Canteen System Assistance Notes

"It's okay, it's okay. Your Excellency the Commander is having a nightmare again." He waved to the guards rushing over. "It's okay."

"It's just a nightmare."

The room returned to darkness.

The meaningless roar quickly exhausted J's steps. After all, he had been suffering from insomnia for several days, and he was also old.

He quickly collapsed onto the bed, leaving behind his exhausted body unable to move, and a mind so empty it couldn't even think.

After a long time, he slowly moved his right hand and turned on the lamp on the bedside table.

The incandescent light filtering through the green glass made the North China Army commander squint, and it took him a moment to adjust. Because his newly bought alarm clock had been thrown against the bedroom wall like a grenade, Okamura Neiji fumbled for his pocket watch and checked the time—it was 3:18 AM.

On March 18, 1943, at 3:18 a.m., Okamura Yasuji crawled out of bed. He had barely managed to fall asleep the previous night. After leaving the staff room on duty around 10 a.m., Okamura tossed and turned in bed until 12:30 p.m., finally falling asleep in a state of near coma from extreme fatigue.

Then, due to the nightmare, he only slept for a little over three hours - but now, having just experienced a nightmare or a nightmare, Okamura Neiji could not continue to sleep: the anxiety, like the inexplicable disappearance of sleepiness, entangled him like a thorn in the flesh.

He could only sit back at the desk in his room, turn on the desk lamp, and press the call bell.

"Prepare something to eat for me."

The orderly who had just been kicked out retreated with his head bowed. Now was not the time for midnight snack, and the kitchen staff had to get up and start cooking. So, during this time, Okamura Neiji, his mind as confused as paste, could only return his attention to the documents on the desk.

At the top is the notice sent by the Kwantung Army.

The Kwantung Army, the most powerful Japanese military unit on the mainland, sent a communication shortly after the Eighth Route Army emerged from the Taihang Mountains and began its attack on Handan. Initially expressing their sympathy to Commander Okamura Yasuji with a rather nonchalant concern, they inquired about the current status of the two Kwantung Army units under the command of the North China Army (the Japanese forces on the Jiaodong Peninsula were now under the Kwantung Army's own command). Furthermore, they responded to Okamura's proposal to transfer the defense and command of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to the Kwantung Army.

Yamashita Tomoyuki of the Kwantung Army slyly stated that the North China Army and the Kwantung Army were like brothers, determined to fight together for the Imperial Army. However, given the current situation, the Kwantung Army needed to respond to the changing situation and initiated the formation of the "8th Army in Jiaozhou Bay" and the "9th Army in Western Manchuria." Furthermore, with food supplies becoming increasingly difficult after entering the Great Wall, it was difficult to withdraw active troops to provide support deep into the interior.

However, General Yamashita kindly stated that he would send troops to support Okamura's "timely transfer" and would "generously transfer" the Peninsula Army's newly formed "Iron-Blooded Loyal Emperor and Anti-Communist National Volunteer Combat Team" to enter the pass to help friendly forces fight.

These stingy guinea pigs!

Why even talk about defending Chilu now? Chilu couldn't even handle the Duguo, so how could they still have the energy to attack (fake) Manchuria? Once the interior is lost, the Communist army will next attack (fake) Manchuria and attack the Kwantung Army! Don't they know the saying that the lips and teeth are cold?

Okamura Neiji was furious, but faced with the "goodwill" offered to "assist with the transfer" and "send volunteers to aid," he dared not lose his temper, fearing the Kwantung Army would refuse to provide even this little bit of assistance. The North China battlefield within the Great Wall was severely short of troops to fill the front lines and carry out defensive missions. If he acted impulsively and the Kwantung Army refused to cooperate, even if he could suppress them through the headquarters, the delay would be enough for Okamura to endure!

He could only make a few comments on the side and prepare to ask the General Staff to draft a letter of thanks and urging to send over when the time comes.

Anyway, these "Iron-Blooded, Loyal Emperor, and Anti-Communist National Volunteer Combat Team" are well-fed after entering the pass, so there is no need to worry too much about logistics when using them to fight - it is better to flatter them a few times and ask for more.

Secondly, there was an earlier communication from the Chinese Army in Central China.

