People are shining their swords, secretly helping the Iron Triangle in Northwest Shanxi

Chapter 331 Raid on Huaiqing City (please subscribe)

Jiang Mingsan currently serves as the commander-in-chief of the First War Zone entirely because of his relatively senior qualifications.

But all his current thoughts are not on commanding the troops to fight. After arriving here in Henan Province, he did not understand the situation in detail.

Jiang Mingsan thought that when he took over the first battle zone, Zhongtiao Mountain had been lost, and he only had to hold on to the river defense position.

No matter how lively the fighting is at Zhongtiao Mountain, it is the matter of Yan Laoxi's second war zone, and there is no need to pay attention to it in the first war zone.

As long as the Japanese troops did not cross the river to fight south, he could sit back and relax and enjoy himself.

So Zhongtiao Mountain had been fighting for several days, and Jiang Mingsan didn't know the specific combat situation at all.

He was not worried at all about the 201st Division and whether Zhongtiao Mountain could be defended.

However, Jiang Mingsan was shocked when he received a call from the capital in the evening and faced a reprimand from the principal of the capital.

He hurriedly found Guo Jiqiao, chief of staff, to learn more about the situation.

"Although Zhongtiao Mountain was lost, the 201st Division stationed here in time and was able to contain the Japanese troops."

"With them defending and fighting here in Zhongtiao Mountain, it will be difficult for the Japanese army in Jin Province to cross the river and fight south. Naturally, we will not be threatened by anything."

"But once Zhongtiao Mountain is lost and the 201st Division is annihilated, there will be no force that can contain them."

"There are currently many troops under the First Theater Command, but they have all been withdrawn from the north bank and have suffered varying casualties."

"If the Japanese army takes advantage of the situation and crosses the river to attack at this time, I am afraid it will be difficult for us to hold the river defense position, so the presence of the 201st Division at this time is very critical."

"The side of the capital must have considered this, so they sent a message to inquire about the situation of the battle. They probably hope that we can support the battle."

"Chief Jiang, judging from the current situation, if we want to support their battle, we cannot directly cross the river and can only advance eastward."

Guo Jiqiao came to the map and introduced the situation in detail.

Compared with Jiang Mingsan who was indifferent to the battle at Zhongtiao Mountain, Guo Jiqiao was aware of the situation at Zhongtiao Mountain at all times.

Of course, although he is the chief of staff of the first theater, it is still difficult to mobilize troops and provide support.

After all, whether the chief of staff has real power depends on whether the military commander trusts him.

If Wei Junru is in the first theater, then Guo Jiqiao will definitely have command authority and can mobilize troops.

However, Jiang Mingsan now serves as the commander-in-chief of the first theater, and Guo Jiqiao is greatly restricted.

Not to mention mobilizing troops, he even wanted to give a batch of supplies to the 201st Division, but he couldn't do it.

"I really didn't expect that the 201st Division really deserves its reputation."

"They were able to allow the Japanese army to dispatch such a large number of troops to fight. It seems that their strength is not simple."

"Up to now, the Japanese and puppet troops have only been besieging them and not daring to attack at all. The combat effectiveness of the 201st Division cannot be underestimated."

"The committee has been very thoughtful. With them in Zhongtiao Mountain, they will be the bridgehead of our first theater."

"No wonder Brother Junru paid so much attention to them before. I was careless."

"Chief of Staff Guo, we must fully support the 201st Division's operations to ensure that they can continue to hold on to Zhongtiao Mountain."

"With them sticking to Zhongtiao Mountain, we here can naturally sit back and relax."

"Even if the kid wants to cross the river, he has to pass the 201st Division first."

After all, Jiang Mingsan had many years of military experience. After listening to Guo Jiqiao's explanation, he immediately understood the importance of the 201st Division.

The presence of this force in Zhongtiao Mountain is equivalent to the establishment of a powerful bridgehead in the first theater.

If the Japanese First Army in Shanxi Province wants to go south to cross the river, it will definitely have to deal with the 201st Division before it can continue its operation.

If there were no 201st Division, the First Army could go south and cross the river to fight at any time.

The little devils have engineering troops and aviation troops, and they can completely cross the Yellow River by force.

"Chief Jiang, should we establish contact with the 201st Division immediately and give them a batch of combat supplies to replenish them?"

"They are also fighting one after another, and the Jinsui Army does not have the ability to replenish them with Soviet-made weapons and ammunition."

"And during this period, Chief Yan's intention is very obvious. He wants to preserve his strength."

