability without any delay.

No soldier answered Commander Song's question; instead, they drew the engines of tanks and armored vehicles.

At that moment, more than twenty tanks and more than sixty armored vehicles roared simultaneously, and a plume of black smoke rose from the entire battlefield. Anyone who didn't know better would have thought that enemy shells were raining down on them.

All the brothers watched this scene with smiles on their faces. Even though the black smoke was choking, we were willing to endure it.

The only one who might be unhappy is the logistics officer. These days, this tank is like a gas guzzler, and the seventy-odd trucks behind it are all loaded with diesel. You guys hurry up and get to work, don't keep flooring the gas pedal here, every stomp is hitting my nerves.

It hurts so much!!!

Near the south gate of the provincial capital, the Japanese had set up a sniper position with about 300 soldiers. When they saw the tanks and armored vehicles rushing towards them in the distance, these guys did not have any intention of retreating. Instead, they began to resist with their guns.

Without saying a word, Commander Song ordered more than twenty tanks to open fire simultaneously. The shells hit the city wall directly, and what exploded were not only bricks and clods of earth on the city wall, but also many Japanese soldiers' bodies.

The infantry following behind also swung their caps and uniforms, as if watching a show. You Japanese devils think you can stop our iron torrent with your flesh and blood? Don't even dream about it.

"All the snipers have been sent to the front lines. We must learn from this lesson and not give them the opportunity to launch suicide attacks."

At the same time, Commander Song issued another order: snipers were to locate all the Japanese soldiers on the city wall, identify them one by one, and not let a single one escape...