Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 278 Movements from all sides

In Wolong County, Liu Hao had already led the main force of the support regiment to join forces with Li Jun and his group, and they had surrounded the Japanese's defensive center, the ammunition depot.

"The main force of the Japanese troops is now concentrated near the train station, and they have learned from their previous experience and built a tight fortification around the area," Sun Qiang explained to Liu Hao.

"Moreover, our target is the Japanese arsenal, so our artillery support will be limited."

"So the Japanese only stationed two companies there, but it was a tough nut to crack, not easy to break through," Sun Qiang continued.

"No matter how tough the task, we must overcome it. Right now, other brother units are blocking the reinforcements coming to our aid. We must take the Japanese position as soon as possible!" Liu Hao's eyes were filled with determination.

"Deputy Regimental Commander Li, you arrived early and have a good understanding of the battlefield. What do you think of this?"

"We now have five times the strength of the Japanese, which is enough to besiege them. So I think we should launch an attack from all sides and put pressure on the Japanese from all aspects to prevent them from supporting each other."

"In addition, although the defenses on the east side are more robust, it is far from the Japanese ammunition depots, which allows us to exert our heavy firepower. Therefore, we should place all the heavy firepower of the entire regiment on the east side and focus on breaking through the Japanese eastern defense line."

"Once we break through the defenses, I will lead a suicide squad straight to the Japanese arms depot, take control of the depot, and prevent the Japanese from resorting to desperate measures and detonating the arms depot."

“Very good, we’ll do it your way. Captain Sun, do you have any opinions?” Liu Hao asked Sun Qiang, who was standing to the side.

“We have no objection to the battle plan, but when Deputy Regiment Commander Li organizes the suicide squad for the attack, please be sure to bring our action group along. We are familiar with this place and can help you,” Sun Qiang said calmly.

"Okay!" Liu Hao gently patted Sun Qiang's shoulder.

"I will take command of the west and the north and south, while the east will be under the command of Deputy Regiment Commander Li," Liu Hao continued.

"Okay, no problem." Liu Hao nodded.

"Everyone get ready, the attack will begin in 10 minutes."

"Yes."

...

Independent Brigade Department.

Tang Weiguo was standing in front of the sand table, closely monitoring the movements of the Japanese troops, while Zhang Haoshan was constantly reporting battlefield intelligence to him.

"Two Japanese battalions near Lingshui County had begun to retreat, but suddenly changed their target and continued to approach Lingshui County."

"Based on our speculation, we estimate that the Japanese wanted to put pressure on Lingshui County, forcing us to be unable to return to Wolong Mountain."

"Two Japanese battalions think they can force us to stop our reinforcements? The Japanese are really underestimating us," Tang Weiguo said with a sneer.

"Since they dare to continue approaching Lingshui County, it would be a disservice to their enthusiasm if we didn't treat them well," Tang Weiguo sneered.

“The brigade commander is right. We currently have three regiments in Lingshui County, which is enough,” Zhang Haoshan nodded.

"Order Tang Dazhuang and Li Debao to ambush a group of Japanese soldiers when the opportunity arises, and make sure to inflict heavy losses on them."

"Yes."

"Have Tang Xiaohu build defensive fortifications in Lingshui County as soon as possible."

"Yes."

"In addition, the air defense regiment was ordered to withdraw to Wolong Mountain."

"As for the artillery regiment, leave one battalion behind, and the rest of the troops shall immediately withdraw to Wolong Mountain," Tang Weiguo issued a series of orders.

"Yes." Zhang Haoshan kept writing it down in his notebook.

"Where are Sakai Rai's troops in Wolongshan County now?"

"Brigade Commander, two battalions of Sakai Rai who were returning to reinforce have been intercepted in the vicinity of Ping'an Town."

As Zhang Haoshan spoke, another soldier standing next to him planted a small flag representing the Japanese troops on the sand table.

"Our mistake was Zhou Liansheng's Third Regiment."

"Yes, Brigade Commander. Zhou Liansheng is leading his troops in a fierce resistance against the Japanese troops."

"Commander Li dispatched two battalions to participate in the defense mission, led by Battalion Commander Zhou of the Independent Regiment."

"It seems the Independent Regiment is really going all out this time, sending their main force to reinforce us and block the Japanese reinforcements," Tang Weiguo remarked.

“Yes, the Independent Regiment really goes into battle when something happens.” Zhang Haoshan echoed the same sentiment.

"How is the defense of Qingshan County?" Tang Weiguo suddenly asked with concern.

"According to intelligence from the front, the Eighth Route Army is barely able to hold out by relying on the terrain advantage, but in the long run, the situation is not optimistic," Zhang Haoshan replied.

"The Independent Regiment has helped us so much, we can't let them suffer too much loss, otherwise I won't be able to ask them for help again next time," Tang Weiguo said after a moment of contemplation.

"Brigade Commander, what do you suggest we do?" Zhang Haoshan asked.

"Order Niu Dali to divide the reconnaissance regiment into two groups, one heading north to support Qingshan County, and the other to reinforce Zhou Liansheng," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"Yes."

"How's the situation with the guard regiment?"

"Currently, we are sniping the Japanese reinforcements in the Lijia Gou area."

"This time, the guard regiment brought a battalion of Flying Thunder God missiles, which is enough to hold the Lijia Gou position."

"Ah, very good."

"Where is the logistics regiment located now?"

"We have arrived in Wolongshan County."

"Yes, everything is ready now, we just need the right opportunity," Tang Weiguo said.

"Brigade Commander, should I go and urge Liu Hao's troops to take over the Japanese armory as soon as possible?" Zhang Haoshan asked.

"It's not necessary for now; adding more pressure on them would be counterproductive."

"I have confidence in them and that we can take over the Japanese warehouse as soon as possible." Tang Weiguo's face was full of confidence.

"Yes, brigade commander, I understand."