"So even if the 201st Division is in danger of being annihilated, I'm afraid the Jinsui Army may not dispatch troops to help."

Guo Jiqiao had a serious expression on his face and immediately suggested.

"Contact them immediately and provide them with combat supplies."

"Tell Commander Chu Yunfei and Commander Chen Ziyun that we will fully support their operations."

"No matter what, we ask them to stick to the Zhongtiao Mountain area to block the Japanese and puppet attacks."

"At the same time, we quickly contacted Deputy Commander Tang Keqin and asked him to command the troops to carry out a containment attack on the 35th Division in the eastern Henan region."

"Attract the troops of the 35th Division in northern Henan to the battlefield in eastern Henan as much as possible. The 201st Division has no choice but to move towards northern Henan."

"After handling these matters, send a message to the capital in the name of the Chief Executive Department and report in detail."

Jiang Mingsan had a thoughtful expression on his face, and then he immediately gave the order.

"Yes, Sir Jiang." Guo Jiqiao agreed immediately.

At this time, in the Shennong Mountain area, after the evacuation of the 27th Little Devils Division, the Second Brigade and other troops commanded by Chen Ziyun naturally did not face any threats.

Chen Ziyun contacted Li Yunlong immediately and asked them about the situation there.

The New Regiment is currently stationed in Hanoi County and is defending the county seat. Although the Sakuma Corps besieged it, it has never been able to break through.

Especially after the 27th Division withdrew from Shennong Mountain, the First Army Headquarters of the North China Front quickly sent a message to Sakuma Shigemori.

Sakuma Shigemori currently deploys his troops mainly in the area east of Hanoi County to prevent being flanked by troops from Shennong Mountain and Hanoi County.

Originally, Chen Ziyun was still thinking of sneak attacking the Sakuma Corps, but after getting a call back from Li Yunlong, he knew that he had no chance.

When the Japanese and puppet troops are well prepared, if they attack rashly, they may end up stealing the chicken but losing the rice.

After all, the Japanese army has a cavalry brigade, and they are very good at mobile combat.

However, Chen Ziyun also knew that the withdrawal of the 27th Division meant that they were likely to launch a combat strike in the Zhongtiao Mountain area.

They need to take action immediately, otherwise, the defenders on Zhongtiao Mountain will definitely be attacked by the superior Japanese and puppet troops.

If the main force of the 201st Division and the independent detachment were hit, the consequences would be disastrous.

So even at two o'clock in the morning, Chen Ziyun was still discussing with the Second Brigade Commander Hao Shiwen and others.

At present, there are more than 6000 troops from the Second Brigade here in Shennong Mountain, plus a new corps of 1000 troops and a mountain artillery regiment of more than [-] troops.

Their total strength is more than 8000 people, which is equivalent to the strength of a division.

With such a large number of troops, if they want to take action, they can still achieve something.

"There are not many Japanese and puppet troops here in Huaiqing City. Let's maneuver here overnight to capture Huaiqing City."

"After capturing Huaiqing City, we and Hanoi County to the west will be able to form a pincer attack on the Sakuma Corps."

"And starting from Huaiqing City, we can directly threaten Makino City."

"Such a move is enough to attract the attention of the Japanese and puppet troops, and it can also contain some of their forces."

"Even if the troops on Zhongtiao Mountain are attacked, they can retreat to the northern Henan area and gradually disperse and move."

"We can give them more range of activities, which will help us fight."

After long discussions, Chen Ziyun and others finally decided to directly launch a combat attack on Huaiqing City in the east of Hanoi County.

In the northern Henan region, there is the 35th Regiment, an engineering unit affiliated with the 219th Division, and more than [-] people from the Search Regiment [-] are stationed for defense.

They are assigned a certain number of puppet troops for defense, and are uniformly commanded by Taijiro Iida.

These troops were dispersed in different areas for defense, and their strength was very dispersed.

Under such circumstances, if Chen Ziyun led his troops to advance towards Huaiqing City, it would be difficult for the Japanese and puppet troops here to block their attack.

After capturing Huaiqing City, there are many benefits.

After Hao Shiwen and other officers listened to Chen Ziyun's analysis, they agreed on the spot without much hesitation.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Ziyun began to generate electricity and contact Chu Yunfei.

After receiving Chu Yunfei's approval, Chen Ziyun greeted Li Yunlong and led the troops to launch operations overnight.

At present, Okamura Neiji is gradually gathering the 21st Division, 27th Division, 33rd Division and other troops in the Nakajo Mountain area. It is obvious that he is preparing to attack.

