Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 225 Difficult Defense

"Battalion Commander, the Japanese retreated immediately after their initial attack, and they did so with remarkable decisiveness. To prevent an ambush, I didn't send anyone to pursue them further," the company commander said.

"Yes, you did the right thing. Don't pursue a defeated enemy too far. It seems the Japanese have learned their lesson this time; they're probably waiting for the main force to arrive."

"Alright, order your troops to continue scouting the situation of the main Japanese force ahead, and report back immediately if anything comes up," Tang Xiaohu continued, issuing the order.

"Yes."

.........

A dozen minutes later, Sakai Rai arrived at Lijia Gou with the main force of the Japanese army and joined forces with Ikeda Masatoshi's troops.

"Commander, the enemy has already established a defensive position in Lijia Gou. I have ordered the troops to go and scout. The enemy has a large number of troops, and I believe that this is the same defensive force we encountered in Tangjia Town."

Speaking of the troops in Tangjia Town, Masato Ikeda said through gritted teeth.

"How many people do you estimate the other side has?" Sakai Yori asked.

"Based on the reconnaissance, I estimate there are at least 400 people," said Masatoshi Ikeda.

“We now have more than 1500 troops, 1500 against 400, this advantage is on my side. Ikeda-kun, you have fought before, you will assist in commanding this battle.”

"Yes, Commander, I will certainly live up to your mission!" Ikeda Maken bowed and agreed.

At that moment, the Japanese messenger ran over.

"Reporting to the regimental commander, the artillery is ready and can fire at any time!"

"Alright, Ikeda-kun, you will command the artillery to clear the enemy's minefields and clear the way for the main force's attack."

"Hai!" Masaki Ikeda then immediately ran towards the artillery position.

"All guns, adjust your positions. We are currently in an enemy minefield. Fire!" The Japanese artillery commander, based on information provided by Masatoshi Ikeda, was directing the regiment's artillery units to begin their attack.

"Boom, boom, boom"

As the Japanese artillery shells landed in the minefield that the First Battalion had laid out in advance, one explosion after another rang out from the minefield.

"emission!"

The Japanese artillery commander kept shouting loudly and constantly adjusted the angle of the shells as they landed to ensure a safe passage through the minefield.

Amidst the intense bombing by the Japanese, the positions of the company were filled with curses.

"Damn the Japanese devils, Battalion Commander, our mine was buried for nothing!" the company commander cursed at Tang Xiaohu.

Even Tang Xiaohu hadn't expected the Japanese to have this method for clearing minefields. It has to be said that this method was very effective, but it was a bit wasteful of ammunition.

"We're not at a loss either; consider it as using landmines to deplete the Japanese artillery shells." Tang Xiaohu was quite calm at this moment.

There are too many unexpected situations on the battlefield. As the saying goes, when soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it. Whatever tricks the Japanese come up with, Tang Xiaohu will take them all.

"After the Japanese clear the minefield to make way for the road, they will definitely bomb our defensive positions. So, pass the notice down that we must be prepared to prevent Japanese artillery bombardment, especially your company, which is at the forefront of our defensive positions."

"Your company will be the first to be bombed by the Japanese artillery, so be extra careful," Tang Xiaohu continued.

"I understand. Our company has already dug the cat-ear holes. Even if we don't have time to reinforce them, they will still be useful in dealing with artillery fire."

"Once the Japanese finish shelling, your company must immediately come out and defend the position for me."

"Yes, Battalion Commander. I will personally lead the charge."

"Remember to survive!" Tang Xiaohu patted the company commander on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, Battalion Commander, I'm still thinking about the wine you have there."

"No problem, after this battle is over, I'll ask the regimental commander to approve some alcohol for us. We'll drink until we drop!"

"it is good!"

After Tang Xiaohu finished speaking, he continued walking towards the positions of the other companies.

As the Japanese artillery bombardment continued to advance, it wasn't long before the shells began to fall on the defensive positions of the company. Fortunately, the company commander had already ordered the soldiers to take shelter in the air-raid shelter.

However, the Japanese only shelled for a short while before stopping.

"What's going on? Why did you stop shelling?" Kenji Ikeda immediately questioned the artillery captain standing beside him.

"Reporting to Colonel Ikeda, we're out of shells." The artillery captain waved his hand helplessly.

"What! Never mind, I'll go meet up with the regimental commander right now." With that, Masaki Ikeda ran towards the regimental commander's location.

At that moment, Sakai Rai received a report from the artillery captain that the artillery shells had been exhausted, so Sakai Rai immediately ordered an attack. Matsukawa Maki once again took command of the attack and marched towards the militia's defensive positions.

Since the minefield had been destroyed by previous artillery fire, Matsukawa Maki easily advanced to the front of the company's defensive position.

"Fire!" The company commander grabbed his machine gun and opened fire on the Japanese soldiers. The soldiers of the company had already returned to their battle positions after the shelling ended, ready to engage the attacking Japanese troops.

"Give me suppressive fire! Second Company, use the shell craters to cover my attack!" Matsukawa Maki shouted.

The Japanese were equally determined, using both light and heavy firepower to suppress the company's positions, and the two sides exchanged fire.

Meanwhile, at the Wolong Mountain command post, Tang Weiguo also received intelligence that the First Battalion was engaged in firefight with the Japanese.

"Commander, the First Battalion has engaged the Japanese in battle, and the fighting is fierce. But there's good news: the Japanese have run out of ammunition, so the First Battalion doesn't need to worry about Japanese artillery fire anymore," Long Wenying reported.

Before Zhang Haoshan left, he handed over all his work to Long Wenying.

"That's good news indeed."

"How long has Deputy Commander Zhang been gone?"

"It's been half an hour, but we can't contact them right now because Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang is on the march."

"Yes, we'll wait for Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang to send word."

"In addition, Wenying, you must keep a close eye on the battle situation of the First Battalion and report any new developments immediately."

"Yes."

After watching Long Wenying turn and leave, Tang Weiguo sat there quietly, looking towards Lijia Gou, wanting to witness the battle situation there firsthand.

At this moment, the battle in Lijia Gou was exceptionally fierce.

"Hello, hello, hello, Battalion Commander, the First Company has suffered more than half its casualties." The First Company Commander cried out on the phone.

"I know you are at the forefront of the position, but it's not time for you to retreat. If you retreat, our entire defensive position will be exposed to the Japanese. You must hold it for me."

"You must hold out until our artillery support, no matter what. This is a death order!"

"Yes, Battalion Commander, we will complete the mission with determination." After saying that, the company commander hung up the phone and continued fighting.

"Deputy Battalion Commander, you take the guard platoon to support the First Company," Tang Xiaohu said to Shen Lei.

"Battalion Commander, this is our last remaining force. If the guard platoon is deployed, we will have no troops left to use."

"Good steel should be used where it's needed most. At this critical moment, we cannot afford any accidents at our positions."

"I understand. I'll take the guard platoon to provide support right now." After saying that, Shen Lei left the command post and led his troops toward the direction of the First Company to provide support.