boyutpedia Chapter 218 Defense Switch
Chapter 218 Defense Switch
"Old Yang, give me two meat buns first! I'm starving." Chen San nodded secretly when he saw that the soldiers had relaxed.
"Damn, these meat buns are so good. I used to want to eat them but couldn't afford them, and you guys are complaining!" Chen San grabbed a meat bun and took a big bite. His mouth was full of oil as he ate.
Seeing that the company commander was eating with relish, the soldiers quickly gathered around.
"Haisheng! After we finish eating, quickly get the brothers to clean up the battlefield. We should also collect some spoils of war, so the other brothers don't get any for themselves," Chen San said to the platoon leader.
His company suffered twenty or thirty casualties in the battle last night. Although it wasn't a crippling blow, based on his experience, he estimated that the higher-ups would soon send other companies to relieve them.
If he doesn't act quickly, these spoils will go to his brother units.
After breakfast, seeing that the Japanese across the way were not making any moves, each platoon immediately sent men to begin cleaning up the battlefield.
Although the Japanese army's weapons were outdated, they still had to be collected. Although most of the Japanese soldiers were poor, some of the Japanese officers did have some rare and interesting items.
"You idiots! You're all useless morons!" Terauchi Masatake of the Japanese Army Ministry was furious.
The 9th and 15th Divisions mobilized more than 20,000 men and fought all night. They failed to break through a single Chinese defensive line and instead suffered more than 10,000 casualties.
“Your Excellency, the Chinese army was well prepared. They have well-constructed fortifications and their firepower is so intense that our troops cannot get close at all. The soldiers have done their best!” a Japanese major general said, bowing his head in defense.
He was the chief of staff of the 9th Division and personally commanded the night raid. Naturally, he knew how formidable the Chinese army was.
"Hmph! Is this your reason for defeat? Soldiers of the Great Japanese Empire must have the courage to dedicate themselves to His Majesty the Emperor at any time and fight to the death!" Terauchi Masatake roared.
"Yes, sir!" The major general quickly bowed his head and admitted his mistake.
"Go back immediately and have the 9th and 15th Divisions organize their forces. Continue the offensive! Don't let the Chinese rest. They're so few; we'll wear them down!"
"Hey!" The Japanese major general's mouth was full of bitterness. Two divisions had suffered a crushing defeat last night, with heavy casualties. Now their morale was even lower. Could they really take down the Chinese with another attack? He couldn't believe it.
If they can't even win at night, the Chinese will definitely have an even harder time during the day with naval gun support!
But he didn't dare to say anything, so he turned around and left!
"How is the formation of the reserve forces in Kyoto going?" Terauchi Masatake turned to look at the officials of the Army Ministry.
"Your Excellency, all reservists and veterans have been notified to return to their posts. It is estimated that 50,000 men can be assembled within ten days, and 200,000 men within a month. However..." a major general from the Army Department said, rising to his feet.
"But what?" Terauchi Masatake frowned.
"The soldiers are fine, but we lack the weapons and ammunition to arm such a large army!" the major general said, bowing his head.
"Damn it! Collect every weapon you can. This is a national war, every Japanese person must contribute, even if it's just a kitchen knife, charge onto the battlefield!" Terauchi Masatake roared.
"Yes, sir!" the officers quickly replied, bowing their heads.
"When will Suga and Mishima's troops arrive?" Terauchi Masatake asked, calming his excitement.
"The 23rd Division of Suga and the 21st Division stationed in Mishima will take another three days to arrive."
Both divisions are in reserve and are closest to Kyoto. Although the order to assemble was given yesterday, it will still take time for them to reach Kyoto and participate in the battle.
"Tell them to speed things up! Also, notify the 9th, 15th, and 16th Divisions. Continue the offensive, but be careful of casualties!" Terauchi Masatake said after thinking for a moment.
If these three divisions suffer heavy casualties, and the Chinese launch a counter-offensive, they could directly march into Kyoto.
The Imperial Guard Division is no match for such a large city; if the Chinese storm Tokyo, we're doomed.
It's better to be on the safe side and wait until we've amassed a large enough army before wiping out the Chinese on the beach in one fell swoop.
Chen San was admiring a Japanese officer's sword. The sword had a sharkskin scabbard inlaid with exquisite patterns. The hilt was made of silver, and the grip was wrapped with yellow silk thread.
It seems this guy must be of noble birth! Chen San nodded in satisfaction.
"Hey! Old Chen, you've struck gold! Let me see." A captain led his men in.
"Get lost! I can take the stuff back even if it's in your hands!" Chen San waved his hand and slapped away the other person's outstretched hand.
"Look at you, so stingy! Looks like it's a field officer's sword, you've struck it rich!" The captain clapped his hands and said sheepishly.
"That's right! I bet he's a nobleman, hehe!" Chen San said smugly.
"Old Chen, how about..."
"Stop! I'm taking this knife back with me to be a family heirloom for my son!" Chen San interrupted the other man.
"This battle has only just begun. You think you can get a knife without one? Go find one on the battlefield yourself!"
"Let's hurry up and hand over the position! We fought all night, I'd better go back and get some rest!" Chen San said, picking up his military knife and walking out.
After handing over the position to the Third Battalion, Chen San and the political instructor led their men and retreated with their equipment.
After walking three or four miles, they arrived at their camp. It was a cluster of tents; the supply corps brothers had already set up camp for them.
After settling the soldiers in, Chen San and the political instructor tidied up and headed to the field hospital not far away.
The distant beach was empty, with only a few logistics personnel still moving things. All the transport ships had left, leaving only seven or eight warships anchored at sea, their dark cannons menacingly aimed at the shore.
Not far away, a temporary runway had been cleared on the beach. An airplane was preparing for takeoff.
Chen San and the instructor stopped and watched. Airplanes were rare sights; they had only ever seen them from afar before. They had never seen one this close before.
Two air force soldiers grabbed the propeller in front of the plane and shook it violently. The plane sputtered a few times and emitted a plume of black smoke. The propeller spun a few times and then stopped.
Two air force logistics personnel stepped forward again and performed another set of operations. This time, the engine finally started, the plane making a clicking sound as the propellers spun rapidly.
The logistics team members in front quickly made way and ran under the plane to inspect it. They then gave the pilot a thumbs-up.
The pilot smiled, nodded, and put on his goggles. He also gave a thumbs-up!
Then Chen San and the others watched as the plane taxied away and rushed forward quickly. After gliding for several hundred meters, it gracefully took to the sky!
"Clap clap clap!" Chen San and his companion couldn't help but clap their hands!
"It's good that the air force is here! With them here, let's see where those damn Japanese artillerymen can hide!" Chen San turned to the instructor and said.