Of course, as a general commander, it is impossible for Okamura Neji not to know that the defenses in the northern Henan region are empty.

Therefore, he arranged for the 35th Division to deploy troops into the northern Henan area to strengthen the defense forces here, and even arranged for them to conduct offensive operations.

The puppet army's two cavalry divisions, with about [-] troops, also quickly maneuvered and went directly to the northern Henan region to participate in the battle.Okamura Neiji was thinking of the northern Henan region and wanted to strengthen the defense forces here.

But he didn't expect that Chen Ziyun would react faster.

The Second Brigade and other troops, under the command of Chen Ziyun, operated overnight.

They advanced eastward from Shennong Mountain and then directly attacked Huaiqing City.

A mountain cannon from the Liyang Mountain Artillery Regiment was dismantled into parts and transported by packhorses and mules.

The troops advanced rapidly towards Huaiqing City, using the cover of night to move quickly.

At around five o'clock in the morning on July [-], troops arrived in the area north of Huaiqing City.

Chen Ziyun immediately arranged the troops for attack deployment. At 06:30, the mountain artillery regiment established an artillery position.

At seven o'clock, under the unified command of Chen Ziyun, the artillery unit launched an artillery bombardment.

The second brigade is directly under the command of ten Shanxi orogenic cannons, and the mountain artillery regiment is under the jurisdiction of 24 mountain cannons.

34 mountain guns opened fire one after another, and dense shells were fired towards Huaiqing City.

Hao Shiwen, deputy division commander and brigade commander, personally commanded Sun Ming's 602nd Regiment and Xu Yuan's 603rd Regiment launched the attack.

The new regiment's approximately [-] troops were scattered near the battlefield to provide security.

It is worth mentioning that Zhao Gang of the independent detachment is currently operating with the army.

A fierce battle unfolded in Huaiqing City. The Japanese and puppet troops here did not expect that they would be hit to such a degree.

More than 30 artillery shells were fired, and nearly 6000 troops from two regiments launched an attack.

Intensive artillery shells and bullets were continuously fired at them, and the Japanese and puppet troops were almost unable to resist.

The first brigade of the 219th Wing stationed here is not at full strength, and they are desperately defending.

But in the face of such a blow, their casualties and losses continued to increase.

"Your Excellency, Captain, we...we can't hold Huaiqing City anymore."

"The ones attacking us are the elite troops of the Shanxi-Sui Army, most likely the 201st Division in Zhongtiao Mountain."

"They are well-equipped with weapons and equipment, and their combat effectiveness is very strong. Moreover, they also have a large number of heavy weapons."

"Five of the Type [-] heavy machine guns in our machine gun squadron were shot down in a short period of time."

"Not only do they have 20MM machine guns, but they also have large-caliber heavy machine guns, and they also have a certain number of infantry artillery and peaceful artillery."

"Your Excellency, Captain, we...we request to abandon Huaiqing City. If we continue to hold on, we will most likely be annihilated."

The Major Captain immediately contacted the Major Captain of the 219th Wing, and he said solemnly.

Faced with the orders of the Major Captain to defend Huaiqing City, the Major Captain had no way to carry out the orders.

Because they had already suffered heavy casualties by now, it was almost difficult for them to block the second brigade's attack.

If we continue to hold on reluctantly, the only result will be complete annihilation.

"Bagaya Road, we have already lost Hanoi County. If Huaiqing City is lost again, how will we explain to the division and regiment headquarters?"

"His Excellency, the Commander of the Front Army, has just taken office. Do we have to abandon two towns to welcome him?"

"No matter how much casualties you pay, you must defend Huaiqing City and never let Huaiqing City fall."

"I have already contacted His Excellency Taijiro Iida of the Infantry Regiment. He will arrange reinforcements to assist you in the battle."

The captain of the Colonel Corps roared with anger, and he asked the Japanese troops in Huaiqing City to defend themselves with all their strength.

The Major Captain still wanted to explain, but the phone already received a busy signal.

By this time, the line had been blown up, and the Second Brigade troops had already entered the city.

After receiving the report from his subordinates, the Major Captain could only bite the bullet and continue to arrange the troops to defend the position with all their strength!
Fierce gunfire continued, and thick smoke almost covered Huaiqing City.

At eight o'clock in the morning, the Second Brigade had enough troops to enter Huaiqing City.

However, after the Japanese and puppet troops received the news, they responded quickly.

The fourth cavalry brigade of the Sakuma Corps rushed towards Huaiqing City for reinforcements.

