A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

The Training Corps fought fiercely and defeated the Japanese army, but its position remained unshaken.

Commander Yoshizumi Ryosuke of the 9th Division was at his wits' end. Due to the heavy casualties suffered, a sense of fear and despondency was spreading among the frontline officers and soldiers who had been fighting for a long time.

Conventionally, casualties exceeding 30% are considered a severe blow, while casualties exceeding 50% are considered a devastating blow, requiring a retreat to the rear for rest and recuperation.

However, after continuous fierce fighting, the entire division's battalion commander suffered four casualties, and some infantry companies on the front line of the attack had a casualty rate as high as 90%. However, due to the fierce fighting, they could not withdraw and could only replenish their forces on the spot.

What frustrated Yoshizumi Ryosuke the most was that the commander of the 5th Field Heavy Artillery Brigade, Eitaro Uchiyama, directly refused his request to carry out another artillery strike, on the grounds that the 9th Division relied too much on artillery fire and consumed too many shells, resulting in the dispatch army's ammunition reserves being exhausted.

This infuriated Yoshizumi Ryosuke, who kept complaining, "If the commander hadn't been pushing us to capture the Wusong River as soon as possible, would I have been firing so recklessly?"

Yoshizumi Ryosuke, the "artillery maniac," felt an even greater chill in his heart: He knew that the reason our army was able to launch a large-scale offensive and inflict heavy losses on the Chinese army was entirely due to our powerful land and air firepower. Before each attack, we would conduct a twenty-minute heavy artillery barrage, severely damaging the Chinese army's simple fortifications on the front lines, which was the only way to achieve this effect.

Without heavy artillery firepower, could our demoralized soldiers continue to launch an attack?

After capturing Dachang, a key location at the Songhu hub, the commander of the dispatched army, Matsui Iwane, ordered the supply depot to prepare a campaign-sized amount of ammunition to support the offensive operations on the western front and the Wusong River.

一个会战份弹药量大概是20个基数，每门75毫米山野炮为2000枚炮弹，105毫米榴弹炮为1500枚，150毫米榴弹炮和105加农炮为1000枚。

Under normal circumstances, the amount of ammunition for a campaign can basically meet the needs of a month's combat. Unexpectedly, in just a few days of fierce fighting, most of it has already been used up.

The consumption of large-caliber shells was particularly alarming. The unrestrained and indiscriminate shelling by the 9th Division was unprecedented in the history of the East Asian Army. In just a few days, they nearly depleted their reserves.

The supply depot of the dispatched army also faced an extremely troublesome problem: the transportation of supplies to the front. The Japanese army's motor vehicles were not high-performance and insufficient in number. Each large-caliber shell was packed in a wooden box, and the trucks of the supply depot could only carry 36 boxes of 150mm shells at a time.

Several days of rain had made the muddy roads even more unbearable for the truck drivers and supply troops who were exhausted from running around all day, causing them to complain bitterly.

The daily supply consumption of the more than 20 troops was astronomical. Coupled with the huge consumption of ammunition, the Shanghai Expeditionary Army, which relied on long-distance sea transport and had poor front-line supplies, fell into a supply crisis, and the front-line troops complained constantly.

Supply supervisor Itada Tsunesaburo was already overwhelmed with the task of ensuring the supply of the dispatched army. Despite his best efforts and all his resources, he was simply unable to sustain such a large-scale and prolonged offensive.

Upon receiving the report from the Supply Depot, Matsui Iwane could no longer remain silent. He had to ask the front-line troops to conserve artillery shells, and at the same time, he urgently requested artillery shells from the North China Area Army and asked the domestic military headquarters to increase the ammunition supply for the dispatched army by one campaign.

Upon learning that the Chinese National Army had destroyed more than 20 tanks and armored vehicles and destroyed or damaged more than 10 aircraft in the first battle, the high command of the Japanese military was greatly shocked. No one could believe that the poorly equipped Chinese army could achieve such a brilliant result in adversity.

Since the start of the Battle of Shanghai, the Expeditionary Army has suffered nearly 10 casualties against the Chinese National Army, which is far behind in all aspects. This is the second largest casualty in the history of the Empire, second only to the Russo-Japanese War. That's bad enough, but what is most unbearable is that after paying such a heavy price, they still haven't won.

How can the high-ranking military officials, who once boasted of conquering China in three months, possibly bear this? And how can they explain it to the people of China?

The military high command was even more surprised that this matter had even alarmed the head of the Hirohito clan, who had inquired about it in a very rare manner.

The General Staff believed that the current offensive of the Shanghai Expeditionary Force could no longer fundamentally reverse the situation, and that a new strategic offensive by landing in Hangzhou Bay was imperative. The General Staff's report was then delivered to the leader of the Tianhuang Army as quickly as possible.

At the Imperial Conference, Emperor Hirohito expressed his serious dissatisfaction with the prolonged siege of Shanghai and approved the 10th Army's operation to land at Hangzhou Bay. He instructed the troops: "Fight bravely for the Empire and resolve the China Incident as soon as possible."

Upon learning of the imperial edict issued by the emperor, Matsui Iwane felt immense pressure and could no longer remain calm and composed.