According to them, after the bombing of the Jiulishan ammunition depot in Xuzhou, which depleted the Chinese army's battle-strength ammunition, they finally managed to secure ammunition from Nanjing and Shanghai after a week or so of mobilization. The "Maizuru" Corps (75th Division) and the "Songfeng" Corps (76th Division), tasked with supporting the northward advance, will depart soon. However, due to the "urgent deployment, serious situation, and insufficient manpower, a hasty intervention would be unbearable." Their "primary mission" will be to reinforce the struggling 21st Division in Xuzhou and secure the "critical north-south transportation link" surrounding Xuzhou and the Longhai Line, "actively conducting operations as appropriate."

In short, the Chinese army no longer intended to help the North China Army clean up the situation in Shandong. Even the previous agreement to at least help retake Zaozhuang became an unresolved "minor matter."

A herd of red deer!

Xuzhou is the gateway to Central China, but Zaozhuang is nothing less than a "frontier outpost" for Xuzhou! If Zaozhuang is lost, how can Xuzhou be defended? What about "Communist forces in the surrounding areas are extremely active, and defenses have been set up around Hankou to guard against the Nationalist forces in the mountain city"? Why would the Nationalist forces in the mountain city need so many troops to defend it?

Having served as commander of the 11th Army, Okamura believed he understood the Nationalist Army well. While the Nationalist Army's sheer numbers could be a problem during an attack, in defensive battles, the Imperial Army could easily outmaneuver ten Nationalist troops with one!

Why is there a shortage of troops? Why can't we spare any more men?

Thinking of the "strategically encircled" situation of the 12th Army of Shandong Province after the loss of Yanzhou, relying solely on the defensive perimeter of Dezhou, Liaocheng, and Tai'an, Okamura Neiji could not suppress his panic. Even if he could feign composure in front of his subordinates, claiming that Quanzhou was impregnable and that the Eighth Route Army of Shandong Province was weak, the objective reality was that his troops were resting and preparing to launch a general assault on Quanzhou and the 12th Army at any moment. Without a rescue force, the 12th Army would inevitably be trapped and die, "dying in honor for their country"!

Okamura Neiji pressed down on his numbing scalp, gripping his skull with a force that threatened to tear it off. Honestly, he wanted to yell, sweep all the papers off his desk, and finally lie down on the floor, ignoring everything—but he couldn't, couldn't, and didn't dare.

The most common communications and documents were "inquiries" from the headquarters. On the 17th alone, the headquarters sent over 12 communications: one asking Okamura Yasuji about the current situation in Handan, the next declaring a foolproof strategy to repel the enemy and achieve victory (dispatching troops in a desperate assault, then using airborne troops and bombers to destroy the Communist headquarters in Xinxiang). Then, they continued, "Okamura-kun, what you're doing is wrong, what should be done instead?" They even asked, "Why continue to send troops to Handan without seeking victory over the enemy?"

However, a total retreat was not allowed. No matter how Okamura tried to make connections, the headquarters said that partial transfers were acceptable, air support was dispatched, and even coordinating reinforcements for the Kwantung Army was negotiable. However, a "total retreat from North China" was intolerable. Okamura Neiji had to "devote himself to the cause" in North China and "do his utmost to the eternal foundation" of the Empire.

What should I do? What can I do?

"Your Excellency! Give the order! Have the 12th Army abandon Dezhou, Tai'an, and even Quancheng!"

Iimura Jo's desperate, bloodshot-eyed roar echoed in his mind again, "Have the 12th Army gather all its forces and advance westward at all costs! Liaocheng's defenses are strong, and the 59th Division (formerly the 10th Independent Mixed Regiment) is holding strong, serving as the core of our troop concentration. After assembling the 66th Division (formerly the 17th Independent Mixed Regiment of the Central China Army), the 55th Division (formerly the 6th Independent Mixed Regiment), and the 22nd Division in Liaocheng, the entire army will abandon its rear and charge westward, attacking the Communist flank. Only then can we break the deadlock and reverse the tide of defeat!"

"In ancient China, there were examples of victory achieved through 'burning the boats and breaking the cauldrons'. Our army must do the same now, only then can we find a glimmer of hope in this inevitable mortal situation!

