A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

After the 3rd Training Regiment arrived in Suzhou, Xiao Xiqing, the section chief of the staff office in charge of the reception and supply station set up by the brigade in the city, was exceptionally enthusiastic, taking care of everything in great detail. His enthusiasm was so great that Song Hongfei even felt it was a bit excessive.

With a little attention, Song Hongfei quickly figured out the reason from Xiao Xiqing's words.

After the Training Corps withdrew to Nanjing, thanks to its outstanding achievements in the Battle of Shanghai, the matter of expanding its organization was quickly put on the agenda of the Military Commission.

Although various rumors circulated long before the war began, and everyone believed that the Training Corps would be expanded into an army, these were ultimately just rumors.

This time it's clearly different; it's a done deal, there's no doubt about it.

No one expected it to happen so quickly; the Nationalist government had completely changed its usual protracted and drawn-out approach.

No sooner had the Training Corps returned than the Military Commission issued an order for expansion with lightning speed, followed by various personnel appointments and the immediate replenishment of troops and equipment.

Surprisingly, the Military Commission did not expand the Training Corps into an army due to various considerations. However, the 3 brigades, 6 regiments, 3 supplementary regiments, and other directly subordinate regiments and battalions such as artillery, cavalry, engineers, and logistics already constituted the full size of an army, and its attached troops were more complete than those of other armies!

There have always been many people who envy, are jealous of, and are envious of the Training Corps. All the bigwigs at the top are eyeing this coveted prize, and all the factions are trying their best to place their cronies in the Training Corps.

The expansion of the military presented an excellent opportunity to install trusted confidants, and various factions were eager to make their moves.

However, the bigwigs from all sides have obviously overlooked one point: when it comes to political maneuvering, can they outmaneuver the one at the very top?

Before the operations of all parties could proceed in depth, the principal secretly summoned Commander Gui and instructed him to finalize the expansion plan and various personnel arrangements as quickly as possible, and approve them at the Ministry of Military Affairs and the Military Commission with lightning speed.

The meaning is very clear: it's the most elite of the elite. Anyone who wants to get involved should think twice!

The organization, designation, and personnel appointments of the other two brigades have been announced, but the Third Brigade has yet to be announced, as the 3rd Training Regiment has not yet returned to its original unit after carrying out the mission of covering the retreat.

However, even the most blind person could see that since the designations of both regiments had been reserved, it was only natural to form the Third Brigade based on the Third Training Regiment.

The choice of brigade commander was self-evident; no one believed there could be a second person. Who didn't understand the top leadership's intentions? Even those other high-ranking officials who coveted this coveted position dared not even entertain the thought.

All of this was completely unknown to Song Hongfei, who was still carrying out the mission of covering the retreat on the Shanghai battlefield and was still racking his brains to fight against several Japanese regiments on his own. He had no time to care about anything else.

However, those who were interested and the personnel of the various units of the brigade who had withdrawn to the rear and Nanjing a few days earlier already knew the truth.

Therefore, Xiao Xiqing, the head of the Gusu City Reception and Supply Station, and Assistant Zhang from the Quartermaster Department were exceptionally enthusiastic towards Song Hongfei.

The two were already calculating in their minds. This person, who was currently a hot commodity at the highest level, was practically on the verge of becoming incredibly famous. Who else could be promoted to the rank of major general in less than a year and a half based on his military achievements? If not unique, he was certainly one of the rarest!

Besides, everyone knows his background. He has a bright future ahead of him; it seems his meteoric rise is inevitable! If I could establish a connection with him, he'd surely look out for me in the future...

Today, a big shot is coming! I'm so eager to curry favor with him, I absolutely have to serve him well, build a good relationship, and leave a good impression.

Song Hongfei was well aware of their ulterior motives. Human relationships are unavoidable, everywhere, right? The military is no exception, and even more so within it.

"Brigade Commander Song..." Xiao Xiqing said with a beaming smile.

Song Hongfei interrupted him: "Hey, don't shout nonsense."

"Yes, yes!" Xiao Xiqing smiled awkwardly. "Commander Song has achieved numerous victories on the Shanghai battlefield, and his outstanding military achievements have greatly inspired the National Army and the people. He is truly a role model for us soldiers."

His words weren't entirely flattery; they came from the heart. Which soldier doesn't dream of making a name for themselves and receiving an award?

Xiao Xiqing added, "Commander Song and his men have just fought their way back from defeating the enemy. Please get some rest first. The train cars at the station have been arranged, but due to frequent enemy aircraft activity, they can only depart after dark."

"If Commander Song is in a hurry to return to Beijing, a German-made jeep command vehicle has been prepared. If he is not in a hurry, he can take the evening train, and a first-class passenger carriage has been arranged."

Song Hongfei was secretly surprised. With the Japanese army pressing in, the army was retreating in chaos. It was good enough to have a freight car. He didn't expect these two to actually have some skills.

