Zhu Tian: Beginning to Cross the Changjin Lake

Li Guotao had guessed the general situation through the sounds on the mountain, and it turned out to be true.

The counterattack troops rushed to Hill 227.7 and Hill 221 respectively. Although the Japanese on the mountain fought desperately, the two sides engaged in hand-to-hand combat.

The soldiers of the 10th Reserve Division were also extremely brave. They charged forward courageously and were not at all inferior to the Japanese in bayonet fighting. After a fierce battle, the Japanese on the mountain were quickly wiped out, and the counterattack force successfully recaptured the lost positions.

After receiving the news, Colonel Heiichi Kurose hurried to the front line.

A Japanese lieutenant colonel said helplessly: "Sir, the enemy took advantage of the time when the locust soldiers were burning the bodies to launch a counterattack, and they took back the two hills."

"Bagaya Deer!"

Kurose Heiichi couldn't help but curse: "We have finally captured this position, but now we have lost it. How can I explain this to the division commander?"

The Japanese lieutenant colonel said helplessly: "Because of the burning of corpses, the fire blocked the locust army's reinforcement route, making it impossible for the reinforcements to arrive in time, which allowed the enemy to take advantage of the opportunity."

The angry Kurose Heiichi slapped him in the face and cursed: "Baka, I don't want to hear these excuses."

"Why choose this time to burn the bodies? It's really unreasonable."

The Japanese lieutenant colonel looked aggrieved, thinking, didn't you agree to this? Why don't you admit it now?
Although he had some complaints in his heart, the Japanese lieutenant colonel still answered honestly: "There are a lot of corpses of locust warriors piled up in the trenches in front of the mountain. Many of them have been severely decayed. Because there are too many corpses, they cannot be cleaned up and transported down. They can only be burned on the spot. Prepare to take the warriors' ashes back to prevent these warriors who sacrificed their lives for the locusts from wandering away and becoming wandering ghosts."

Things have already happened. Although Kurose Heiichi is angry, he can do nothing about it and doesn't want to waste any more time on it.

Kurose Heiichi waved his hand and said, "Okay, stop talking about these useless things."

The Japanese lieutenant colonel said quickly: "Don't worry, Colonel. Even if the enemy has occupied these two hills, their defense system has been destroyed. It will be much easier for the locust army to capture these two hills."

"I think that after daybreak, the locust army can continue to launch attacks. It should be possible to take back these two hilltops in a short period of time and then capture the main peak of Zhangjiashan."

Kurose Heiichi sighed helplessly and said, "Get ready immediately! At daybreak, launch the attack immediately."

"Hayi~!"

The Japanese officers present responded in unison.

……

When Li Guotao led his brothers up the mountain, the battle had ended and the troops began to clean up the battlefield.

At this moment, the entire Zhangjia Mountain was filled with the nauseating smell of burning corpses.

The ashes produced by the burning rose with the hot air flow and spread throughout Zhangjiashan.

It's creepy to think that the ashes floating in the air are the ashes of the Japanese devils.

At this moment, the flames were still burning, and the corpses were gradually turning into charcoal and even into ashes.

However, even if the Japanese didn't burn them, the entire Zhangjiashan would still be stinking. However, it was the stench of the Japanese's rotting corpses, which was even more unbearable. Moreover, the rotting corpses would also produce a large number of bacteria. Now that they are all burned, it can be regarded as high-temperature disinfection.

Li Guotao and Yang Jihe arrived at the position and first got to know the situation.

Yang Jihe nodded with satisfaction and said, "The fortifications on the main peak are still intact. With this big bunker, it won't be a problem to hold out for a few days."

Li Guotao nodded slightly and said, "But the two small hills in front will bear the brunt of the attack, and the previous defense system will no longer be of much use."

"I estimate that the Japanese will launch a counterattack soon. In such a hurry, it will be difficult for us to build fortifications to ensure the safety of these two small hills."

Yang Jihe frowned and said, "You mean, give up these two small hills?"