"Give up the Jinpu Road and all of North China, sir! Give the order!"

This act of abandoning everything, seemingly throwing the entire 12th Army into a gamble, was actually the only operational plan among all the current contingency plans that still had a shred of "theoretical possibility"?

"Your midnight snack, sir."

The orderly's respectful report interrupted Okamura's thoughts, which were so painful that they seemed to be about to explode - a plate of pie, a steamed bun, a plate of sugar, a cup of tea and a white pill on a plate.

"Oh, okay, put it here."

Okamura Neiji picked up the pill from the plate, put it into his mouth, and then washed it down with big gulps of tea.

"Wait a moment, Kinoshita." Although the drug obviously wouldn't take effect so quickly, General Okamura could clearly feel his spirits surge, like some kind of unstoppable switch. "Wait a moment."

"Hi, Your Excellency."

"Go get Oshiroto-kun," Okamura gasped, his eyes bloodshot. "I need to send a message to the 12th Army."

Chapter 804: Taihang Mountains Stand Tall in the Spring Breeze

1943年3月18日，6点12分，晋阳城,天还未亮。

The once busy capital of Shanxi Province and the capital of Yanlaohai is now floating up from the ocean of deep sleep. Some early risers have already started singing and crowing, while more people are still sticking to their posts, with slightly heavy eyelids, preparing to replace colleagues who are rotating or taking turns.

The same is true for Jinyang Light Bulb Factory in Shanxi Province.

This was one of the few factories in Shanxi Province with a guaranteed power supply. During the Battle of Jinyang, the factory workers, formed into a factory guard, drove off a sabotage group consisting solely of Japanese residents and a few Japanese officers, saving the Japanese-made thermal power generation equipment. In the process, the heroic workers suffered approximately 20 casualties and left behind over 50 Japanese soldiers, successfully completing their mission to defend the factory.

Now, after being repaired, expanded and equipped with some new homemade equipment by the border region's industrial sector, the power station has replaced its transmission system and started supplying electricity to surrounding urban areas and factories again.

This naturally includes the Office of the General Front Committee of the Eighth Route Army's North China Campaign stationed nearby.

"The Third Department of the General Staff reported that the Jizhong District and the Bohai Division of Shandong Province intercepted the message from the Sanhe Japanese Army North China Command. After decoding and comparing, it was confirmed that Okamura Ning

The North China Army issued an order to the 12th Army of Shandong Province, ordering it to assemble the Fengbing Regiment (66th Division, formerly the Central China Independent Mixed 17th) in Dezhou within 72 hours.

The original corps in Tai'an (22nd Division in Central China) assembled at Quanchengqiu Corps (55th Division, formerly 6th Independent Mixed Division).

"After the assembly is completed, the entire Ren Corps (i.e., the 12th Army) must immediately set out to approach the Yi Corps (59th Division, former Independent Mixed 10th Division) in Liaocheng.

Gather, march in groups, and advance westward. At the same time, Okamura ordered Iimura Ne's 7th Army to direct the troops of the Island Corps (50th Division, former independent mixed 1st) under his command.

They held Handan and, with the assistance of the Corps (28th Division of the Kwantung Army), held out for at least a week waiting for reinforcements.

"The Shandong Provincial Command judged that the Japanese army might evacuate with their entire families, abandoning Shandong Province and heading west with all their might. Their goal was to penetrate our Southern Hebei Military Region from behind and strike the Handan battlefield, thereby relieving the Japanese army on the Pinghan Line."

The communications officer spoke in a loud and clear voice, but what he said did not bring much of a relaxing atmosphere. Instead, it made the atmosphere in the headquarters even more depressing. Although it was a good thing to be able to decipher the enemy's intelligence in advance and make the battle command "single-way transparent", Liu Mingzhao and Zhang Hao, who were in charge of the overall battle of the Pinghan Line east of the Taihang Mountains, had more things to consider.

"This Okamura Ningji is quite capable."

After being silent for a long time, Zhang Hao, who was wearing the "brain exerciser", suddenly blurted out something.

"Yes."

Liu Mingzhao, who was holding a spoon, also followed up with a sentence.

