Rebirth from the Ashes: Rebuilding the Red Soviet Area

Li Yan's eyes were bright

He analyzed them one by one, "Let's start with our 27th Independent Brigade. They are all veterans who have survived the Great Wall War and the Battle of Pingjin!"

"They have been through many battles and have strong psychological qualities. They are not afraid of the enemy and have a certain advantage on the psychological level."

Then, changing the subject, he pointed to the enemy positions marked on the map. "Look at the 2nd Independent Mixed Brigade now. They've been fighting continuously for five days and have come a long way. They're already exhausted. You could say they're a truly tired army. In contrast, we're well-rested."

At this point, Li Yan showed a hint of confidence on his face: "Moreover, we also replaced our weapons and equipment in time."

"Now, in terms of firepower, we are not inferior to the Japanese army at all"

"Also, don't forget, we are the defending side. We are familiar with the terrain and can cleverly use various natural barriers to enhance our defense."

Li Yan clenched his fists and concluded passionately, "As long as we plan carefully and deploy our forces rationally, even if we can't completely defeat the Japanese army, we will at least have the strength to compete with them and give them a fierce fight!"

"at last"

"The purpose of this operation is to delay time"

"Give Zhangjiakou time to redeploy its defenses."

......

On the Hongshen Mountain on the west side of Shizigou Township in the north of Chongli County

The atmosphere inside the temporary headquarters of the 7th Independent Brigade of the 61st Army of the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army was solemn and depressing.

Staff Officer Wan, with a serious face, quickly walked up to the brigade commander who was sitting at the table in deep thought, saluted respectfully, and said, "Brigade Commander!"

He paused briefly, then continued to report, "We have completed the evacuation of the people of Lion Township in strict accordance with your requirements."

Speaking of this

Staff Officer Wan's originally tense face showed a hint of dissatisfaction.

He hesitated for a moment, but mustered up the courage to continue, "Commander, I believe there are many problems with transferring us to Lion Country this time."

"First, according to the latest intelligence, the Japanese troops at Juyongguan have massively increased their forces."

"However, Deputy Commander Liu not only failed to send troops to reinforce Juyong Pass, but instead transferred us away from our original station."

"Secondly, we are a dignified cavalry unit!"

"But the terrain of Lion Country is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Such a complex terrain will undoubtedly greatly limit the combat capability and mobility of our cavalry."

"So, I have a humble suspicion that the higher-ups are probably using us as cannon fodder!"

Before he finished speaking, there was a loud "bang"

It turned out that Brigadier General Ma Shou suddenly slammed the table and stood up.

His eyes widened in anger as he shouted at Staff Officer Wan: "Shut up! A war is imminent!"

"How dare you talk nonsense here and shake the morale of the army?"

Staff Officer Wan trembled all over

I quickly said: "I know my mistake."

Ma Shou's face looked better now.

Said: "Considering that you have been loyal to our brigade for many years and this is your first offense"

"I'll forgive you this time. But if you do it again, you will be punished by military law. No mercy!"

After saying that, Ma Shou looked at Staff Officer Wan

He also knew that Staff Officer Wan was thinking about himself.

He couldn't help but explain in a gentle tone: "Although this time it was the order from Deputy Commander Liu Ming..."

"But Commander-in-Chief Fu informed me in advance."

"In addition, this time, Deputy Commander Liu also sent a heavy mortar company and a pistol battalion."

"They also brought a large number of weapons and ammunition."

“This is a huge investment.”

“So this military deployment”

“It’s not what you think”

Although Ma Shou said this

But I am also confused about the deployment of my superiors.

In fact, all of this was Li Yan's plan.

Although Ma Shou's troops were cavalry, Li Yan knew that Ma Shou was good at defense.

In history, Ma Shouke was a rare defense expert in the Jinsui Army.

Especially the Zuoyun fortifications. If it were not for the failure of the Tianzhen Campaign, Yan Xishan's plan for a decisive battle with the Japanese army in the Datong Campaign in northern Shanxi would have failed. With the strong fortifications built by Ma Shou, Yan's army would have dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese invaders.

In addition, Li Yan's plan was not only to annihilate the attacking Daquanji Battalion of Chongli.

There are other profound meanings

Staff Officer Wan heard Commander-in-Chief Fu greet him.

I also realized that I was thinking in the wrong direction.

The 7th Independent Brigade is under Commander Fu's command.

Commander-in-Chief Fu is extremely protective of his son and very principled.

He wouldn't give such an inappropriate order for no reason.

Then he said with relief: "So that's how it is."

"Tourist"

"Although we are in Heishanzui, Nanyaza, and Hongshen Mountain near Shizi Township,

"Buckets and bunkers were built"

“But due to time constraints”

“These fortifications are not solidly built.”

"Faced with the Japanese army's powerful aircraft and astonishingly powerful artillery, it is probably difficult to play an effective defensive role."

Ma Shou, commander of the 7th Independent Brigade, nodded and said, "It's not a big problem if the fortifications are not strong enough."

“There are three mountain ranges near Shizigou: Hongshen Mountain, Heishanzui, and Nanyaza.”

“A triangular distribution”

"As long as we make good use of these three mountains"

"Can resist an army of 100,000"

......

At noon

An officer ran beside Ma Shou

Reported: "Brigade Commander"

"The Japanese army is less than 5 kilometers away from us"

Ma Shou's expression became solemn.

Asked: "How many Japanese soldiers are there? Do they have heavy weapons?"

The soldier reported: "The Japanese army has a total of 2 infantry companies, a machine gun company, and an infantry artillery squadron."

"There is also a pseudo-Mongolian cavalry division"

"More than 1800 people in total"

(At this time, a division of the pseudo-Mongolian cavalry consisted of about 1200 people)

"As for heavy weapons"

"There are 24 heavy machine guns, 48 ​​light machine guns, and 24 grenade launchers"

"And 2 infantry guns"

Ma Shou couldn't help but frowned and said, "Our mission in this battle is to completely annihilate this invading enemy."

"But given the enemy's numbers and equipment"

“This battle is not easy to fight.”

Ma Shou thought for a moment

He ordered: "Wan Staff"

"Notify all troops to prepare"

"Don't shoot without my order"

after an hour

The clear sound of horse hooves came from Lion Valley

Staff Officer Wan ran up to Ma Shou with a nervous look on his face and said hurriedly, "Commander! The enemy is coming!"

He gasped and then shouted angrily, "These devils are so arrogant! They didn't even send out a scout. Aren't they afraid that we will set an ambush here?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Shou raised the telescope in his hand and began to observe carefully ahead.

I saw dust flying in the distance and a group of people rushing towards this side with great momentum.

After seeing it clearly, Ma Shou couldn't help but sneer and said contemptuously: "Huh, this is the Kwantung Army!"

"They can easily occupy the entire Rehe Province with just a few hundred people."

"It's not surprising that he's so arrogant now."

After a pause, he continued, "Moreover, this time they are using the pseudo-Mongolian cavalry division as the vanguard."

"Even if there really is an ambush, the first ones to suffer probably won't be those little Japanese."

At this point, Ma Shou put down the telescope and turned to look at Staff Officer Wan.

He decisively issued an order: "Staff Officer Wan, immediately inform all troops to let the pseudo-Mongol cavalry in front pass first and not to act rashly."

"Wait until the main Japanese force has completely entered our encirclement, then listen to my command and open fire together."

"Also, remember to notify Captain Song of the heavy mortar company and have him concentrate his firepower on the Japanese machine gun squadron. Make sure they get a head start!"