The 9th Division suffered heavy casualties from days of fierce fighting and was simply unable to continue a large-scale offensive.

The company commander who suffered the most heavy losses requested to withdraw from the front line because his company had no more fighting force. He then retreated to the north bank of the Wusong River for reorganization and replenishment.

This was the first time ever that a junior officer deeply influenced by militaristic ideology had made a request to "stop fighting." Although the company commander was immediately reprimanded and ordered to commit seppuku as an apology, the ideological turmoil caused by this incident had already caused a great uproar in the army.

The usually arrogant division commander, Yoshizumi Ryosuke, felt a wave of powerlessness and desolation. How could the soldiers of the mighty Imperial Army have become like this? And the soldiers of the Chinese National Army were still fighting? Could a nation with such brave soldiers possibly be conquered?

He didn't dare to think about it any more.

Yoshizumi Ryosuke no longer dared to underestimate the Chinese Nationalist Army. Helpless, he even ordered the front-line troops to distribute leaflets to the Nationalist troops defending the Qujiaqiao-Xujiaxiang-Tianduoli line in an attempt to persuade them to surrender.

The Japanese propaganda leaflets served no purpose other than being used by the soldiers of the Training Corps to wipe their backsides. Instead, they were met with sneers and ridicule from our frontline soldiers: "This paper is too hard, harder than your fighting power and artillery shells. It's making my butt hurt!"

The Japanese frontline commander was so angry he felt like he was going to vomit blood.

Commander Matsui Iwane was furious at Yoshizumi Ryosuke's shameless and passive approach. "Does the Imperial Army not know how to fight without cannons? When did it become so low?"

Matsui Iwane immediately sent a strongly worded telegram rebuking: "This undermines the prestige of my dispatched army, and such actions are resolutely rejected!"

Matsui Iwane immediately ordered the 101st Division to launch an attack and work with the 9th Division to expand the breakthrough. He also ordered a large number of reserve troops to quickly reinforce the 9th Division, allowing it to be replenished and continue fighting.

Both sides are working hard to repair their fortifications and intensify their preparations for war.

Following our army's victory at the Battle of Qujiaqiao, congratulatory and commendatory telegrams arrived one after another from the Songhu Command, the Third War Zone, and the Military Commission.

When the people of Shanghai heard the good news, they cheered and spread the word, finally venting their long-suppressed frustration and greatly boosting morale and confidence.

Since the Sihang Warehouse incident, all we've heard is bad news of retreats, like dark clouds hanging over the heads of the Chinese people. This battle is like parting the dark clouds and letting the sun shine again, how could it not make the people's emotions boil over?

This was a truly brilliant victory, not the kind of shameless and false propaganda that both sides have engaged in in the past, as they have done in newspapers and on the radio.

During the air defense operations, countless Chinese people disregarded the danger and cheered for our army. The Japanese planes, which fled in panic with black smoke billowing out, the wreckage of the planes that crashed and exploded, and the tanks that were reduced to piles of scrap metal, were clear evidence of our army's brilliant achievements. The Japanese army could not shamelessly deny it.

The crowd was in a frenzy, excitedly circling the Japanese plane that had crashed in the field, raising their arms and cheering. Facing the cameras of numerous Western reporters, they excitedly made victory signs: "Look! This is the wreckage of the Japanese plane that was shot down! There are more over there! Kill those bastards! Victory belongs to us!"

Many excited civilians wanted to go to the training corps' defense zone to see the wreckage of Japanese planes and tanks, which made Commander-in-Chief Gui Shuaizhen and several regimental commanders quite nervous. They had to send people to strongly dissuade them: "This is the front line, and the artillery fire is very dangerous! Civilians cannot enter the battlefield!"

However, this could not dampen the public's enthusiasm. In the end, they could only persuade the extremely excited crowd by arguing that the battlefield deployment was a highly confidential matter.

This practice also puzzled the reporters who rushed to the scene but were all blocked from entering. In the past, the commanders of the National Army would have been eager for these uncrowned kings to promote their troops, report on them, and say good things about them. They would have been welcomed as soon as possible. Why were they being blocked from entering like this today?

After such a brilliant victory and such a sensational result, why don't they welcome reporters to come and praise and publicize it?

The Training Corps was so unique that it gave reporters a refreshing feeling, and at the same time aroused their strong curiosity and professional spirit to find out the truth.

People from all walks of life didn't care about all that; they spontaneously organized their own groups to visit and comfort the troops, arriving in droves overnight.

In fact, since the Training Corps rushed to Qujiaqiao, the local people braved the Japanese artillery fire and bombing to send a large amount of sandbags, timber, barbed wire, steel plates, gasoline drums and other materials to strengthen the defense of the position. They even dismantled their own doors and beams. Some young people also went to the position to help build fortifications despite the flying artillery fire.

In addition to various materials, there were also large quantities of canned goods, biscuits, bread, flatbread, fried rice, salted meat, ham, eggs, as well as towels, toothbrushes, soap, and so on. No matter what was needed, the people risked their lives to deliver it to the National Army without hesitation. The army and the people were united, of one mind, and shared a common hatred for the enemy!