Silence continued to spread in the headquarters - however, it was not because Okamura's decision was so difficult for the Eighth Route Army, but if one were to delve deeper into the reasons behind it...

Right now, before Zhang Hao, the "deadly political commissar," sits a bowl of "healthy rice" made from a variety of vegetables, boiled corn, quinoa, and oats, along with a "protein meal" of black pepper chicken and a boiled egg. This is because the veteran political commissar, having suffered a head injury while organizing the workers' movement in his early years, and his heavy workload, has left him with high blood pressure. Although his condition has improved after several rounds of treatment and the start of antihypertensive medication, the central government still strictly enforces dietary restrictions on Zhang Hao, given his physical condition.

There was also a bowl of "vegetable leaves" in front of Liu Mingzhao.

This perhaps made Zhang Hao feel a little better. He ate the "meal" in front of him, repeatedly convincing himself that this was for the sake of maintaining good health and contributing more to the revolutionary struggle - at the very least, Commander Liu was eating the same thing with me!

But the next scene was far from calming. Their chief of staff, Li Desan, walked in, carrying scallion lamb patties and beef and cheese buns from the kitchen, along with a bowl of vegetable and meatball soup. He sat down at the table and devoured the food. Then, looking at the people staring at him, he asked, "unaware of his own guilt," in a rather frivolous manner:

"Two leaders, eat, why don't you eat?"

"Political Commissar, Political Commissar, revolutionary mission, revolutionary mission." Seeing Zhang Hao sigh, someone next to him tried to comfort him while holding back a laugh.

But then, the "God of War" adjusted his glasses, leaned forward, stretched out his hand, and grabbed a beef cheese from Li Desan's bowl.

He peeled off the anti-stick paper on the bottom of the bag, calmly placed it in his bowl, and then took a bite with a solemn expression.

puff.......

Everyone burst into laughter, leaving only Political Commissar Zhang Hao covering his face helplessly.

The atmosphere in the command room became lively again.

Okamura Yasuji's transfer order was indeed a little unexpected to several commanders of the Eighth Route Army, but it was only "a little" - the Front Committee had considered more than once that Okamura Yasuji would order the 12th Army to "move-style retreat", and even considered the possibility of the Japanese army giving up on itself and engaging in a "suicidal decisive battle", and made corresponding plans.

However, the commanders of the General Front Committee believed that the Japanese army was more likely to choose to move south along the Jinpu Road and go to Xuzhou, which was controlled by the Japanese army in central China, to achieve a "transfer": although this road was equally dangerous than the two lines to the west and east, it would also require facing the main force of the Eighth Route Army in Shandong Province, which could be said to be a life-or-death situation.

However, considering the Japanese perspective, the main force of the Eighth Route Army in Shandong Province, located north of Yanzhou, had just experienced a major battle and suffered losses. Furthermore, the entire route to Xuzhou was not previously under Chinese control of the "liberated areas," and the Japanese were more familiar with the local situation. Of course, most importantly, the Japanese military situation in Central China was more optimistic than in other regions, and the Chinese military had more manpower, making it more likely that the 12th Army would receive support from friendly forces.

Therefore, the commander of the 12th Army was more likely to have a lucky mentality of escaping from here.

"However, up to now, the 12th Army has still not responded according to the Japanese Army's regulations. They haven't even replied with 'telegram received' or 'Yes, your Majesty, long live the Emperor.'"

Li Desan said that as a very good chief of staff, he was very concerned about these key details.

"Right now, however, the Kwantung Army and the Seventh Army are incredibly enthusiastic. The Kwantung Army Headquarters sent a telegram from Xinjing, Manchukuo, to the 12th Army, saying they would send a 'large force' to break through our defenses and advance from Jiaozhou Bay to support the 12th Army's retreat along the Jiaoji Railway. Meanwhile, the Seventh Army sent a telegram from Qingyuan, saying that the 12th Army must quickly follow the orders of the North China Army Headquarters, assemble its forces and 'attack westward.' They also explained a number of things they needed to pay attention to along the way and agreed on identification slogans and signals.

"Why do they all seem to be running away when disaster strikes?"

