Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 259 Visiting the Fortress

"Brigade Commander, keep moving forward."

Along the way, Zhang Haoshan carefully introduced things to Tang Weiguo.

As they walked, the group arrived at the core area of ​​the military fortress - the fortress command center.

The command center was converted from a large natural cave. After the conversion, only the naturally formed rock walls on both sides could vaguely reveal that it was originally a cave.

The cave was divided into several functional areas by the engineering regiment, including an operations center, staff office, communications office, and conference room.

"Brigade Commander, this is our command and control center." Zhang Haoshan pushed open the door to the operations center and led Tang Weiguo inside.

"This place has basically the same layout as our command post on the mountain. Brigade Commander, you see, I've also had our sand table remade."

After Tang Weiguo went inside, he looked around and found that, just as Zhang Haoshan had said, it was almost identical to the command post on the mountain, and even better in some details.

It is evident that the engineering corps under Professor Zhao's leadership not only maintained speed but also quality in its construction work.

"Very good, Deputy Brigade Commander Zhang, Professor Zhao, you've worked hard!"

“It’s not hard work, brigade commander. Seeing this fortress built by my own hands, I share in its glory and shame.”

"Now that it's finished, I don't even want this military fortress to ever be of any use. When it finally becomes a military fortress, I think it will be when our Independent Brigade faces its most dangerous moment!"

“Professor Zhao is right. This military fortress is our Independent Brigade’s last trump card in Wolong Mountain, and I don’t want to waste it either.” Zhang Haoshan nodded in agreement.

"No, I think we can set a trap at Wolong Mountain Fortress, trapping the Japanese deep inside and turning this military fortress into a meat grinder, severely killing the Japanese." Tang Weiguo repeated his idea again.

This was also a very important purpose of Tang Weiguo's original plan to build this military city.

In Tang Weiguo's eyes, a fortress that could only be passively defended was no different from a grave he was digging for himself. Historically, very few fortresses have ever escaped being breached.

"Brigadier, your words have truly enlightened me." Zhang Haoshan subtly flattered Tang Weiguo.

"It would be such a waste not to use the military fortress that we built with so much hard work and manpower!" Zhang Haoshan continued.

"Brigade Commander, we need to prepare this plan carefully. It should preserve the strength of our Wolong Mountain military fortress to the greatest extent possible, while also inflicting maximum casualties on the Japanese!"

"Yes, that's right, this requires long-term planning." Tang Weiguo nodded.

"Now that this military fortress is complete, our brigade headquarters will move its work underground from above ground. Let's familiarize ourselves with the situation here in advance to facilitate future command."

"Yes, Brigade Commander, I'll make the arrangements as soon as I get back," Zhang Haoshan agreed.

After inspecting the command center, Zhang Haoshan led Tang Weiguo to continue the inspection. As they walked, they arrived at the arsenal area.

The arsenal had expanded several times over by this time, and the engineering corps took time out of its way to expand the area for them.

As soon as Tang Weiguo and his group approached the arsenal area, they heard the roar of machinery inside. They passed three sentry posts before finally reaching the arsenal's main gate.

By this time, Wang Qiang had already received the news and hurriedly came out of the arsenal to greet Tang Weiguo and his party.

"Brigade Commander, Deputy Brigade Commander, Professor Zhao, welcome to the arsenal for your inspection." Wang Qiang quickly went to greet the group of people who were walking over.

"Director Wang, we're not here to inspect the work today. We just happened to be passing by and wanted to take a look around," Tang Weiguo said with a smile.

"Please come in, everyone." With that, Wang Qiang led Tang Weiguo on a tour.

"Brigade Commander, this way please. This is our bullet reloading workshop. All the bullets used for our brigade's training are produced here," Wang Qiang said, pointing to the soldiers who were busy at work.

"Recently, Director Bi brought over another machine tool from outside. We now have three machine tools operating simultaneously, which can greatly meet the training needs of the independent brigade," Wang Qiang continued.

"Very good. The soldiers' shooting accuracy is all thanks to the bullets they've been fed. We still have a gap in shooting ability compared to the Japanese."

"Director Wang, it's precisely because the arsenal is constantly producing ammunition that our soldiers can always have bullets for training, and their marksmanship is getting better and better," Tang Weiguo praised.

"We can't go to the battlefield ourselves, so we can only do our best from behind and support the soldiers at the front in our own way," Wang Qiang said modestly.

"Brigadier, keep going. Our arsenal's treasures are just ahead." With that, Wang Qiang led Tang Weiguo further inside.

"Brigade Commander, these two are bullet production lines that our brigade bought at great expense. They can produce the Japanese Type 38 rifles."

"I heard Bi Shoucai report about it before, but this is the first time I've seen it in person. With this machine, our independent brigade will be able to produce bullets continuously." Tang Weiguo nodded.

This machine is far more significant than a bullet reloading machine.

"How is the bullet production going now?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Due to limitations in the availability of raw materials for bullets, we can only produce 4 bullets per month at the moment," Wang Qiang said after thinking for a moment.

"What is the maximum bullet production capacity of this machine?" Tang Weiguo continued to ask.

"With sufficient raw material supply, we can produce about 8 bullets a month."

"Yes, I will inform Bi Shoucai and have him do everything he can to supply your arsenal with the necessary materials," Tang Weiguo said immediately.