The Nationalist soldiers were deeply moved. Many officers and soldiers said with tears in their eyes, "The people support and care for us so much, what more can we say? We would be willing to die in battle!"

Before dawn, Song Hongfei received a call from Gui Shuaizhen: "We received a report from the Third War Zone Command that the Japanese army landed in the Jinshanwei area of ​​Hangzhou Bay in the early morning taking advantage of the fog and high tide!"

Song Hongfei was not surprised and sighed inwardly, his worries had come true.

"General Xiang Hua has already transferred part of the 10th Army Group to reinforce Jinshan." Gui Shuaizhen also sighed, "Our previous worries have finally come true, but this is beyond our control."

Gui Shuaizhen continued, "It has now been ascertained that the enemy that secretly entered Caijiazhai last night was the 101st Brigade of the 101st Division. Their aim was to work together to expand the breakthrough and penetrate deeper into our territory. Your 3rd Regiment will be the first to bear the brunt, and our pressure has increased dramatically. We must further strengthen our defensive deployment."

"Yes! I understand!"

"The artillery battalion of the brigade has set up multiple backup firing positions, which can be guided by the forward positions. Although they are still used in a dispersed manner, at least they are no longer unable to move."

"The two battalions from the 2nd Regiment that are reinforcing your regiment will not return to their original units for the time being, and will be under your unified command. In addition, several companies from the supplementary regiment will arrive today, and I will provide you with three additional companies."

Two days into the war, they needed to replenish their troops; the intensity of the battle had exceeded Song Hongfei's expectations.

His mood finally eased a bit: "Great! Thank you, Captain, I've finally heard some good news."

"In addition, a reporter from the Central Daily News with great connections obtained special permission from the theater command to interview your 3rd Regiment."

"No way!" Song Hongfei said almost without hesitation. "If they're here to dig fortifications, I welcome them; if they're here to interview, please go somewhere else. Two regiments of the 9th Division are enough to give me a headache, let alone now the 101st Division!"

Gui Shuaizhen didn't seem surprised. The reporters who came yesterday were also turned away at the door in the same way. He also understood that Song Hongfei was facing immense defensive pressure and had no time to spare.

Moreover, they were all well aware that there had been incidents of leaks caused by journalists' reports on the Pudong battlefield, and the Military Commission had informed all units of this.

A battalion of the 2nd Artillery Brigade, employing flexible and varied artillery tactics, inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese army, earning them numerous commendations from the Third War Zone and the nickname "Pudong Divine Artillery." The battalion commander, unable to resist the persistent questioning of reporters and lacking a sense of secrecy, agreed to allow them to visit and interview at a secret artillery position disguised and hidden in a bamboo forest, and even took photographs.

The next morning, the newspapers revealed details of the visit to the battlefield and published photos of artillery positions with a clear bamboo forest background. This gave General Zhang Xianghua, the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Front, a fright. Fortunately, he saw it early and quickly ordered the artillery positions to be moved immediately. The battalion commander was also immediately dismissed and investigated.

Just as the artillery had finished its relocation, a large number of Japanese aircraft arrived and bombarded all the bamboo forests in the Yangjing area of ​​Pudong, causing serious damage to nearby houses and homes.

Having learned from such a lesson, the Training Corps dared not be negligent in the slightest.

The Training Corps has a company of 75mm infantry guns, 47mm anti-tank guns, and 20mm autocannons at the regimental level. Other units only have these kinds of artillery at the division level or above. The deployment, concealment, and camouflage of the positions must not be leaked.

Gui Shuaizhen said, "Alright, I'll shield you from the people offering their condolences, the interviewers, and the ubiquitous pens. You just need to focus on preparing for the battle."

"Yes!" Song Hongfei said. "Oh, right, Captain."

"Anything else?"

"Our regiment has been fighting fiercely for two days and hasn't even had a proper meal. The soldiers are all exhausted. While you're holding off the enemy, don't forget to bring us some chicken legs, braised meat, canned food, cigarettes, candy, and the like! Especially bring those slogans, congratulatory telegrams, and letters of condolence as well. These are more effective at boosting morale than battle mobilization."

"Damn!" Gui Shuzhen couldn't help but laugh. "Keep pretending, let's see how long you can keep up the act! You're getting hungry, aren't you? I thought you were a guy who didn't care about worldly things."

Song Hongfei couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

"Fine, I'll block the people for you, and I'll deliver everything you need!"

Song Hongfei had to admit that Gui Shuaizhen's talent in dealing with people and welcoming guests was far beyond his reach.

The enthusiasm of the people should not be dampened, nor should the uncrowned king be ignored.

Commander Gui Shuaizhen used a backup command post in the rear to receive the public delegation and reporters. He also allowed the two regimental commanders at the front to come to the rear command post for interviews, citing the danger of the battlefield and the confidentiality of the position deployment.

Of course, both regimental commanders declined, citing the intense fighting. In the end, Xie Chengrui, the commander of the 2nd Regiment, which was the reserve force, received the visiting reporters. These uncrowned kings did not leave empty-handed, and everyone was happy.