The War of Resistance Against Japan: Special Operations Battalion Traverses Shanghai and Slaughters

Jia Yunshan was eager to make a name for himself since he had just joined the Longyan Army.

In addition, thanks to the weapons and equipment provided by Long Fei, the Japanese soldiers were completely unable to fight back.

So, full of confidence, he was the first to speak: "Gentlemen, let me start by throwing out an idea. I believe that the Dragon Flame Legion currently has 40,000 men. With their current level of training and weapons that are more than enough to crush the Japanese, they should have no problem dealing with a Japanese division."

Seeing that Long Fei didn't react after hearing this, Xu Peng hurriedly asked.

"Commander Jia, do you mean we should engage the Japanese in a direct, head-on confrontation?"

Jia Yunshan nodded repeatedly in affirmation, saying, "That's right. With our strength, what are we afraid of? We'll beat him to a pulp."

At this point, Gao Hong, as the corps chief of staff, made his statement.

"I disagree with Commander Jia's opinion. That's right, with our current strength, we can confront the Japanese head-on."

"However, the Japanese soldiers are not made of clay. Their individual combat capabilities and fighting spirit are still very strong."

"A head-on confrontation would cause heavy casualties to our army. We have fought many battles with the Japanese before, and we have always tried to achieve the greatest victory with the least cost."

Gao Hong's words drew nods of agreement from everyone present.

Chen Yiding continued, "In the past, our National Revolutionary Army fought the Japanese head-on, but we were no match for them in terms of weaponry and individual combat capabilities, so we suffered heavy casualties."

"In the Battle of Shanghai, a division was sent up and bombarded by the Japanese with all kinds of artillery, including large-caliber naval guns. They were wiped out in a day."

"In the final Battle of Shanghai, our National Revolutionary Army of 700,000 men could not defeat the Japanese army of 200,000 men."

"Therefore, although we currently have the advantage in weaponry and equipment, we still cannot fight the Japanese head-on; we must rely on tactics."

Chen Yiding has changed very quickly. The fact that he can say these words now is the result of his personal experience and careful reflection.

While affirming Chen Yiding's viewpoint, Zhou Weiguo also offered his own perspective.

"Commander Chen is right. We don't need to fight the Japanese head-on. The Japanese armored forces can't deploy at all in Langya Mountain."

"Besides, we have Tiger tanks, which can easily deal with the Japanese tanks and armored vehicles."

"Therefore, I believe that the biggest threat to us from the Third Division is its more than one hundred artillery pieces, especially its twelve 105mm howitzers."

"These artillery pieces will pose a great threat to us and cause casualties. If we can find a way to wipe out the Japanese artillery units, it will be equivalent to pulling out the teeth of the Third Division."

Zhou Weiguo's speech immediately won applause from everyone.

After Zhu finished clapping, he also shared his opinion.

"I think what Division Commander Zhou said is absolutely right. If we take out the Japanese artillery, it will be much easier to deal with the Japanese infantry."

"We can take advantage of the terrain of Langya Mountain to ambush the Japanese, and then once the opportunity is ripe, we can directly encircle and annihilate the Third Division."

Next, everyone shared their opinions, but these opinions, viewpoints, and suggestions were not systematic and could not form a complete battle plan.

Long Fei had already come up with a general idea before the meeting, and now, after gathering opinions from all parties, the battle plan had taken shape in his mind.

Long Fei saw Chen Huating and Wan Qingfang sitting there, but did not say anything.

So he took the initiative to ask, "Boss, Second Boss, why aren't you saying anything?"

Chen Huating smiled awkwardly and said, "I am a defeated general. Besides, I have only fought battles with a few thousand people before. I have never experienced a battle with tens of thousands of people, so I have no right to speak."

Wan Qingfang continued, "I was just a woman before, and I was just a bandit when I joined Longteng Manor, so I have no right to speak."

The two men's words suddenly touched Long Fei, and he thought to himself that he must make up for this shortcoming in the future.

Once the opportunity arises, military schools will be established to train junior, intermediate, and senior military personnel.

Long Fei then encouraged them, saying, "No one is born knowing how to command a battle. Don't underestimate yourselves; grow quickly in battle."

"If I have the opportunity in the future, I will establish a military school so that everyone can continue to learn and improve."

Seeing that Long Fei didn't continue after speaking, Xu Peng inquired.

"Commander, so how exactly do we fight this time?"

After looking around at everyone, Long Fei began his concluding remarks.

"Actually, everyone has their own reasons, and Commander Jia's point of view is not wrong. However, if we can reduce the casualties of our troops, we should try to avoid direct confrontation with the Japanese."

"Commander Zhou said that the Japanese armored units could not deploy in the mountains, and that we should find another way to take out the Japanese artillery units. I completely agree with that."

"I completely agree with what Commander Zhu said about using the advantageous terrain of Langya Mountain to maneuver against the Japanese, launch ambushes, and even annihilate the Third Division."

"In addition, the speeches of the army commanders and division commanders also have their own reasons, so I have formed a complete combat plan based on everyone's words."

Just as everyone pricked up their ears, ready to hear Long Fei recount the complete battle plan.

Long Fei then changed the subject, saying, "Before I announce the battle orders, the entire legion will have a grand competition tomorrow."

"Grand Martial Arts Competition..."

Long Fei's words completely baffled everyone. The Japanese were about to besiege the city, so why hold a grand martial arts competition at this time?

Shouldn't we immediately make deployments and prepare for battle?

Seeing that everyone looked confused, Long Fei explained.

"The troops have indeed achieved considerable results after training, but the skill levels of these 40,000 brothers are certainly uneven."

"Therefore, I think that through this competition, firstly, we can test the training level of the troops, and secondly, we can select brothers with special skills in various aspects."

"Then, after adjusting the troops, we will announce the combat order and fight the Japanese Third Division in the strongest possible condition."

After Long Fei's explanation, everyone immediately understood, and they all applauded and approved it.

The next day, the competition began simultaneously in all six armies, and Long Fei also sent six judging teams to each army.

He then left Motuo Ridge with Xie Qiang and several guards to conduct an on-site survey of the terrain in Langya Mountain.

The competition included only a few events:

The physical fitness test requires participants to be fully equipped, carrying 50 kilograms of weight, and to run two kilometers within 22 minutes.

As for push-ups, sit-ups, etc., they will not be assessed this time due to time constraints.

The combat and grappling assessment requires candidates to be able to face at least two opponents without being subdued.

The rock climbing test requires participants to climb a 100-meter cliff within five minutes.

The driving skills assessment requires the ability to drive jeeps, trucks, Tiger tanks, and armored vehicles proficiently.

In shooting tests, officers equipped with pistols must score at least eight rings at a distance of twenty meters.

As for soldiers, they must score 8 points or higher with rifles at 50 meters, and must hit the target with submachine guns and machine guns at 50 meters.

Weapon operation assessment: Must be proficient in various firearms, mortars, howitzers, self-propelled artillery, etc.

Of course, due to time constraints, not all 40,000 soldiers could undergo comprehensive and systematic training.

Therefore, during the previous training, a preliminary selection was conducted in terms of driving skills and weapon operation, and three thousand people were selected for intensive training.