Li Guotao said helplessly: "In fact, you know in your heart that although we have finally captured these two positions, once the Japanese continue to launch a fierce attack, we will not be able to hold on for too long under the current situation."

"If we continue to send in troops, the losses will only grow. We can't afford to waste time like this. After all, the enemy's strength is several times ours, and they can get reinforcements at any time. What about us?"

Yang Jihe nodded helplessly. This was the biggest problem. They could not get any reinforcements. No one could tell when the reinforcements would arrive.

Li Guotao went on to say: "Of course, now that we have taken it back, we can hold on. We still have to try our best to hold these two positions, use the advantages of the terrain, and try to kill more Japanese soldiers."

"But if we can't hold it, we shouldn't force it."

"We must not only defend the Zhangjiashan position, but also consume as many of the Japanese troops as possible, so that we can achieve the final victory."

"I just took a close look at the terrain on the mountain, and I think it's necessary to change some strategies."

Yang Jihe said, "I was just thinking of discussing with you how to defend Zhangjiashan."

Li Guotao pondered for a moment and said, "Zhangjiashan has limited terrain. I don't think it's necessary to put our entire battalion on the mountain."

"Although we don't have many troops, we can definitely divide into two groups for defense."

"This should save our manpower to the greatest extent possible."

Yang Jihe nodded and said, "I agree with this. The previous defenders also did something similar. When defending the mountain, they only deployed a reinforced company of troops. There was no need to deploy more than that."

"If the casualties are too great, we will provide support or switch defense."

“That’s the only way to stick with it for a long time.”

"So what's your specific fighting style?"

Li Guotao pointed at Hill 227.7 and Hill 221 and said, "I plan to leave 20 people on each of these two small hills for defense, equip them with a light machine gun and three or four submachine guns to strengthen the firepower, and then equip them with more grenades. We can just follow the usual tactics."

"Use the terrain to your advantage and kill the attacking devils."

"The main force is deployed on the main peak of Zhangjiashan. It would be best if the troops in front can hold it. If they really can't hold it, they can retreat and continue to hold the main peak."

Yang Jihe nodded slightly but did not comment, because what Li Guotao said was similar to what he thought, and his previous practices were similar.

Based on Yang Jihe's understanding of Li Guotao, this guy probably has other ideas, and this is the key point he wants to hear.

Li Guotao went on to say: "Once the two high grounds ahead are lost, the Japanese will concentrate their forces to attack the main peak position."

"There is a distance of 150 meters between the two hills ahead and the main peak position. Machine guns can exert their maximum power at this distance. What we need to do is to turn this 150 meters into a death road for the Japanese soldiers, so that they will pay a heavy price for every step forward."

Yang Jihe nodded with satisfaction and said, "Go on, tell me more specific arrangements."

Li Guotao went on to say: "I think the machine gun firepower on the main peak is not enough. I plan to set up two machine gun positions on the two hills ahead, choosing steep cliffs and suitable locations."

"Place two more heavy machine guns on top, so that they can form a triangular formation of crossfire with the main peak position. Once the Japanese cross these two hills and attack the main peak position, they will be covered and attacked by machine gun fire from multiple directions."

Yang Jihe frowned and said, "Your idea is quite novel, but the two hills ahead have been lost. Can these two machine gun positions still be defended?"

Li Guotao explained with a smile: "I just said that we should build these two machine gun positions on the north side of the mountain, that is, on the reverse slope. In this way, as long as the Japanese fail to capture the main peak position, their artillery will not be able to hit these two machine gun positions."

"We blew up two caves on the cliffs and blocked the cave entrances with sandbags. Even if the Japanese occupied the hill in front, they would not be able to destroy the two bunkers at the back."

"Because it was set up on a steep cliff, the Japanese soldiers on the mountain or on the side slopes couldn't reach it with their guns, and couldn't throw grenades into it. The grenades fell directly down the mountain and couldn't cause any harm to the brothers in the bunker."