"It's not like we're all going our separate ways. Even if we were to, I'm afraid we wouldn't say it so blatantly."

Zhang Hao raised his head from the leaves, with a hint of dissatisfaction, "I think the 7th Army and the Kwantung Army have their own ulterior motives!"

"The Kwantung Army has now seized the Jiaodong Peninsula from the North China Army. If the 12th Army goes to Jiao'ao, it will inevitably fall under the Kwantung Army's jurisdiction. At that time, whether they are left in Jiao'ao to defend it or shipped to Shanhaiguan to defend Manchukuo, both are very useful. This is very attractive to the Kwantung Army, which is currently short of mobile forces and has most of its troops in garrison positions."

"As for Iimura Jō of the Seventh Army, the situation is a little more complicated." Everyone stopped and continued to listen to the experienced political commissar analyze the enemy commander's psychological state.

"This guy has been fighting us for a while now. Iimura Jo is good at gathering intelligence and making calculations. He's known as the 'Calculator' of the Japanese Army. He's more astute than those other old devils, whether it's Sugiyama Gen or Itagaki Seishirō—but I think he's actually an even bigger gambler than Okamura Yasuji."

"He was clever, but not too clever. Over the past few years, he was probably the only Japanese commander in China who didn't know, or pretended not to know, that the Japanese invasion was doomed to fail. Okamura Yasuji understood their internal political logic, knowing he was being pinned down in North China to 'take the blame,' and harbored a certain 'broken pot' mentality. Meanwhile, Iimura Mamoru truly believed in the 'continental strategy,' in East Asian co-prosperity, and he did his utmost to pursue so-called victory.

"And now, victory through normal means is impossible. So, the only option is to gamble—that the 12th Army can successfully assemble under our suppression, then march from Liaocheng while maintaining its combat effectiveness, break through the entire Ji'nan base area, and no matter how much it suffers along the way, it must fight its way to Handan to rescue him, or even turn defeat into victory. If there is even a slight possibility of this, he will advance like crazy."

"So, the comrades in southern Hebei might have to face three or four divisions of Japanese soldiers charging forward recklessly? This is indeed a troublesome matter."

Li Desan sat up straight and became serious.

By now, the Central Plains Field Army, emerging from the Yikou Pass, along with the Mobile Corps and its attached forces moving north from Henan Province, had completed the encirclement of the enemy forces around Handan, trapping at least four Japanese divisions. The remaining Japanese forces were desperately resisting, relying on fortifications and "volunteer troops." If the 12th Army could truly overcome the numerous difficulties and dangers at this point, then this newly completed encirclement would indeed be at risk of collapse.

"Then, comrades from the reserve and local forces in central and southern Hebei, at least two divisions of the 12th Army must be spared." Li Desan glanced at the map and said after a brief analysis, "It's not a big problem, but the casualties will be quite high."

The casualties were quite high...

All those present were qualified commanders and staff officers, and they knew that in such a situation they should not be shaken by possible casualties. However, everyone was uncomfortable as they had enjoyed a few years of peace and quiet, and the basis for organizing production without any problems was destroyed again.

"The battle hasn't even started yet, and you're already thinking about casualties. What kind of a thing is that?"

At this moment, Liu Mingzhao, who was sitting next to him, spoke up. He took off his glasses, wiped them, and put them back on.

In the reflection of the lens, his single eye seemed to emit a flickering light.

"No matter what plans that little devil Iimura Jang has, or what gambling he's up to, we'll overturn the table and he won't be able to fart a bit." His tone was calm, yet his words were filled with precise violence. "Running west from Quancheng with all their family—humph, the Japanese troops in North China are acting like warlords right now, and there's no telling how they'll escape—it'll take at least seven days. By then, let alone Handan, it's unclear whether they'll even hold Shimen and Zhengding."

"God of War" turned to the door of the command center.

Over there, a smiling man just walked in after lifting the curtain.

"Zaidao. According to intelligence, the Japanese now have a reinforced 110th Division in Shimen and Zhengding, guarding Niangzi Pass. Behind them is the 80th Division moving south along the Pinghan Line. In Qingyuan, there are also the 87th Division and the 57th Division (formerly the 8th Independent Mixed Division). Perhaps the Japanese's independent tank detachment will also come.

