Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 147 A new beginning

"Now that I've finished talking about the newly established units, I'd like to focus on the development of our unit. Our militia's Xiaoqingshan combat unit suffered heavy losses this time, so the regiment will replenish your ranks accordingly."

"Zhao Zhu, how's the recruitment of new soldiers going?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"The recruitment work is basically completed, and the new recruits are now undergoing intensive training."

"Alright, replenish the various combat battalions immediately tomorrow, and let the battalion commanders personally oversee the training. From now on, you will be in charge of recruitment."

"Yes, Captain."

"Tang Dazhuang, Li Debao, and Zhou Liansheng, after you replenish your troops and equipment tomorrow, return to your post immediately and expand the size of your forces. Currently, each of your battalions has two companies; I hope your forces can be expanded to the size of a battalion."

"Yes, we guarantee we'll complete the mission," the three said confidently.

"Alright, from now on, the three of you will continue to expand outwards from the base and broaden our sphere of influence."

"Chief of Staff Long, are the coal miners rescued from Xiaoqingshan Coal Mine and the prisoners of war like Liu Hao willing to join our militia?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Commander, I was also about to report to you that after two days of ideological work, with Liu Hao's cooperation in persuasion, and with the personal testimonies of Battalion Commander Zhou and Deputy Commander Zhang, these more than 200 prisoners of war have decided to join the militia."

"In addition, more than 300 other coal miners were also willing to stay and join the militia to fight the Japanese, as they wanted to avenge their comrades who had died tragically at the hands of the Japanese."

"it is good."

Tang Weiguo smiled happily upon hearing that the rescued miners and prisoners of war had agreed to join the militia.

Those 500-plus people who survived in the Japanese mines must have had top-notch physical fitness. Once they recover and are properly trained, they will surely become an elite force once again.

“Since they are all in the same mine, I don’t plan to separate them. I’ve decided to form the 5th Battalion based on these miners, with Liu Hao temporarily serving as the battalion commander.”

Tang Weiguo had spoken with Liu Hao on the way back from the Xiaoqingshan coal mine. Liu Hao was a proper military academy graduate, having studied at the Whampoa Military Academy, and possessed strong combat capabilities. He was upright and valued relationships. Especially after Tang Weiguo rescued them, he was filled with gratitude towards Tang Weiguo.

Moreover, at Tang Weiguo's invitation, he joined the militia without hesitation. Liu Hao also played a significant role in persuading the other captured soldiers to join the militia, so Tang Weiguo felt that Liu Hao was trustworthy.

"Staff Officer Long, you've gotten to know them well during this time, so the formation of the 5th Battalion will be entrusted to you."

"Yes, Captain."

"Furthermore, we fought a fierce battle with the Japanese in Sanjiaji this time, and the Japanese suffered heavy casualties. These past few days, the Japanese have been staying in the county town without making any moves. Moreover, Sanjiaji is located at the foot of our Wolong Mountain, so I plan to occupy the Sanjiaji stronghold. I wonder what everyone thinks about this?"

Upon hearing Tang Weiguo's words, everyone began to discuss the matter, weighing the pros and cons. Tang Weiguo, unhurried, picked up his cup and began to drink water. He had been talking for so long and was thirsty.

After a while, everyone stopped talking. It seemed that they had reached a conclusion. Tang Weiguo was looking forward to hearing what they had to say.

"Commander, I think we can take over Sanjiaji. The Japanese have suffered heavy losses this time, and it will take them some time to replenish their troops. We might as well seize this opportunity to take over the Sanjiaji stronghold and control the road to Qingyun County. This will allow us to continue to expand the area controlled by our militia to the north and increase our influence in the enemy-occupied area," Tang Xiaohu said first.

"Yes, that's a good idea. By controlling Sanjiaji, we can ensure the logistical supply for the troops heading to Qingyun County, thus guaranteeing the troops' operations in Qingyun County," Tang Weiguo affirmed.

"However, we should keep a low profile regarding our influence in this area for the time being. After all, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down, and if we attract the attention of the Japanese high command, we'll be in trouble," Tang Weiguo cautioned.

"What other ideas do the others have?"

"Commander, I also support the occupation of Sanjiaji. The population of the villages around Wolong Mountain is currently finite. If our militia wants to expand its size again, we can't do it by relying solely on Wolong Mountain. So we still need to expand our troops in other areas."

Zhao Zhu had always been in charge of recruiting soldiers, so he knew the recruitment situation all too well.

"Commander, we support it too." Niu Dali and the others nodded in agreement.

"Alright, since everyone agrees, I order the First Battalion to take over Sanjiaji and continue to expand northward, extending our sphere of influence to the Qingyun County area."

"Yes."

"In addition, the intelligence department must do a good job in intelligence work in Qingyun County," Tang Weiguo said to Li Qukou.

"Yes."

"Now, taking advantage of this time, all combat units need to expand their size and improve their combat effectiveness. Do you all understand?"

"Yes, I understand."

"it is good."

"Now I'll talk about the transportation issue. We've captured six Japanese cars this time, and we now have drivers who can drive them. This is the first step for our militia towards mechanized warfare."

“So, Zhou Yuan,” Tang Weiguo suddenly shouted at Zhou Yuan.

"Here." Zhou Yuan stood up subconsciously.

"I hope you can use these six cars to train as many drivers as possible. In the future, our militia will seize more and more cars, and we must ensure that every car has a driver."

"Besides being able to drive a car, you also need to ensure that the driver can repair cars and handle various problems encountered on the road. So Zhou Yuan, you have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders. Can you complete this task?"

"Commander, I can do it!" Zhou Yuan assured him.

"Good!" Tang Weiguo nodded at him with satisfaction.

"Furthermore, Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, I'm assigning you an important task: write a combat report on this battle at Sanjiaji and submit it to the Second War Zone Command. Make sure it states that our militia suffered heavy losses in this battle, and request that the War Zone Command provide us with weapon support. You can figure out how to write it yourself; you should understand the intricacies involved."

"Understood. Leave this to me. I know how to write it."

"This time, you will personally go back to the Second War Zone Headquarters and submit the report yourself. Bi Shoucai, you will go with Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang this time."

"Yes, Captain."

"Niu Dali, this time you'll be in charge of Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang's safety, and while you're at it, scout out the Japanese defenses along the way from Wolong Mountain to the rear."

"Yes, Commander." I guarantee I will complete the mission.

"Okay, that concludes tonight's meeting. Everyone, once you get back, be sure to implement the relevant tasks as soon as possible based on the content of this meeting."

"Yes, Captain."

"Meeting dismissed."

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, Bi Shoucai, please stay behind."

"Yes."