"No rush, we'll take the evening train," Song Hongfei said.

Before he could return to his post in Jinling, he needed to keep a close eye on the troops and could not leave alone.

Besides, cars are never as comfortable as trains. The road to Nanjing had been bombed countless times by Japanese planes over the past three months, and the road conditions were terrible. He didn't want to be stuck in a car and bumping around for more than 3 kilometers.

"Food, firewood, and medical supplies are all ready. People can take them as they wish. The place to cook and rest is in the playground and classrooms of Gusu Middle School. What do you think, Commander Song?"

Assistant Zhang then added, "I have contacted doctors at the city hospital. If any injured people need to be taken to the hospital for treatment, I will arrange transportation immediately."

All matters and external communications have been arranged perfectly and clearly, demonstrating the two men's experience and competence, which Song Hongfei couldn't help but secretly admire.

The Training Corps has no shortage of smooth-talking, sycophantic people, but there are absolutely no people who only know how to flatter. If you don't have some skills, you definitely won't be able to survive in the Training Corps, which is full of hidden talents!

Song Hongfei saw through it but didn't point it out. This feeling, hmm, is great. Let's enjoy it first!

He nodded and said, "I'm very satisfied. Thank you for your hard work."

"Not at all, not at all, it's my pleasure. If you need anything, Commander Song, please feel free to ask," the two replied hastily.

It feels good to be flattered and complimented! Song Hongfei thought to himself.

Jinling, the garrison of Xiaolingwei.

In the morning, the 3rd Training Regiment returned to its unit.

The organizational designation of the Third Brigade of the Training Corps and the Military Commission's appointment of Song Hongfei as Major General Brigade Commander were subsequently officially announced.

Song Hongfei was surprised to find that in the short period of time he had been back, less than a week, the organization and personnel arrangements of the Training Corps had undergone tremendous changes, and were very different from those in history.

The Training Corps was ordered to expand into a Class A division with 3 brigades and 9 regiments.

总队下辖3个旅，以原第1、第2、第3团为基干，直接组建为第1、第2、第3旅。每个旅下辖2个团，另一个团由赴淞沪参战前已有的补充团授予正式番号。

There were also 3 supplementary regiments, but the soldiers and officers of the supplementary regiments were still being organized and trained in provinces such as Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan, so only 6 regiments actually arrived.

The order of battle for each brigade is as follows:

The 1st Brigade comprises the 1st Regiment and the 4th Regiment, and its brigade commander is Major General Zhou Zhenqiang, the deputy commander-in-chief.

The 2nd Brigade, comprising the 2nd Regiment and the 5th Regiment, was commanded by Major General Hu Qiru.

The 3rd Brigade comprises the 3rd Regiment and the 6th Regiment, and is commanded by Major General Song Hongfei.

The organization of each infantry regiment remains the same as before, with three infantry battalions under its command, and directly subordinate units such as infantry-howitzer company, anti-tank gun company, machine gun company, communications company, and supply company.

The artillery, engineers, cavalry, and supply troops directly under the brigade have all been expanded into regiments. There are also directly subordinate units such as sergeant battalions, special service battalions, anti-aircraft artillery battalions, communications battalions, ordnance depots, motor transport teams, medical teams, and officer training teams.

However, apart from the infantry, the directly subordinate units that were expanded into regiments were only nominal, with personnel and equipment not yet in place, and they maintained the original battalion size.

Such an elite formation was unprecedented in the National Revolutionary Army at the time, and its organization and equipment were much larger than those of other reorganized divisions.

Among them, the commanders of the two regiments under the Third Brigade were Liu Zishu, the former deputy commander of the 3rd Regiment, and Ma Weilong, the former commander of the Supplementary 1st Regiment.

What frustrated the officers and soldiers of the battalions, companies and platoons of the former 3rd Training Regiment was that they had the most brilliant record and the most outstanding achievements in the Battle of Shanghai, and they had covered the retreat of the main force as the rearguard. So why did their promotion seem so ordinary in comparison?

Besides Regiment Commander Song being promoted one rank to Brigade Commander, former Regiment Deputy Commander Liu Zishu took over as Regiment Commander of the 3rd Regiment, Battalion Commander Wang Jingxiong took over as Regiment Deputy Commander and Battalion Commander, Battalion Commander of the 2nd Battalion Commander was transferred to the 6th Regiment as Regiment Deputy Commander and Battalion Commander, and Battalion Commander of the 3rd Battalion Commander became the Chief of Staff of the Brigade Headquarters. All of these can only be considered as minor promotions.

Each officer has their own position, and aside from those willing to be transferred out, lower-ranking officers can only receive a minor promotion.

Many people felt indignant on behalf of Wang Jingxiong, the battalion commander.

When Song Hongfei was the battalion commander of the sergeant battalion, he was the company commander. When Song Hongfei became the regimental commander of the 3rd Regiment, he followed him and became the battalion commander. He was definitely a trusted and beloved subordinate. The 3rd Regiment had the best combat achievements in the entire brigade, and the battalion commander's achievements were also obvious to all. Shouldn't he have been promoted accordingly?!