"The General Front Committee has entrusted you with the Independent Heavy Armored Column. As the commander of the attack group, do you have the confidence to achieve a breakthrough within three days?"

Chapter 805: The Decisive Tide (1) Warhammer and Armor

(Update)

When marching from the North China Plain along Jingxing to the Biaoli River and Mountains, Niangzi Pass is definitely a hurdle that cannot be avoided.

Established within the towering peaks of the Taihang Mountains by the Zhongshan Kingdom during the Warring States Period, it served as a backdrop for successive dynasties, witnessing battles against civil unrest, resistance against barbarians, and counter-invasion. During the 1937 Shanxi Campaign, the Nationalist army, lacking sufficient reinforcements and poor command, failed to deploy sufficient troops at Niangzi Pass and Jiuguan Pass. Zhao Shengling, already a Communist Party member, fought bravely for nine days and nights, but was outnumbered and forced to retreat. Niangzi Pass fell, and Jinyang fell to the Japanese.

This loss lasted for five years, until the Eighth Route Army of this time and space advanced from the north and south, and recaptured the entire Shanxi Province with an overwhelming momentum. They attacked Shouyang and took Yangquan along the Zhengtai Railway, and finally extended their forces to the foot of Niangzi Pass, only to stop temporarily in front of the Japanese army's strengthened defense.

Over the next year, the Eighth Route Army's Central Plains Field Army stationed there engaged the Japanese 110th Division in numerous engagements. Small teams from both sides tested each other in the surrounding mountains, engaging in frequent exchanges of musketry and artillery fire, either to scout the other side or to prevent it from doing so. These long and agonizing battles produced numerous skilled snipers, scouts, and artillerymen, each bearing the "General Zhu's Marksman" badge. Numerous grassroots officers and soldiers were also trained, inflicting heavy casualties while preserving their own strength.

However, the Japanese 110th Division in front of them was responsible for one of the few "key defense" areas of the Japanese army in North China. They also received rare continuous reinforcement and resource allocation due to their constant attacks and special attention from the North China Army.

这个老牌的四单位师团在进行三单位改编之后又逐渐地被加强回了四单位的水平――他们的搜索联队换上了单独配属的95改式轻战车;炮兵额外拿到了数门经过改造、可以大仰角射击的150毫米96改式榴弹炮,还有一些三八式150毫米榴弹炮和三八式120毫米助阵;步兵大队和联队里还额外配置了一些新发的“二式双联7.5耀喷进跑"和超编的"7厘曲射炮"，以增强火力。

In order to counter the Communist Army's "Mecha Offensive", His Excellency General Okamura Yasuji personally called the headquarters and asked them to allocate a battalion of 12 of the latest "Type 47 Mobile Rapid-Fire Guns" in order to be able to penetrate the front armor of the Communist tanks.

Even the least valued common soldiers received enhanced equipment. The newly formed 7th Army emptied the warehouses of the North China Army, sorting the numerous captured Kuomintang light machine guns into categories and reinforcing them to the lower ranks of the 110th Division. Meanwhile, the garrisons along the Xuehua Mountain-Changshengkou, Guangou, and Jiuguan-Niangziguan lines were unprecedentedly equipped with semi-buried main bunkers featuring "concrete and stone walls and round steel-concrete roofs," along with sub-bunker bunkers with lesser protection but strategically located. Even in some inaccessible "secondary" locations, bunker clusters were constructed using concrete rubble and earth-covered structures.

With these resources, the 110th Division's commander, Hayashi Yoshitaro, had reversed the decline he had suffered at the hands of the Eighth Route Army in 1942 and began to feel more confident. Before the battle, he assured Iimura Jo that even though the newly recruited troops and the "Anti-Communist Volunteer Army" needed to improve their skills and tactics, they could still hold off at least one Eighth Route Army corps at Niangzi Pass.

"Please rest assured, Commander Iimura!"

When Iimura Jo was ordered to transfer the Kwantung Army's 82nd Division south to support and transfer the 80th Division south to Xingtai and Handan, Division Commander Hayashi Yoshitaro patted his chest towards the new 7th Army Commander and openly said: