A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

Just as the Red Army broke through the Blue Army's forward outpost and became embroiled in a fierce battle for the forward tiered blocking positions, the Blue Army's forward platoon, which had retreated to the flank of the outpost, suddenly fired two red signal flares. The Red Army naturally noticed this, but in the midst of the intense and protracted battle, no one bothered to investigate its purpose.

Immediately afterwards, the Blue Army's outpost platoon launched several counterattacks, which were repelled by the Red Army's heavy firepower. After several repetitions, a stalemate ensued, and a portion of the Red Army's forces were firmly tied down by the Blue Army's outpost platoon.

Upon seeing the signal flare, Song Hongfei and his team, who had been waiting for a long time, were immediately invigorated. Song Hongfei ordered, "It's our turn! Move out immediately!"

In a wooded area far behind the left flank outpost of the Blue Army, a convoy consisting of trucks, tractors, pickup trucks, and horses had quietly started its advance, marching covertly along a winding route resembling a left hook, until it reached the distant mountains on the right flank of the Red Army base and silently laid in ambush.

This team was the Blue Army's mobile assault detachment. Before the exercise, Song Hongfei, Zhang Yi, and "Old Cat" and several others quietly came to West Point Town. They successfully won over Uncle John and Uncle Tom, the town's farmers, with a Chinese hot pot feast made with a few pheasants and rabbits, plus a few bottles of Chinese wine.

West Point Town is located just outside West Point Military Academy, nestled among mountains in a picturesque setting. The town is small, with a main street running from one end to the other, and a central square intersecting with a main street running vertically. These two main streets each connect to several smaller streets and alleys. The people of West Point Town are simple and honest; most residents are staunch supporters of West Point Military Academy, deeply attached to the school and proud of it.

When they heard that Song Hongfei and his men were going to "kick the backsides of the British gentlemen," Uncle John and Uncle Tom, American veterans who had fought in World War I, laughed heartily. They not only readily agreed, but also used all their connections to obtain more vehicles and horses.

Song Hongfei was overjoyed. The original plan was to use motor vehicles to carry mortars, infantry guns, and heavy machine guns, with some personnel traveling by vehicle and others on foot. Now, there are enough vehicles and horses to carry all personnel and equipment, greatly improving mobility.

The truck and tractor trailers were loaded with soil and sandbags, and fixed frames made of rough wood were installed. The mortar base plates, 37mm infantry guns and 12.7mm heavy machine gun tripods were buried directly in the soil. There were no problems with cushioning and recoil, so they could be fired directly with a good field of fire.

With just a little preparation, the trucks and tractors were transformed into armored vehicles with firepower and mobility. "Old Cat" looked incredulous, and the veterans John and Uncle Tom couldn't help but give a thumbs up and exclaim in amazement.

Song Hongfei chuckled to himself, thinking to himself that if you ever saw how the guys from the Middle East and Africa in later generations could use a pickup truck to do all sorts of things—heavy machine guns, anti-aircraft machine guns, anti-aircraft cannons, Gatling guns, anti-tank missiles, large-caliber recoilless rifles, and even 107mm multiple rocket launchers—you would really have your eyes opened.

Before setting off, Uncle John gave a dashing military salute and shouted, "Forward! Cowboys! Go kick the British asses!"

Song Hongfei returned the salute with a flourish and shouted loudly, "Smash those bastards!"

Suddenly, several bird calls rang out from the forest ahead, followed by several animal cries. Song Hongfei smiled knowingly and immediately ordered the assault team to disperse, take cover, and stand by. These were Zhang Yi and his men, who had come to scout ahead. This guy was quite adept at dealing with animals; he could imitate bird calls and animal cries perfectly. At this moment, he was climbing down from the canopy of a tall beech tree.

Song Hongfei asked, "How is the situation?"

Zhang Yi replied excitedly, "The Red Army base was peaceful and quiet. They never expected anyone to come and kick their butt. Their main position and forward guard positions were passable, with most of their troops and equipment deployed in that direction, but their flank defenses were lax."

Song Hongfei nodded and said, "Okay! The reconnaissance team will continue their reconnaissance and surveillance!"

Zhang Yi went ahead to scout again.

After some time, Zhang Yi returned and reported: "The Red Army base has sent out about a platoon of soldiers. It looks like they're rushing off to reinforce us. It seems their attack at the front is ineffective, and it's almost our turn." Zhang Yi rubbed his hands together, his excitement evident.

Song Hongfei immediately ordered the mobile assault team to advance covertly and secretly move to the pre-planned attack assembly area.

This is a forested area on the slope to the right of the Red Army base, less than two kilometers away. We can't get any closer, or the vehicles and horses might be spotted. Several reconnaissance teams kept reporting back on the Red Army's position.

Song Hongfei and his instructor, Major Nixon, climbed the slope ahead. The Red Army base, more than 1 meters away, was clearly visible through high-powered binoculars.

Song Hongfei unfolded the map, marking it as he went, and then gestured towards the mountains and slopes ahead, saying, "These are the artillery firing positions we have planned. Vehicles can drive right there."

Song Hongfei glanced at the director from the directing department who had come with him, and said with a smile, "At a distance of less than 1 kilometer, and even less than 300 meters at the closest point, the Red Army's various firing points, fortifications, and strongpoints have already been scouted and marked by our army. At a distance of several hundred meters, the 81mm mortars and 37mm infantry guns can fire with sufficient precision."

“From our hiding place at the bottom of this hillside, there are several routes with suitable terrain. Trucks carrying heavy machine gun-equipped armored vehicles can rush straight to the front lines of the Red Army's positions here, here, and here,” Song Hongfei said.

The director observed the Red Army's position through binoculars for a long time, expressionless and silent. He nodded, signaling Song Hongfei to continue.

"The assault detachment will covertly advance to the woodland line, about 300 meters from the foot of the Red Army base. Once the battalion-level artillery fire from our company begins, we will use the concealed terrain to quickly advance towards the assault starting line (100-150 meters from the enemy's front line). After the battalion-level artillery fire extends, the company-level accompanying fire will provide continuous cover, and we will launch an assault on the Red Army base in platoon, squad, and group attack formations."

Song Hongfei paused for a moment, then continued, "The Red Army has left about half a company behind, deployed with lighter troops at the front and heavier troops at the rear, neglecting the defense of the flanks. My assault detachment is a reinforced company, superior in both manpower and firepower. The enemy is currently unprepared, and I expect my first round of firepower to be effective, preventing the enemy from organizing an effective blockade and counter-fire!"

The director stared at the attack deployment map marked by Song Hongfei for a long time, then nodded in agreement.

Song Hongfei continued, "The attack deployment is as follows: the entire company's three infantry platoons will launch a simultaneous attack from the rear, left, and right of the enemy base. The left and right platoons will each send out a portion of their forces to divide, contain, and blockade the enemy's forward outposts and main positions with firepower. The main force will launch an assault on the enemy's main position. After capturing the main position, they will attack the enemy's forward outposts from the high ground, and work together with the left and right flanks to push them to the ground and annihilate them!"

“Surround three sides and leave one open!” Song Hongfei said, looking at the instructors and coordinators.

He then explained, "This is also to take the Red Army base as quickly as possible! We have envisioned a scenario where the main force of the Red Army defeats the Blue Army and immediately returns to reinforce the base. It would take at least two hours, and the assault team must ensure that it takes the Red Army position within two hours."

"Surround three sides and leave one open?" Everyone pondered Song Hongfei's attack plan, and for a long time, no one spoke.