Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 217 Pre-Battle Mobilization (Happy New Year's Eve!)

P.S.: Happy Lunar New Year's Eve everyone!

Wishing all my readers good health, all the best, and may you prosper in the new year!

Although it was late at night, Tang Weiguo's command post was still brightly lit. The command post was bustling with people coming and going.

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, where is Bi Shoucai's unit now?" Tang Weiguo asked.

“I just received a telegram from Bi Shoucai ten minutes ago. They have already passed Lijia Gou and handed over their ammunition to Tang Xiaohu’s First Battalion. They are expected to meet up with Niu Dali on time,” Zhang Haoshan replied.

"Hmm, any news about the Japanese troops stationed at Wolong Mountain?"

"There is no movement for the time being. Apart from the Japanese guard units, the rest of the troops are resting."

"Yes, keep a close watch on the Japanese soldiers' movements."

"Yes."

"How are the preparations going for the Fifth and Sixth Battalions?" Tang Weiguo continued to ask.

"The Fifth and Sixth Battalions have all arrived at the front line. Once the Japanese begin to retreat, they will launch an attack on them immediately. In addition, in order to cover the attack of the Fifth and Sixth Battalions, I have ordered Song Shan to lead three mortar companies and one company from the artillery battalion to the front line to provide them with artillery cover."

"Okay, but we must ensure the safety of the artillery units and prevent the Japanese from launching a counterattack."

"Commander, I've made all the arrangements. I've ordered Zhang Yu to lead the air defense battalion to set up defensive positions on both sides of the artillery positions and provide necessary fire support for the artillery positions."

"Okay, also transfer the remaining troops of the Second, Third, and Fourth Battalions to defend the artillery positions."

"Yes."

"Commander, now that the crisis in Tangjia Town has been resolved, can we send Tang Xiaolong's artillery unit over?"

“The underground trenches we’ve built are enough to transport Type 92 infantry guns,” Zhang Haoshan asked.

"Okay, but we still need to leave a company of artillery in Tangjia Town. In case the Japanese do something unexpected and launch an attack on Tangjia Town, they can rely on the tunnels to defend for a while and hold out until we come back to reinforce."

"Yes."

"How about this, let's bring Battalion Commander Wu Bai back together, so he can provide support for the artillery when necessary."

"Yes, I will make arrangements now."

"Mm." Tang Weiguo nodded.

As time ticked by, it was 2 a.m. the next day.

When passing through Lijia Gou, the supplies carried by the logistics transport battalion were handed over to the first battalion. Without the burden of supplies, the logistics transport battalion's advance speed increased significantly.

Bi Shoucai was worried that he wouldn't be able to meet Niu Dali at 2 o'clock, but when he saw Niu Dali, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"Director Bi, you must have had a long journey." Niu Dali said with a smile as he poured Bi Shoucai a glass of water.

"I'm exhausted! I've been marching at full speed the whole way without daring to rest for a moment. Luckily, I haven't missed any physical training recently, otherwise I really don't know if I could have made it through this," Bi Shoucai said, panting.

"Forced marches are a specialty of our militia; you can't fall behind."

"That's what they say, but it's going to kill me. I need to train a logistics transport battalion commander as soon as possible so I can focus on my logistics work."

"Haha, the capable should do more. Without you, things really wouldn't be able to run smoothly," Niu Dali exclaimed.

Bi Shoucai was truly a talent when it came to logistics; he arranged the logistics work of the militia perfectly.

"Before leaving, the regimental commander told me that Regimental Commander Li and his men would cooperate with us in the operation?"

"That's right, I've already sent someone to invite them over. You'll need to coordinate the specific arrangements for the transfer of supplies with Political Commissar Zhao of the Independent Regiment."

"I understand."

Just as the two were chatting, Li Yunfei and Zhao Xiaogang walked in.

"Commander Li, Political Commissar Zhao!"

"Director Bi!"

"It's been a long time. Commander Li, where have you been making your fortune lately?" Bi Shoucai joked.

"Haha, there's no better way to make money than by following your militia. You guys are the real gods of wealth," Li Yunfei said with a laugh.

"Let's get rich together, let's get rich together."

"Now that all our units are present, let's finalize the battle plan," Niu Dali said.

"it is good."

"As for the transfer of supplies, Director Bi, you and Political Commissar Zhao should have a proper discussion about it."

"No problem, I'll discuss the logistics and supplies transfer with Political Commissar Zhao right now." After saying that, Shou Cai pulled Political Commissar Zhao aside to discuss the matter.

"Battalion Commander Niu, I have divided the Independent Regiment into four attack forces to launch a joint attack on the Japanese garrison at the county town gates and the military police headquarters."

"Then leave a platoon of soldiers at each city gate for guard duty, and the rest of the troops will immediately join your unit."

"Yes, I'll have someone from the intelligence department guide you to avoid any unexpected situations."

"I was just about to ask Battalion Commander Niu for more personnel, but I didn't expect him to have already thought of that. I was overthinking it," Li Yunfei said with a smile.

"Commander Li, you flatter me," Niu Dali said with a smile.

"Commander Li, there's one more thing. How about our militia take charge of the Japanese hospital next to the military police headquarters?" Niu Dali asked.

"Okay, then you'll be in charge."

Li Yunfei seemed to have thought of something, so he stopped asking questions and nodded in agreement.

"Commander Li, as for the medical supplies, we will continue with the previously agreed distribution plan, splitting them 30/70," Niu Dali continued.

"Thank you very much," Li Yunfei said gratefully.

Li Yunfei did not refuse. The Japanese had suffered heavy losses in their encirclement and suppression campaign against the Eighth Route Army in the south, and they urgently needed medicine.

If they can seize a batch of medicines in the county town this time, it will greatly alleviate their urgent need.

"I'm just following the regimental commander's orders. After the battle, Regimental Commander Li can properly thank our regimental commander." Niu Dali said with a smile.

"Battalion Commander Niu, when will our regiment launch the attack?" Li Yunfei asked.

"Listen to my gunshots. Once I launch an attack on the Japanese supply depot, Commander Li needs to immediately launch an attack on other targets."

“Okay, no problem. We’ll use the gunshot as a signal.” Li Yunfei nodded.

On the other side, Bi Shoucai and Political Commissar Zhao were having a heated discussion.

"Political Commissar Zhao, your Independent Regiment knows the transport route well, so you'll need to send someone to guide us."

"Okay, this is no problem."

"As for team management, we'll stick to the same old approach: unified allocation and command, with each of us coordinating our own troops," Zhao Xiaogang said.

"Yes, we've collaborated several times already, so it's a familiar routine."

While Bi Shoucai and Zhao Xiaogang were discussing the transportation details, it was already 3 a.m.

The two of them had just finished their discussion.

"Battalion Commander Niu, there is less than an hour left before the attack."

"Okay, now we just wait for the intelligence department's action team to make their move."

"Once they open the city gates, we must rush in immediately and quickly identify our targets."

"In addition, to avoid any unforeseen circumstances, we must also be prepared to launch a full-scale assault on the county seat," Niu Dali continued.

"I see."