Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 195 The Japanese Attack

Just as Tang Weiguo had predicted, the Japanese troops in Wolongshan County launched their attack on the third day after two days of preparation.

Early in the morning, the Japanese troops stationed in the military camp had assembled, and Sakai Rai led his fully equipped troops toward the outskirts of the county town.

More than 4000 Japanese soldiers and more than 1000 puppet troops marched in a long line for one kilometer toward Sanjiaji. In addition, armored vehicles, troop carriers and artillery units were also mixed in with the procession.

In addition, to protect the county's munitions depot, Sakai Yori left behind two companies plus a battalion of puppet troops, totaling more than 1000 men, to defend the county and ensure its safety.

As soon as Sakai Yori made his move, the militia intelligence agents lurking in the prefectural town immediately relayed the information to the militia intelligence department.

"Commander, Commander, the Japanese devils at Wolong Mountain have started their operation." Upon receiving the intelligence, Li Qukou didn't dare to delay for a moment and rushed to Tang Weiguo's office.

What are the specific details of the Japanese troops?

Tang Weiguo was not surprised at all. He had received intelligence about the Japanese operation in Qingshan County last night and estimated that the Japanese troops stationed in Wolongshan County would definitely take action this morning.

"According to intelligence reports, there are approximately 4000 Japanese soldiers and over 1000 puppet troops arriving from Wolongshan County. They are expected to reach Sanjiaji in three hours," Li Qukou reported.

When will the Japanese troops from Qingshan County arrive at Sanjiaji?

"According to the reconnaissance of intelligence personnel along the route, it is expected that the Japanese troops in Qingshan County will also arrive at Sanjiaji in 3 hours."

"Order intelligence personnel to closely monitor the movements of the Japanese and report intelligence in a timely manner."

"Yes."

"By the way, how's the reinforcement of weapons and ammunition for Commander Li coming along?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"It has already been delivered to Commander Li. In addition, according to your arrangement, an extra load of mortar shells has been delivered."

"Alright, Commander Li and his men have secretly returned to the Wolong Mountain area. I believe the Japanese haven't discovered them yet. If we make good use of them, Commander Li and his men will be a surprise force."

"In that case, contact Commander Li again and tell them to be extremely careful and to make sure their troops are well hidden."

"Yes, I'll make arrangements right away."

"In addition, the main force of the Japanese troops in the county town has now left, so your intelligence team needs to hurry up and take action."

"Yes, I will take charge of this matter personally."

"Good, the sooner we destroy the Japanese supply depot, the greater our chances of victory will be."

"Yes."

"That's all."

"Then I'll go make the arrangements." After saying that, Li Qukou left.

Tang Weiguo also left his office and went to the regimental command room next door. The command room was bustling with activity.

"Commander, the Japanese troops at Wolong Mountain have begun their operation. I have already notified all units to enter combat readiness."

When Zhang Haoshan saw Tang Weiguo come in, he immediately ran over to report.

"Okay, that's good. Qu Kou just reported to me. For now, we can only wait and see how the Japanese will act against us," Tang Weiguo nodded and said.

"Commander, what do you predict the Japanese will do?"

"Based on the Japanese reconnaissance over the past two days, I estimate that they are launching a two-pronged attack. This will maximize their numerical advantage."

"Moreover, the Sakai Regiment is skilled in mountain warfare. Sakai Rai will definitely lead his troops to attack our Wolong Mountain. As for the remaining three Japanese battalions, they will attack Tangjia Town," Tang Weiguo analyzed.

"What are Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang's considerations?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"My opinion is similar to that of the regimental commander."

"Haha, great minds think alike," Tang Weiguo said with a laugh.

"Then let's wait and see!"

"Okay, let's go, Deputy Commander Zhang, let's chat while we drink. Cheng Shanshan will make tea for everyone."

"Yes, Commander." With that, Cheng Shanshan got busy preparing tea for everyone.

On the other side, Sakai led his troops on a normal march, and after three hours of travel, they finally arrived at Sanjiaji.

"Commander Sakai, I didn't expect them to destroy the original defensive position so thoroughly."

Ikeda Maken and Sakai Yori arrived at the original militia's position near Sanjiaji, but they didn't dare to step inside, as he was terrified of the bombings.

The area that was once densely covered with trenches has long been filled in with soil, and the sandbags that were originally on the position have long since disappeared, revealing a flat and open area in front of Masato Ikeda.

"They're worried we'll use their positions to defend against their attacks. It seems they're quite confident in defending against our offensive this time."

“However, they have reason to be confident, after all, we have been defeated by them time and time again,” Sakai said.

"Commander Sakai believes that under your leadership, we will definitely achieve victory in this battle," Masato Ikeda said immediately.

"However, to be on the safe side, since the militia has destroyed it, we should rebuild a defensive position here and firmly control this place. Even if we can't take it after a long siege, we will starve them out of here."

"Hay."

"Ikeda-kun, take your men and rebuild defensive positions in this area," Sakai Yori said, pointing to the position in front of him.

"Commander Sakai, I suggest we don't establish a blocking position here?"

"Reason?" Sakai asked rhetorically.

"Commander, given the militia's cunning nature, there must be all sorts of landmines buried in this area in front of us. If we dig them out ourselves, it will take a lot of time to clear them."

"In that case, we'll leave the selection of the new defensive positions and command post to you."

"Ha, thank you for your trust, Captain."

"Go and get ready."

"Hay."

Not long after Masato Ikeda left, Itsuki Tanaka arrived.

"Commander Sakai, Captain Aoki, and Captain Matsukawa have arrived at Sanjiaji."

"Understood, communications officer. Notify the commanders of all units to come to the meeting."

"Hay."

Before long, the captains of the various Japanese battalions, as well as the artillery captain, arrived at Sakai Yori's place.

"Now that everyone is here, let me reiterate the mission. The Aoki Battalion and the Matsukawa Battalion will be responsible for attacking Tangjia Town. The remnants of the Ikeda Battalion and the Suzuki Battalion will remain in Sanjiaji as reserves to ensure the safety of our rear. I will lead the troops to attack Wolong Mountain."

"Hay."

"We will launch an attack from two positions simultaneously at 3 p.m. today."

"Hay."

"In addition, I have telegraphed headquarters, and the planes they have dispatched will arrive at the battlefield after 3 o'clock to cooperate with our operations."

"Now everyone go back and prepare yourselves. Also, Ikeda-kun, you immediately begin setting up the defensive positions."

"Hay."

Time flew by. At noon, Sakai Rai led his troops out of Sanjiaji and split into two groups. One group headed towards Tangjia Town, while the other headed towards Wolong Mountain.

This movement by the Japanese was quickly relayed to the regimental headquarters by intelligence personnel. Tang Weiguo and Zhang Haoshan exchanged a knowing smile after hearing the intelligence. The Japanese had indeed divided their forces for the attack.

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, immediately execute the mission according to the first operational plan."

"Yes."