Other regiments' combat achievements can't compare to the 3rd Regiment, so why are some battalion commanders able to be promoted to regimental commanders? It's unfair!

Compared to what many people had been eagerly anticipating, believing that an expansion of the ranks would lead to a promotion, the reality inevitably caused some disappointment.

A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier. Rewarding merit and punishing wrongdoing are the proper ways of the military.

As the saying goes, it's not about fighting for a steamed bun, it's about fighting for your pride!

This is a common occurrence in warfare and is unavoidable.

In fact, some people felt sorry for Song Hongfei. Although he was promoted to major general and brigade commander, it was only his position rank. His official rank was still colonel.

With his military achievements, he is undoubtedly the best in the entire army, and promotion to division commander and major general is within reach!

However, Song Hongfei simply replied to them: "It's only a matter of time!"

The shrewd and experienced Commander Gui Shuaizhen naturally understood the psychology and emotions of the officers and soldiers of the 3rd Regiment. He personally went to the 3rd Regiment of the 3rd Brigade to find Song Hongfei and others, and had a heart-to-heart talk to appease the soldiers.

Captain Gui explained the reason:

Actually, it wasn't that the higher-ups were stingy. Firstly, when the other regiments were adjusting their personnel, the 3rd Regiment was still in combat and couldn't be changed. Secondly, in order to prevent the powerful figures from all sides from interfering, the principal ordered a swift and decisive action against the other regiments, leaving the 3rd Regiment to suffer the injustice.

Secondly, the National Revolutionary Army has always valued seniority and promotion based on rank. Several battalion commanders of the 3rd Regiment were from the 6th class of the military academy. In the entire brigade, Zhou Zhenqiang and Hu Qiru, graduates of the 1st and 2nd classes, were appointed as brigade commanders, while Sui Youlin, Xie Chengrui, Liu Zishu, Ma Weilong, and others from the 3rd and 4th classes were appointed as regimental commanders. Qin Shiquan, from the 5th class, was able to be promoted from battalion commander to commander of the 1st Regiment. Besides his combat achievements, a major reason for this was that the original commander and deputy commander of the 1st Regiment were both wounded, and officers from his own regiment were the first choice to take over.

Third, the 3rd Regiment had the best combat record. Although it suffered considerable losses, the regiment, battalion, and company levels were all kept intact and never lost. Unlike other Nationalist Army units, some of which lost entire regiments, battalions, and companies, and even had platoon leaders acting as battalion commanders, they naturally rose through the ranks quickly.

Well, as they say, flattery will get you everywhere. After all these compliments, I feel good and my temper is at ease.

Commander Gui continued, “In our brigade, everyone is in a specific position, and all the bigwigs and superiors are watching closely. Of course, if anyone is willing to be transferred out, I will definitely recommend them. You will be highly regarded in other units, and promotions will be a given.”

Of course, no one would be willing to do that.

Finally, Commander Gui said, “You are all pillars of the nation, meritorious officials! The higher-ups have seen this. Please believe that the higher-ups will not treat you brothers unfairly!”

Commander Gui also revealed a piece of information to Song Hongfei privately: in order to silence the various factions, the principal could only maintain a balance and did not expand the army into a division commander instead of a brigade commander! He also postponed the promotion to the rank of major general because of insufficient years of service for promotion, which was really unfair to Song Hongfei.

Commander Gui patted Song Hongfei on the shoulder: "This major general brigade commander, who just turned 26 this month, has a limitless future! Just as you said, it's only a matter of time!"

In fact, Song Hongfei, who was still quite naive in front of the bigwigs at the time, never imagined that there would be so many twists and turns involved.

Whenever someone brought up the matter again to defend Wang Jingxiong, Wang Jingxiong would only reply with one sentence: "Would you rather be a regimental commander in another unit, or would you rather be a deputy regimental commander and battalion commander under Commander Song in the Training Corps?"

Then he added, "That's only a matter of time!"

Then no one else had anything to say.

Within a few days, a series of incredibly generous bonuses, condolence payments, commendation payments, and other rewards came in, making all the departments of the brigade envious. Even Minister He of the Military and Political Department, who was well-versed in the ways of the world, couldn't help but be a little surprised.

What followed was a shower of medals. As expected, Song Hongfei won the highest honor of the National Army—the Order of the Blue Sun! The others received various levels of the Order of the Precious Tripod.

Not long after, another round of promotion orders came down, and the battalion and company commanders of the former 3rd Regiment were promoted to lieutenant colonel and major. As for the prestige of this promotion, just compare it to the fact that even the renowned Dai Mubai, Sun Liren, and Zhang Zhonglin were only promoted to colonel or lieutenant colonel, and you'll see how significant it was!

The principal's political maneuvering and balancing skills were truly masterful and breathtaking.