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

Long Fei continued, "In warfare, since ancient times, we should use our strengths to overcome the enemy's weaknesses, and we should be flexible and adaptable, rather than mechanically defending and engaging in a war of attrition."

Chen Defa naturally agreed with Long Fei's point of view and hurriedly echoed it.

"Actually, the Japanese attack pattern was quite rigid. They would first bombard our fortifications and firing positions with artillery."

"After the shelling stopped, the infantry divided into small groups, divided the positions at multiple points and on multiple sides, and then began the attack."

"When they were about 300 meters away, the Japanese machine guns began to provide cover. When they were about 200 meters away, the Type 92 infantry guns, grenade launchers, and light and heavy machine guns opened fire, once again suppressing and eliminating our forces."

"Finally, the Japanese infantry crawled forward to a distance of one hundred meters and launched an attack."

"But our tactic was to wait until the Japanese artillery bombardment ended before opening fire with heavy machine guns to suppress the Japanese infantry's attack."

"But this exposed the machine gun positions at three or four hundred meters, and as a result, they were either caught by the Japanese infantry guns and blown up directly, or they were targeted and eliminated by the Japanese grenade launchers that advanced to a distance of two hundred meters."

Chen Defa, who had received professional military training, analyzed the situation with great clarity and logic, as Long Fei then added.

"Brigadier General Chen, this is only one aspect of your outdated tactics. The more fatal aspect is that your Nationalist army's defensive positions have no depth at all."

"During World War I, trench defense systems were generally networks 5 to 10 kilometers deep. Even if the enemy breached one or two trenches, it would not shake the entire defensive line."

"If your Nationalist army had adopted trench warfare tactics, it wouldn't have collapsed completely after just one breakthrough."

"If I were in command, I would have the troops build trenches of sufficient depth, and then make full use of the trench system to resist step by step, slowly draining the Japanese dry."

"In addition, I will organize mobile forces to launch a flanking attack on the Japanese from the flanks and rear, so that the Japanese will be attacked from both sides."

"I think if that were the case, a division of the National Revolutionary Army wouldn't have been wiped out in a single day."

Long Fei's words were like a wake-up call for Chen Defa, and he slapped his thigh hard.

"Brother, you're absolutely right. It's a pity our superiors aren't as capable as you, otherwise the war would have turned out like this. Sigh..."

Long Fei handed Chen Defa another cigarette and then patted him on the shoulder.

"Brigade Commander Chen, it is a fact that the National Army's tactical weapons are outdated. To put it bluntly, your National Army also has tanks, but you don't understand what it means to conduct combined arms operations. As a result, your tank units are left to penetrate deep into enemy territory, attacking and charging recklessly without cover."

"As a result, the Japanese were not driven back, the defensive line was not moved forward, and all the tanks were destroyed by the Japanese."

Although Chen Defa had not witnessed the situation Long Fei described, he had heard about it.

Their 37th Brigade joined the battle late, by which time the Nationalist army's tank forces had already been almost completely wiped out.

"Brother, you're right. I just want to know what your next move is. I'll listen to you."

Long Fei took a few deep drags on his cigarette, then flicked the butt away with a flourish, watching it arc through the air before falling into the distance.

Long Fei countered, "Brigade Commander Chen, why do you think the Japanese would send the 10th Army to land in Hangzhou Bay?"

Without hesitation, Chen Defa replied, "The Japanese are trying to outflank our army from the west, making us vulnerable to attack from both sides."

"Brigade Commander Chen, you're right, that's the Japanese's strategic intention. The loss of your Dachang position on the 25th of last month has seriously threatened the flanks and rear of the defending forces in Zhabei, Jiangwan, and Miaohang."

"Without a choice, the National Revolutionary Army had to carry out a strategic retreat to avoid the danger of total annihilation. The main force of the defending troops withdrew to positions south of the Suzhou River, and the battlefield also shifted from the northern outskirts of the city to the city center."

Upon hearing this, Chen Defa responded with concern.

"Yes, the current battlefield situation is very unfavorable for us. We could very well collapse completely."

Long Fei knew that in a few days, the Nationalist Army Command would issue an order for the entire army to retreat.

The Battle of Shanghai was destined to end in a crushing defeat for the National Revolutionary Army.

Longfei only has one special operations battalion, even though the system has rewarded him with advanced equipment such as machine guns, tanks, and self-propelled artillery.

But it was clearly impossible for a few hundred men to turn the tide of the battle and stop hundreds of thousands of vicious Japanese soldiers.

However, this cannot change the final outcome of the battle, nor can it stop hundreds of thousands of Japanese soldiers. At least Long Fei can use the existing equipment to inflict heavy casualties on the Japanese.

Long Fei then stood up and spoke in a loud and confident tone.

"Brigade Commander Chen, we have just annihilated the Japanese 13th Regiment, and our morale is soaring. In addition, our existing weapons and equipment can crush the Japanese."

"Therefore, I decided to continue northward and launch an attack from the rear on the 36th Brigade of the Japanese 6th Division, in order to eliminate as many of their troops as possible."

"I wonder if Brigade Commander Chen would be willing to come with me and stab those damn Japanese devils in the ass."

Long Fei's bold and inspiring words deeply moved Chen Defa.

They were all hardened soldiers, and when the country was invaded, fighting the Japanese invaders was their inescapable duty and mission.

“Brother, we’re definitely going. I, Chen Defa, and the 37th Brigade are here to fight the Japanese. Even if our equipment is inferior to theirs, we’ll still kill those sons of bitches.”

Long Fei discovered that although both he and Chen Defa were well-educated, when it came to fighting the Japanese, they couldn't express their hatred and indignation without using a few vulgar words.

"Good, that's spirited enough."

After giving Chen Defa a thumbs up, Long Fei took out a map.

"Commander Chen, there is a town called Wuqiao about 30 li northeast of Linting Town. This town is located on the banks of the Huangpu River."

"I've decided to advance towards Wuqiao Town, searching for the Japanese 36th Brigade along the way, and fuck them to death."

"My goal is to try to eliminate the Japanese 36th Brigade and one or two regiments under its command, break the 6th Division's strategic attempt to outflank the National Army from the rear, and then cross the Huangpu River when the opportunity arises."

This time, after Long Fei finished telling the story, Chen Defa didn't find it as unbelievable as he had last time.

After all, the undeniable facts are clear: Long Fei and his troops are fully capable of achieving their objective.

"Alright, brother, my 37th Brigade will follow you to the death. When do we set off?"

Long Fei glanced at his watch; it was a little past 11 a.m., so he looked up and said, "Let's leave at 2 p.m.

Long Fei originally planned to set the time for 1 PM, but the reason for delaying it by an hour was to allow everyone time to eat and rest.

In addition, the battle has been over for a while now, but the system hasn't made any move yet. Long Fei also wants to see what kind of reward the system will give this time.

"Okay, I'll go inform the troops and check on the battlefield cleanup and the construction of the Jingguan (a mound of corpses).

Chen Defa readily agreed and was about to get up and leave.