"The cave entrance faces the main peak of Zhangjiashan. Unless they take the main peak, they can attack the two bunkers head-on. With the firepower support of these two bunkers, it would be a pipe dream for the Japanese to take Zhangjiashan." "And our brothers on the main peak of Zhangjiashan can also provide firepower to cover the two bunkers to prevent the Japanese from trying to launch a sneak attack, such as hanging ropes from above and throwing grenades into them."

Upon hearing this, Yang Jihe's eyes lit up, because this method was really feasible.

But looking at the mountain wall over there, Yang Jihe said: "There are two good locations to set up bunkers. It seems that you have thought of these."

Li Guotao nodded slightly.

Yang Jihe continued, "But the mountain walls are all made of solid rock. It's not easy to dig out two caves."

Li Guotao said: "Use steel drills to drill holes and explosives to blow up the holes. Dig out two caves as quickly as possible. The caves don't have to be too big. As long as they can accommodate three or four people and store enough ammunition and supplies, that will be enough."

"If we can't finish it tonight, we'll continue working tomorrow. We're on the reverse slope. Even if the Japanese bombard us, the shells won't fall here, so it won't have much impact on us. We just need to dig the cave before the two hills ahead fall."

Yang Jihe nodded and said, "Okay! Let's do as you say. Let's hurry up and start working immediately."

Afterwards, Li Guotao personally arranged people to start digging caves on the cliff. Li Guotao had some experience in this regard, as these experiences were accumulated from digging tunnels in the previous two worlds.

The tunnels of the Volunteer Army back then were also arranged in a similar way, with the entrances facing the direction of our defense and all set up on the reverse slope positions.

Especially during the Battle of Shangganling, the tunnels played a decisive role. The enemy captured the top of the mountain many times, but had no way to deal with these tunnels.

But now time is urgent and Li Guotao does not have enough time to dig a tunnel. The workload is too large and it is not a task that can be completed in a short time.

But there is no problem in digging out two bunkers.

However, considering the long-term, Li Guotao still planned to dig tunnels in Zhangjiashan, on the reverse slope of the main peak position, just in case.

If there is an opportunity, we will try to expand the size of the two bunkers on the two small hills in front, or dig a separate tunnel.

However, Li Guotao estimated that there might not be enough time, because judging from the current situation, these two hills would not be able to be held for long.

Li Guotao also told Yang Jihe about this idea and asked him to report it to his superiors. Even if Li Guotao and his men were replaced, they could continue to dig tunnels on the main peak of Zhangjiashan.

Moreover, this tunnel warfare method can be promoted throughout the entire battlefield. After all, the outskirts of Hengyang are not just Zhangjiashan Mountain.

Yang Jihe also knew that the matter was of great importance and did not dare to be negligent. He quickly compiled a detailed report and sent it directly to the military headquarters for Commander Fang to make a decision.

……

Before daybreak, Lieutenant General Wang Iwanaga, commander of the 116th Division, arrived at the headquarters of the 133rd Regiment.

Kurosawa Heiichi hurriedly came out and said respectfully, "Your Excellency, Division Commander, why are you here?"

Iwanaga Wang glanced at Kurose Heiichi, snorted coldly, walked into the house, and sat down on the seat that originally belonged to Kurose Heiichi.

Kurose Heiichi said respectfully: "Your Excellency, the division commander, we are preparing to launch a new round of attacks. This time we guarantee that we will capture the Zhangjiashan position."

Kurose Heiichi was not stupid either. He knew that the division commander was coming to call for accountability. After fighting for so long without taking the Zhangjiashan position, how could Iwanaga Wang sit still?

Iwanaga Wang stared at Kurose Heiichi coldly and said angrily: "Kurose-kun, you really disappoint me. You have completely lost the face of our 116th Division."

"Hayi~!"

Kurose Heiichi lowered his head even lower, not even daring to defend himself. He had lost the battle, and lost so miserably, that any explanation seemed pale and powerless.

"Master, calm down, my humble servant deserves death."

Yan Yongwang said angrily: "You really deserve to die. I wish I could chop you into pieces."

