sbdcsierra Chapter 316: Center Blossom Tactics
Chapter 316: Center Blossom Tactics
Yamamoto stood in front of the map in the headquarters. As an experienced commander, he immediately realized that this was an excellent opportunity.
In his opinion, the real threat in the Eighth Route Army was the Independent Column. If the Independent Column could be eliminated in one fell swoop, then taking Yangquan would be effortless.
He immediately turned to Ito next to him and said in a firm tone:
"General Ito, it looks like the Independent Column is preparing to surround and annihilate us, but in my opinion, this is also a good opportunity. We can wipe out the Independent Column in this battle."
Ito looked away from the map and towards Yamamoto with a questioning look in his eyes.
Yamamoto continued:
"I'm going to use a center-blooming tactic. According to normal people's thinking, if the army is surrounded, they will definitely think about breaking out with all their strength.
I am very confident in my troops. As long as we can stop the attack of the independent column, we can buy time for the support of the other two armies.
Thus, the independent column will be surrounded, and then a central attack will be launched to eliminate the independent column in one fell swoop."
After hearing Yamamoto's plan, Ito's brows relaxed slightly and he nodded in agreement.
He also believes that the plan has a very high chance of success.
After all, they still have nearly 4 troops. If they choose a position that is easy to defend and difficult to attack, they will be able to hold out until reinforcements arrive and win the battle.
Ito pondered for a while, then said:
"General Yamamoto, your plan is indeed very insightful. Even if the Eighth Route Army Independent Column sees the opportunity and escapes, it will not have much impact on us.
The meeting of the three armies will form a powerful force. No one can stop the attack of hundreds of thousands of imperial troops, and Yangquan can be captured by then."
When Yamamoto saw that Ito agreed to his plan, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
He immediately reported to General Okamura Yasuji, commander-in-chief of the North China Front Army, and explained his plan to the commander.
After all, he did not have the power to mobilize the other two armies, and whether this plan could succeed would depend on the support of Ningji Okamura.
Yamamoto reported his plan to Okamura Yasuji in detail, including every detail of the center-blooming tactics and how to use the existing troops and terrain advantages to buy time and wait for the arrival of reinforcements.
.........
It didn't take long.
A telegram came from Okamura Yasuji's headquarters. Yamamoto quickly took the telegram. His eyes quickly scanned the words on the telegram and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
In the telegram, Okamura Neiji agreed with Yamamoto's plan. He also believed that this was a good opportunity to destroy the Independent Column, but the prerequisite was that the 65th Division and the 66th Division could withstand the attack of the Independent Column.
The words in the telegram revealed Okamura Neiji's expectations: "General Yamamoto, your plan has been approved. The powerful firepower of the independent column has caused the North China Front Army to suffer a lot. Now it is time to make them pay the price. I look forward to your victory."
Yamamoto was very happy to have the support of the commander. He and Ito immediately summoned all the staff officers and regiment commanders to the headquarters for discussion.
He knew that the success of this plan required not only the support of the commander, but also the understanding and execution of every officer.
After receiving the notice, all the squadron commanders were still confused and didn't understand what was going on. The offensive operation that was supposed to take place in the morning was also cancelled.
Everyone soon arrived at the division headquarters, and Yamamoto stood in front of everyone:
"Gentlemen, I have called you to the headquarters because I have important news to announce to you. There are tens of thousands of troops from the Eighth Route Army Independent Column behind us, and they have surrounded us."
All the officers present couldn't help but look panicked when they heard that they were surrounded.
Yamamoto saw the change in everyone's expressions and quickly spoke:
"Gentlemen, you don't have to be too afraid. The independent column wants to destroy us, which is simply wishful thinking. I will let them know how powerful the 65th and 66th Divisions are. General Ito and I have discussed a new tactic, and the commander has also agreed."
Yamamoto pointed to Majiapo on the map and said, "We will build a solid defense line in the Majiapo area. This location is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and the surrounding area is also very open.
As long as we hold Majiapo and wait for the support of the other two armies, we will be able to counter-encircle the attacking independent column. Then it will be time for us to launch a counterattack, attack the center and wipe out the independent column in one fell swoop."
After hearing Yamamoto's series of statements, all the Japanese officers present nodded in agreement. They were all commanders with rich combat experience. In their opinion, Yamamoto's center-blooming tactics were highly feasible.
Yamamoto immediately issued a combat order at the headquarters, and the troops of the 65th and 66th Divisions quickly evacuated the current battlefield and went to Majiapo, 3 kilometers away, to establish a defense line and engage in a decisive battle with the independent column.
As Yamamoto's order was issued, the troops of the two divisions in the middle began to pack up their weapons and equipment and prepare to evacuate, and countless Japanese soldiers in the camp began to prepare for retreat.
Yamamoto and Ito stood at the door of the headquarters and watched the troops evacuate.
Yamamoto said to Ito:
"General Ito, this is a battle concerning our honor. We must hold our ground and wait for reinforcements."
Ito nodded: "General Yamamoto, we will fight side by side and face this challenge together."
At the same time, scouts outside the Japanese camp keenly captured the Japanese's unusual movements.
A scout in a hidden position observed through a telescope that the Japanese soldiers were busy packing up their equipment and evacuating the camp in an orderly manner.
He immediately realized that this was important intelligence and quickly sent the news back to the command center in the rear.
Gundam quickly received the message sent back by the scout. A gleam of light flashed in his eyes and he immediately took action.
He knew that this news could change the course of the entire war.
He immediately summoned Li Yunlong and Qi Tongwei to the headquarters for an emergency discussion.
Everyone gathered in front of the sand table of the command center.
Gaoda said, "Political Commissar, Lao Li, I just received news from the outer scouts that the Japanese army is retreating. It seems that they have discovered our intentions."
Qi Tongwei said: "Commander, even if the devils discover our intentions now, it is too late.
I have just received telegrams from two brigades. They have arrived at their combat positions on time. The Japanese troops in the middle can’t escape even if they want to.”