Zhu Tian: Beginning to Cross the Changjin Lake

Chapter 346 I gave you a chance, but you were useless!

Li Guotao thought that it was true that there were 10 reinforcements. After all, it was impossible for Baldy to sit idly by and watch the th Army be destroyed. However, it was hard to say when the troops would arrive.

However, although he understood this, Li Guotao did not want to undermine Yang Jihe's confidence.

Li Guotao smiled and said, "That's great. I said before that the reinforcements will definitely arrive in time."

"When these 100,000 troops arrive in Hengyang, the siege of Hengyang will surely be lifted."

"But we still have to try our best to be prepared to hold out for a long time, just in case!"

Yang Jihe nodded and said, "That's true. As long as we can hold our position and save some ammunition, we should try to save as much as possible."

Li Guotao listened to the noise outside and couldn't help but sigh: "If we had the same weapons and equipment, we would have beaten the shit out of the Japanese long ago."

Now these Japanese devils can squander weapons and ammunition wantonly, and can rely on powerful firepower to continuously bombard their positions, which makes Li Guotao really envious.

However, Li Guotao also has his own advantages. Just now, he relied on this to successfully inflict a great loss on the Japanese.

After destroying that heavy artillery position, the Japanese's firepower weakened a lot. Without the threat of these heavy artillery, there was no problem for the Tianma Mountain defense position to hold out to the end.

……

At the Japanese 11th Army Headquarters, Yokoyama Isamu held the microphone and said, "Commander, we have now broken through the outer defense line of the Hengyang defenders, and the enemy has all retreated to the urban area of ​​Hengyang."

"The troops on the front line are attacking with all their might. I believe we will be able to capture Hengyang soon."

During this period, Yokoyama Isamu faced tremendous pressure and was unable to capture Hengyang for a long time.

As the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary army, Hata Shunroku had urged them more than once to capture Hengyang as soon as possible, and had scolded Yokoyama Isamu several times for this.

Hata Shunroku's voice came from the other side.

"Yo, this is the only good news I have heard in the past few days."

"Mr. Yokoyama, the current situation is already very unfavorable to the empire. In order to reverse the defeat and turn the tide, we must open up the mainland transportation line, and the sooner the better."

"So we must take Hengyang as soon as possible. We have wasted too much time. If we continue to delay here, it will inevitably affect the overall strategy of the empire."

"Hayi~!"

Yokoyama Isamu solemnly assured: "Please rest assured, Commander, we will do our best to capture Hengyang as soon as possible."

"Yoshi~!"

Hata Shunroku nodded in satisfaction, and then said: "Since you understand everything, I don't need to say this nonsense."

"In a word, I am waiting for your good news. After taking Hengyang, you must continue to prepare to move south and cooperate with the southern army to capture Guilin and other places."

"Hayi~!"

Yokoyama Isamu responded respectfully and then hung up the phone.

Yokoyama Isamu finally breathed a sigh of relief. At least he didn't get scolded this time, which made the old Japanese feel a lot more relaxed.

After all, he is an old devil in his 50s. How can he still be scolded? He really cannot afford to lose face.

But there was no way out, he had to endure the scolding. He fought poorly, or even suffered a crushing defeat, and being scolded was the least of his problems.

However, Yokoyama Isamu is not as optimistic about the battle situation in Hengyang as he just said.

Because the resistance will of the 10th Army in Hengyang was beyond his imagination, who could guarantee that they could not continue to hold on for a period of time.

To the extent that Yokoyama Isamu felt guilty after being beaten, he was not completely confident at all.

On the other hand, the 100,000 reinforcements dispatched by the bald man on the periphery have also begun to act under his strict orders.

At present, the Japanese 13th Division, 40th Division and 58th Division on the periphery have already engaged the enemy and exchanged fire with the troops reinforcing Hengyang.

Now it seems that they are about to capture Hengyang. If these reinforcements can really break through their blockade and reach Hengyang, all the Japanese efforts will be wasted.

Thinking of this, Yokoyama Isamu also felt a headache.

