Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 272 New Situation

"Commander Sakai, the artillery is ready and can launch an attack at any time," Staff Officer Noda said as he ran over.

"Attack!" Sakai Yori immediately ordered.

"Hay."

After receiving the order to attack, Staff Officer Noda immediately issued the order to bombard the artillery positions via telephone.

"attack!"

Following Sakai Yori's order, the Japanese artillery fire launched an attack on the Independent Regiment's defensive positions.

The Japanese soldiers began shelling with three Type 10 infantry guns and more than ten mortars!

"Boom, boom, boom."

The sound of explosions echoed across the Independent Regiment's defensive positions.

"Second Regimental Commander, give this order: all soldiers in the Second Battalion, take cover and be on guard against Japanese artillery fire!"

To ensure the success of this battle, Li Yunfei personally took command on the front lines.

"Yes, Captain."

"Furthermore, once the Japanese shelling stops, everyone must immediately move into position to intercept the Japanese," Li Yunfei continued.

"Yes!"

.....

Independent Brigade Department.

Zhang Haoshan is reporting intelligence about the Independent Regiment to Tang Weiguo.

"Reporting to the brigade commander, the Independent Regiment has already engaged the Japanese troops who have come to Wolong County," Zhang Haoshan said.

"I didn't expect the Japanese to act so quickly," Tang Weiguo said with some emotion. The Japanese's determination in this operation was somewhat beyond his expectations.

"Brigade Commander, Regiment Commander Li has also made a major proposal this time."

"Oh, what suggestion?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Commander Li plans to encircle and annihilate this Japanese unit that is attacking Qingshan County," Zhang Haoshan continued.

"Oh, tell me about it." Tang Weiguo's eyes lit up immediately.

"Commander Li has requested support from their brigade headquarters. The Second Regiment, stationed near Qingshan County, and the First Battalion of the Independent Regiment will block Japanese reinforcements from the direction of Quanyang in the Daqinggou area."

"Commander Li said that if our Independent Brigade's reinforcements could encircle and attack the Japanese troops in the county town from the rear, he was confident that he could annihilate the Japanese troops."

"Therefore, Commander Li requested that our support troops flank the Japanese from the rear and together annihilate this Japanese unit." Zhang Haoshan explained Li Yunfei's entire plan.

"Deputy Brigade Commander Zhang, what do you think of the success rate of Regiment Commander Li's plan? What are your thoughts?" Tang Weiguo asked Zhang Haoshan.

"Commander, if it were before, I would have had some doubts about the Independent Regiment's combat capabilities. But judging from our joint exercise with the Independent Regiment last time, their overall strength is not much worse than ours."

"Moreover, the Independent Regiment now has more than 4000 men. Subtracting the First Battalion that went to block the enemy, I conservatively estimate that there are at least 3000 Independent Regiment troops left in Qingshan County!"

"Including Commander Zhou's more than 2000 troops, we had more than 5000 men to encircle and annihilate the two Japanese battalions."

"Brigade Commander, with 5000 men against 2000, the advantage is in our hands. I suggest we adopt Regimental Commander Li's suggestion to encircle and annihilate the Japanese troops attacking Qingshan County, and severely punish their arrogance," Zhang Haoshan said confidently.

"I agree with that idea too. With our two units working together, we can completely wipe out these two Japanese battalions!" Tang Weiguo echoed.

"Where is Zhou Liansheng now?" Tang Weiguo asked.

“I just received a telegram from Commander Zhou before I came. Commander Zhou has already led his troops to Wangjia Village. At Commander Zhou’s marching speed, they are about two hours away from Qingshan County,” Zhang Haoshan said, glancing at his watch.

"Yes, immediately notify them to change their combat objective and cooperate with Commander Li to encircle and annihilate the Japanese troops attacking Qingshan County."

"Also, inform Zhou Liansheng that he will be under the command of Regiment Commander Li in this battle, and that he should cooperate with the Independent Regiment in its operations."

"Yes, brigade commander, I will send the message immediately."

"it is good."

After Zhang Haoshan left, Tang Weiguo looked at the entire battle map again. Tang Weiguo marked the Japanese troops in Wolongshan County on the map.

"The Wolongshan County is currently sparsely defended!" Tang Weiguo stared at the Wolongshan County on the map, pondering something.

Meanwhile, in Lingshui County, Tang Xiaohu and his men launched another attack on the Japanese defensive positions.

"Fire!" With Tang Xiaolong's command, the specially made shells of the artillery regiment were launched.

Staff Officer Kakuta, who was observing the Independent Brigade, was shocked.

"Have these Chinese soldiers gone mad? They're not even sparing their own civilians!"

"Order the troops to take cover immediately, take cover immediately!" Staff Officer Kakuta hurriedly issued the order.

After a while, instead of a violent explosion, the Japanese position was filled with red dust from the impact points of the shells.

Many of the defending Japanese soldiers coughed violently after inhaling the smoke.

"What? Poison gas?" Staff Officer Kakuta was completely bewildered. When did the Chinese army acquire poison gas? Isn't it only Japan that possesses it?

"Withdraw from the position immediately." At this point, Staff Officer Kakuta realized that they could no longer hold their ground and immediately ordered the troops to begin their retreat.

"Charge!" Niu Dali immediately led his troops to launch an attack.

"Take care to protect the people!" Niu Dali shouted as he rushed forward.

On the other side, Aomura Kazuo was also caught off guard by this sudden turn of events.

"What?! What's going on at the front?!" Aomura Kazuo immediately ran to the front to check what was happening. Aomura Kazuo knew their current predicament; they couldn't retreat any further, or they would lose the purpose of defense.

"Officer Kakuta, what happened!" Kazuo Aomura rushed over and immediately questioned Officer Kakuta.

"Reporting to Colonel, the enemy has used poison gas. Our soldiers at the front can't hold out and have to retreat," Staff Officer Kakuta reported.

"Baka yarou, how could the Chinese army have poison gas bombs!" Aomura Kazuo continued to question.

"Reporting to Colonel, I'm not sure either, but I've already sent people to investigate," Staff Officer Kakuta continued.

"Report." Just as Staff Officer Kakuta finished speaking, a Japanese communications officer ran in.

"Reporting to Colonel Kakuta, after investigation, it has been determined that the Chinese army did not use poison gas shells, but rather chili shells made from chili powder!"

"What?!" Staff Officer Kakuta exclaimed in a panic.

Did I just order a retreat for nothing?

"Colonel, the Chinese army is extremely cunning," Staff Officer Kakuta quickly tried to exonerate himself.

"I understand, Huang Jun soldiers. Be careful and hold your ground."

At this point, it was too late for Aomura Kazuo to blame Staff Officer Kakuta; the Chinese army had already occupied the area they had just retreated from, and they were powerless to retake it.

"Chief of Staff Kakuta, you must hold the last line of defense and wait for reinforcements to arrive!" Aomura Kazuo said solemnly.

"Hai! We will defend this position to the death!" Staff Officer Kakuta nodded and bowed hurriedly.