Sakuma Shigemori knew very well that once Huaiqing City was lost, they would be very passive in combat.

Therefore, he did not hesitate to bring the main force of the cavalry brigade to help, preparing to ensure the safety of Huaiqing City.

At the same time, the two puppet cavalry divisions that had entered the northern Henan region along the Ping-Han Railway were also advancing non-stop towards Huaiqing City.

For more than 1 days, the puppet cavalry troops were advancing rapidly. They were preparing to attack the Shanxi-Sui Army troops here and defeat them.

The 20th and 21st divisions of the Royal Association Army, with less than 1 troops, tried their best to contain the troops in Hanoi County.

Li Yunlong discovered that the Little Japanese cavalry unit was missing, and he immediately contacted Chen Ziyun.

After Chen Ziyun received the news, he basically knew that the Japs cavalry troops must be rushing towards Huaiqing City for reinforcements.

"Zhengwei Zhao, Li Yang's mountain artillery regiment and the new regiment reorganized by puppet prisoners of war are handed over to you."

"Take them and quickly rush to Hanoi County for reinforcements, and let Captain Li Yunlong lead the unified command of the operation."

"We are here to contain the Japanese and puppet cavalry units with all our strength, and you can attack the Imperial Alliance Army troops on the battlefield."

Chen Ziyun found Zhao Gang immediately and made arrangements.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Ziyun began to come to Huaiqing City and directly commanded the second brigade troops to conduct operations.

Zhao Gang did not waste any time and immediately led the mountain artillery regiment and other troops to quickly move towards Hanoi County.

After arriving in Huaiqing City, the fierce battle between the troops from both sides continued.

"Deputy Commander Hao, the Japs Cavalry will be here soon, and the 603rd Regiment will immediately build a blocking position on the spot."

"The 602nd Regiment continues to encircle and annihilate the Japanese troops in the city. At the same time, the security communication battalion directly under the brigade headquarters quickly guards the surrounding areas."

"I estimate that a large number of Japanese and puppet troops will come to help. We must stick to Huaiqing City and coordinate other operations."

After Chen Ziyun found Hao Shiwen, he immediately gave instructions.

"Yes, Commander Chen." Hao Shiwen agreed immediately without any hesitation.

The battle in Huaiqing City continues, but the sound of gunfire here gradually becomes sparse, and the Japanese and puppet troops inside are gradually annihilated.

The main force of the second brigade began to build defensive positions, while the second brigade quickly cleared the remaining Japanese and puppet enemies.

It was at this time that the battlefield situation in Zhongtiao Mountain changed greatly.

After Okamura Neiji issued the combat order, the main force of more than 27 troops of the 1th Division assembled in the Jiangcheng area.

And gradually began to fight southward, they wanted to launch a combat attack on Hengling Pass.

The 33rd Division, three independent brigades of puppet troops with more than 2 troops, are gathered in the northeastern area of ​​Yuanqu City.

Sakurai Shozo has quickly built a position, and a large number of Japanese and puppet troops have been deployed on the position for defense.

At the same time, the 21st Division and the Second Division of the Imperial Association Army in the area west of Yuanqu City gathered together one after another.

At eight o'clock in the morning, the Japanese bombers arrived over the battlefield one after another.

They began a carpet bombing of Yuanqu City, which lasted until nine o'clock.

While the aviation force was bombing, more than 21 troops from the 3st Division and the [-]nd Division of the Royal Associated Army quickly seized favorable terrain.

The Japanese and puppet troops quickly built artillery positions, set out, and prepared for a full-scale attack.

After the bombing was over, the Japanese and puppet artillery troops assembled dozens of artillery pieces and began to bombard Yuanqu City.

At the same time, the Second Division of the Imperial Association Army assembled three regiments, with a total of about [-] troops, and continued to attack the Yuanqu City position.

A large number of artillery pieces provided them with cover.

At this time, only Sun Yu's field supplementary first regiment was stationed in Yuanqu City for defense.

They have about 3000 troops, and they are completely equipped with the weapons of a field regiment.

However, none of their officers and soldiers have experienced large-scale combat and do not have much combat experience.

Faced with the impact of thousands of puppet troops, the first field supplementary regiment continued to launch fire strikes.

Of course, when they shot and killed the puppet troops, their heavy weapons were also completely exposed.

The Little Japanese Artillery Regiment continued to carry out shelling, and some light and heavy machine guns and other weapons were destroyed one after another.

(End of this chapter)