The old guy Yan Yongwang was really furious. This time, he lost thousands of troops in the battle for a small Zhangjiashan, and he still hasn't taken it. It's so embarrassing.

Moreover, Zhangjiashan was originally the attack direction of the 68th Division. In order to grab the credit, Yan Yongwang relied on his temporary command of the 68th Division and forced his troops to take over the battlefield and be responsible for attacking Zhangjiashan. However, this was the result. After fighting for several days, there was no progress and the losses were heavy. The 116th Division really lost face.

Now I'm afraid those Japanese soldiers from the 68th Division are also laughing at them. After all, when they changed guard, the 116th Division was allowed to attack Zhangjiashan. Although the people from the 68th Division didn't say anything, they were definitely dissatisfied. How can they not laugh at them now?

However, the 68th Division did not make smooth progress either. Their attacks in other directions were also repelled, with heavy losses.

Yan Yongwang also understood that Zhangjiashan was the key to taking over Hengyang City, so the purpose of rushing here this time was not simply to call for punishment, the most important thing was to urge them to take over Zhangjiashan as soon as possible.

Thinking of this, Yan Yongwang tried to suppress his anger and said, "Kuroze-kun, you should know the importance of Zhangjiashan. We must take Zhangjiashan and then seize Hengyang no matter what."

Kurose Heiichi quickly responded: "Hai, please rest assured, Your Excellency the Division Commander, I will organize the troops to launch a new round of attacks. If I cannot take Zhangjiashan, I would rather die as an apology."

Yan Yongwang said coldly: "You are indeed guilty of a thousand deaths, but the empire is in need of manpower right now. Taking down Zhangjiashan will be your merit to atone for your crime. I will give you one more day. If you still can't take it down, you will have to commit seppuku to apologize."

"Hayi~!"

Kurose Heiichi responded respectfully: "I promise to take down Zhangjiashan within one day, otherwise I would rather die as an apology."

Yan Yongwang nodded slightly, and then said: "Don't worry about the casualties. I will replenish you with the same amount as your casualties. You don't have to worry about ammunition and weapons and equipment. I will also give priority to replenishing them to you. I only want Zhangjiashan. Do you understand?"

"Hayi~!"

Kurose Heiichi responded respectfully again.

In fact, Kurose Heiichi's 133rd Regiment was also severely damaged, but in the past few days, reinforcements from the Japanese continued to arrive. Iwanaga Wang was in charge of the overall command, so he gave priority to the 133rd Regiment.

Therefore, although the 133rd Regiment suffered heavy losses, it was able to receive continuous replenishment and its troop numbers did not decrease, so it still possessed considerable combat effectiveness.

Iwanaga Wang then said, "Kuroze-kun, don't blame me for being strict with you. If you can't take Hengyang, I'm afraid even I will have to commit seppuku to apologize."

"Our ultimate goal this time is to open up the mainland transportation line to save the empire. Now the empire has reached a point of life and death. If a small Hengyang delays the empire's overall strategic deployment, we will all become sinners of the empire. At that time, we will really be doomed."

"Hai!"

Kurose Heiichi responded respectfully: "I understand. Your Excellency, the division commander, please rest assured that we will definitely be able to capture Zhangjiashan and Hengyang this time. The locust army is invincible."

"Yoshi~!"

Yan Yongwang nodded with satisfaction and said, "I am very pleased that you have such determination. I will sit here and watch you lead our brave locust warriors to defeat those hateful enemies, capture Zhangjiashan, and open the door to attack Hengyang City."

"Hayi~!"

Kurose Heiichi responded respectfully again: "I believe that with the wise leadership of the division commander, we can definitely take Zhangjiashan more quickly."

Yan Yongwang said: "Okay, you can launch the attack according to your plan."

"Hai!"

Kurose Heiichi responded respectfully and then began to issue attack orders.

At this moment, the Japanese soldiers were ready for battle, just waiting for Kurose Heiichi's order. (End of this chapter)