boyutpedia Chapter 184 Response of the Militia
Chapter 184 Response of the Militia
"Commander, what happened?" Zhang Haoshan asked after everyone in the regimental headquarters had taken their seats.
"We have received reliable intelligence that a Japanese regiment will be involved in the attack on Wolong Mountain."
"What! A Japanese regiment? That's the largest single-service combat unit of the Japanese!" Zhang Haoshan shouted.
"A Japanese regiment consisted of three Japanese infantry battalions, plus a regimental-level rapid-fire artillery company, communications unit, and transport unit, with a total of nearly 3800 men in the regiment."
"With the two Japanese battalions currently stationed near Sanjiaji, we are now facing an attack by nearly 6000 Japanese soldiers."
"Including the large Japanese force we just defeated in Qingshan County, the total number of Japanese troops attacking us exceeds 7000, not including the puppet troops."
“Even a single Japanese army unit attacking the Nationalist government wouldn’t need this kind of equipment. The Japanese are overestimating us,” Zhang Haoshan said, somewhat puzzled.
“Deputy Commander Zhang is right, so let’s discuss how to fight this battle,” Tang Weiguo asked the group of people sitting down.
The seated staff officers fell silent, quietly processing the information Zhang Haoshan had just shared.
“Commander, let’s retreat to Wolong Mountain. The fortifications built there are sufficient to deal with this size of Japanese force,” Zhang Haoshan said, breaking the silence.
He led the construction of the Wolong Mountain military fortress and is very familiar with its current construction status.
Tang Weiguo did not respond when Zhang Haoshan suggested relocating to the Wolong Mountain base again.
The scene fell silent once again.
"Commander, our forces are too scattered now, making us vulnerable to being picked off one by one by the Japanese. Why don't we abandon the Sanjiaji outpost and divide all the militia forces into two parts? One part will defend the road into Wolong Mountain, and the other part will defend Tangjia Town."
"We have built complete defensive fortifications on the road leading into Wolong Mountain, and the mountain road is steep, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack."
"Furthermore, we have already constructed a complete network of underground tunnels beneath Tangjia Town, and the engineering battalion is currently continuing excavation in preparation for opening up an underground transportation route between Tangjia Town and Wolong Mountain."
"With these two defensive cores, we can hold out for a very long time."
"Moreover, we now have sufficient logistical supplies to fight the Japanese for a long time."
"Currently, most of the Japanese troops' logistical supplies are concentrated in Wolongshan County. According to the previous plan, the reconnaissance battalion is hidden near Wolongshan County. Once the reconnaissance battalion finds an opportunity to attack the county, it will destroy the Japanese troops' logistical supplies."
"Then even if the Japanese want to continue fighting us, they are powerless to do so," Long Wenying said, expressing her thoughts.
"What do you all think?" Tang Weiguo continued to ask.
"Commander, I think Staff Officer Long's idea is worth a try," Zhang Haoshan said.
Upon hearing Long Wenying's suggestion, Zhang Haoshan realized that his combat strategy was too conservative and not suitable for the militia's fighting style.
The militia is better at taking the initiative to attack than to defend. No matter what the situation, the militia will always find a direction, take the initiative to attack, and bite the Japanese devils hard.
"Does anyone have any other ideas?"
"Commander, since we're abandoning the Sanjiaji position, why don't we take the initiative before retreating, gather our superior forces, and attack the two Japanese units currently stationed at Sanjiaji? We can deplete their manpower before the Japanese regiment arrives," Sun Lianquan suggested.
"What about the others?" Tang Weiguo continued to ask.
"Commander, we support Staff Officer Long's suggestion. Our forces are currently scattered across four defensive positions, making us vulnerable to being concentrated and defeated one by one by the Japanese."
"In the face of overwhelming military strength, any battle is meaningless."
After everyone had spoken, Tang Weiguo remained silent, deep in thought.
“Commander, Staff Officer Long’s operational plan is highly practical. We can avoid exposing the military presence at Wolong Mountain,” Zhang Haoshan continued.
“We can also adopt Staff Officer Sun’s operational idea. Before the Japanese regiment can reinforce, we can deplete the Japanese forces and reduce the pressure on their defense,” Zhang Haoshan continued.
“Since everyone agrees with Staff Officer Long’s plan, I agree as well.” Tang Weiguo nodded.
"Now, I command."
"Swish, swish, swish." Zhang Haoshan and the others stood up.
"Zhang Haoshan, your staff office should immediately revise the operational plan, taking the operational plans of Staff Officer Long and Staff Officer Sun as the core."
"Remember, be quick!"
"Yes."
"Further notice: The Second, Third, and Fifth Battalions are to immediately withdraw from the direction of Yixiantian and assemble at the Sanjiaji battlefield."
"Notify the troops retreating from the Hekou area to immediately change direction and assemble at the Sanjiaji position."
"Yes," Zhang Haoshan replied.
"Meeting adjourned."
As the meeting concluded, Zhang Haoshan and his staff began to get busy, working on developing new operational plans.
At night, the militia command post was brightly lit and bustling with people. Tang Weiguo stood on the sand table, carefully simulating the battle situation.
"Commander, this is the latest battle plan," Zhang Haoshan reported as he ran over.
"Okay." Tang Weiguo picked it up and examined it carefully.
"Concentrate the forces of the 1st to 9th companies of the 1st Battalion, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Battalions, and the mountain artillery battalion, and launch a proactive attack on the two Japanese battalions stationed at Sanjiaji."
"After the battle, the First Battalion was deployed to Tangjia Town, and the Second to Sixth Battalions were stationed on the mountain road leading into Wolong Mountain," Zhang Haoshan reported from the side.
"Okay, but I'll add two points. First, I'll appoint Tang Xiaohu as the frontline commander-in-chief to coordinate all attacking units, and transfer communications officers from the communications department to assist Tang Xiaohu with communications. Second, I'll deploy the entire air defense battalion and mountain artillery battalion towards Tangjia Town."
"Yes, Captain."
"The operational plan will be issued to all participating units."
"Yes, I'll arrange it immediately."
"What are the current positions of all units?"
"All participating troops are expected to arrive at Sanjiaji by midnight tonight," Zhang Haoshan replied.
"Okay, notify all participating units to launch the attack at 4:00 AM tomorrow." Tang Weiguo issued the battle order.
"Yes."
"Speed is of the essence in war. We don't know when this Japanese regiment will arrive in Wolong. The faster we move, the better."
"Yes, Commander, I will notify them immediately."
"Okay, sure." Tang Weiguo nodded.
Meanwhile, in the Japanese temporary command post, Masatoshi Ikeda was discussing battle plans with Ichiro Suzuki.
"Suzuki-kun, the Taiyuan Command just sent intelligence that the Sakai Regiment is expected to arrive at Wolong Mountain tomorrow night to join our unit," Ikeda Maken delivered the intelligence.
"Tomorrow night? Then I'll have to stay here for another day."
"Yes."
“However, Ikeda-kun, I feel a little uneasy right now. I have a feeling that something will happen tonight,” Suzuki Ichiro said with some concern.