boyutpedia Chapter 111 Deploying Troops
Chapter 111 Deploying Troops
That evening, Tang Weiguo summoned the main military commanders to the regimental headquarters for a small meeting to rearrange the combat deployment.
"Everyone's here, let's start the meeting now," Tang Weiguo said, looking at Zhang Haoshan, Tang Xiaohu, and the others who had all arrived.
"Regarding the Japanese stronghold at Sanjiaji, I plan to launch a siege and ambush the Japanese troops from the county town who are heading to support Sanjiaji," Tang Weiguo announced the battle plan.
"Commander, isn't this too risky? If all the Japanese troops in the county are mobilized, we'll be in danger," Zhang Haoshan objected.
“Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang’s consideration is also correct. We will proceed with the planned operation first, and then decide whether to fight or not based on the changes on the battlefield.” Tang Weiguo considered it for a moment and still referred to Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang’s opinion.
"What about the location of the ambush on the Japanese?" Long Wenying asked.
“We can choose a valley near Sanjiaji, which is the only way from the county town to Sanjiaji. We’ve ambushed bandits here before,” Niu Dali said.
"Isn't it too risky to get this close to the Sanjiaji outpost? If the Japanese reinforcements coordinate with the Japanese troops stationed at Sanjiaji and then launch a counter-encirclement against us, our ambush might turn into a breakout battle," Long Wenying suggested.
“If we control the timing of annihilating the Japanese troops at the Sanjiaji stronghold, this problem will not occur. At that time, the troops attacking Sanjiaji and the ambush troops will jointly ambush the Japanese troops supporting the county town,” Niu Dali added.
“This consideration is correct, but the main risk lies in whether we can secure the three locations on time,” Long Wenying replied.
"Don't worry about that, I have confidence in the reconnaissance battalion's combat effectiveness," Niu Dali replied.
“However, I don’t think it’s appropriate to ambush the Japanese at Sanjiaji.” Tang Xiaohu asked for his opinion at this point.
"The canyons near Sanjiaji are perfect for ambushes. The Japanese soldiers in the county town must know this, and they will definitely be on guard when they pass by. It will be difficult for us to carry out our ambush."
"Why don't we choose Lijia Gou? I've been there before. The road from the county town to Sanjiaji passes through a low-lying area with slightly higher terrain on both sides, which would be a good place to ambush troops," Tang Xiaohu suggested.
“I don’t quite agree. Our reconnaissance battalion has been to Lijia Gou. The depression is less than 5 meters from the higher ground on both sides, and the terrain is not suitable for an ambush. Moreover, the surrounding area is all open ground. Once the Japanese break through the ambush zone, we can only fight them head-on on the flat ground. Although we can fight the Japanese head-on, the casualties will be heavy. I still insist on ambushing at Sanjiaji.” Niu Dali still insisted on his opinion.
"It is precisely because this place is not suitable for an ambush that the Japanese are more likely to be less vigilant. If we ambush them here, we can catch them off guard."
"As for the Japanese breaking through our ambush zone, as long as our field fortifications are well constructed, we are not afraid that the Japanese will be able to break through our ambush zone," Tang Xiaohu said.
“Commander, I support Niu Dali’s opinion. Our main target this time is the coal mine equipment in Xiaoqingshan. The ambush on the Japanese in the county town is a secondary target. Battalion Commander Tang’s operation plan is very risky. For the sake of safety, I still suggest that the ambush site be chosen in the valley near Sanjiaji.” Zhang Haoshan expressed his opinion.
"Commander, I also think that placing the ambush position at Sanjiaji is a safe bet," Long Wenying agreed at this moment.
“Everyone’s analysis makes a lot of sense. Our core objective this time is the equipment at the Xiaoqingshan Coal Mine. So, choosing the area near Sanjiaji would be the safest option. However, Xiaohu’s battle plan is very unconventional and difficult to execute. How about we try a mix of real and fake tactics?” Tang Weiguo said.
"Commander, how do you tell the truth from the falsehood?" Zhang Haoshan asked.
"This time we set up ambush positions in both Sanjiaji and Lijia Gou. The ambush position in Lijia Gou is a decoy. Xiao Hu will lead a unit to ambush the Japanese here, making the Japanese think that we chose to ambush them here to catch them off guard."
"Our main force has set up an ambush here to wait for them. According to common sense, since they have already ambushed them in Lijia Gou, the possibility of ambushing them again in Sanjia Ji is not high. We are taking advantage of this mentality to give the Japanese another surprise," Tang Weiguo said.
"What a clever mix of truth and falsehood! It's keeping the Japanese completely confused," Zhang Haoshan exclaimed.
“But one thing to note is that Battalion Commander Tang’s ambush must be intense, so that the Japanese devils will believe that they are the main force of the militia,” Long Wenying said.
"Commander, I guarantee there won't be any problems," Tang Xiaohu said at this moment.
"What about the others? Do they have any other opinions?" Tang Weiguo asked.
"No."
"Alright, now I will begin deploying the troops."
"Yes."
"Tang Xiaohu, take two companies from the first battalion and an artillery company to the area around the river mouth tomorrow. After you have the opportunity to destroy the Japanese stronghold, leave one company behind to monitor the situation around the river mouth and ensure that the main force passes through smoothly. The remaining troops should immediately go to the area around Lijia Gougou to set up ambush positions."
"Yes, Captain."
"Tang Dazhuang is not far from Lijia Gou. I will order Tang Dazhuang to cooperate with your unit in the battle, and I will also send you an additional company of soldiers," Tang Weiguo said.
"Yes, Captain."
"Bi Shoucai will ensure that Battalion Commander Tang has all the necessary supplies."
"Yes, Captain."
"Besides me leading the troops, the remaining four combat companies and one mortar company of the First Battalion were under the unified command of Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, who built an ambush position in Sanjiaji."
"Yes, Captain."
"After completing the ambush mission, Tang Xiaohu immediately retreated and joined up with the ambush force in Sanjiaji."
"Yes, Captain."
"As for the Japanese troops stationed at Sanjiaji, the reconnaissance battalion and my troops will provide support, while Zhou Liansheng and Li Debao will be responsible for feint attacks."
"Yes, Captain."
"Tang Xiaolong, your artillery battalion is only sending one artillery company with three Type 92 infantry guns to participate in the battle this time. We can't expose all the strength of our militia this time," Tang Weiguo said.
"Yes, Captain."
"Does anyone have any further questions about troop deployment?"
"Nothing."
"Okay, let's break up the meeting."
The next day at noon, Tang Xiaohu led the strongest companies of the First Battalion, the Second Company, and the Artillery Company to the vicinity of the Hekou outpost. He had already arranged a meeting point with the Independent Regiment.
After two days of covert marching, Tang Xiaohu finally arrived at the designated rendezvous point and lay in ambush.
Half a day later, the reconnaissance squad reported that a unit suspected to be the Eighth Route Army was on its way.
Tang Xiaohu went to take a look and found that it was indeed a group from the Independent Regiment.
"Commander Li must have had a long and arduous journey," Tang Xiaohu said.
"It's not hard work. How can fighting the Japanese be considered hard work?" Li Yunfei waved his hand.
"Let's go, Commander Li, let's discuss the battle plan first."
"Okay, please." Li Yunfei then asked Zhou Zhengbiao to arrange the troops, while he and his bodyguard Dapeng went to Tang Xiaohu's temporary command post.