A Japanese major general next to him seemed to see the commander's worry and said quickly: "Your Excellency the Commander, don't worry. With the combat effectiveness of the Locust Army, it is no problem to stop the enemy's reinforcements."

Yokoyama Yong frowned and said: "I am still very confident in the combat effectiveness of the locust army."

"But the area that needs to be defended is too large, and the locust army has relatively few troops. If the enemy reinforcements take advantage of the opportunity and rush to Hengyang, wouldn't all our previous efforts be in vain?"

"If I fail to take Hengyang, I will be a sinner of the empire. I am afraid that I can only die to atone for my sins."

In order to block the reinforcements from rushing to Hengyang, the Japanese deployed troops on all major roads and blocked the reinforcements hundreds of miles away.

In this way, although absolute safety can be guaranteed, the blocking circle is drawn to a hundred miles away. Such a large circle means that the defense line is too long.

So even though the Japanese deployed about three divisions of troops, the manpower was still stretched to the limit and there were still some gaps.

If the reinforcements dare to take the risk and pass through these gaps, they can quickly reach Hengyang.

However, all the reinforcements currently want to preserve their strength, so no one is willing to take risks.

Even under the bald man's strict orders, they only fought with the Japanese on the periphery. Before defeating the Japanese, they did not dare to advance quickly to Hengyang, for fear that they would be alone and deep in the enemy's territory and their retreat would be cut off by the Japanese. They would not be able to save the 10th Army or Hengyang, and would sacrifice their own troops in vain. In the eyes of those army commanders, it was completely not worth it.

However, Yokoyama Isamu did not know the specific thoughts of these people. He did not dare to take the risk. Taking Hengyang was a must.

The old Japanese soldier Isamu Yokoyama was worried that some fearless troops would arrive in Hengyang to provide support, and he was still full of concerns about the current battle situation.

At this time, the Japanese major general said: "Commander, if this is the case, then we can actually shrink our defense line."

"Retreat the defense line?"

Upon hearing this, Yokoyama Isamu couldn't help but frown.

The Japanese major general said: "Now our offensive line has advanced to the suburbs of Hengyang."

"Then we can completely set up the blocking line about 20 kilometers away from Hengyang."

Yokoyama Isamu frowned and said, "20 kilometers is too close to Hengyang. If the enemy marches quickly, they can rush into Hengyang in half a day."

"But they can't get into Hengyang at all."

The Japanese major general said confidently: "We have three divisions responsible for blocking. If the blocking line is withdrawn to 20 kilometers, our defense area will be reduced several times."

"This way, our military strength will appear to be much more sufficient. With the combat effectiveness of the Locust Army, it will be no problem at all to resist these enemy forces."

"Even if a small number of enemy troops bypass our blocking positions, they will encounter our siege troops and still cannot enter Hengyang City."

Yokoyama Isamu frowned and said: "But in this way, we are caught in the middle and attacked from both sides. This is not a good thing for the locust army."

The Japanese major general said: "The reason why I put forward this suggestion is because I believe that the defenders of Hengyang are no longer able to attack."

"They originally only had more than 10,000 troops, and after a series of battles, they suffered heavy losses. The few troops left are not enough to protect themselves, so how can they leave the city and launch a counterattack?"

"Besides, if they are really bold and dare to come out of the city to fight us, wouldn't that be even better? We can just lure them out and then surround and annihilate them in one fell swoop. This is much easier than attacking the city."

"In addition, if they break out when they see the reinforcements arrive, that would be even better. It would be best if we can annihilate them. But if we can't annihilate them and let them escape, they will just be a bunch of defeated soldiers, which is not really letting the tiger go back to the mountain."

"By that time, Hengyang will be ours. Our ultimate goal is not to kill the 10th Army, but to capture Hengyang. This is the most critical thing."

"As long as we take Hengyang, we will have achieved a strategic victory and can continue to march south to open up the mainland transportation line."

Yokoyama nodded and said, "That makes sense. Rather than letting them take advantage of the situation and attack Hengyang, and then we are forced to withdraw to stop them, why don't we take the initiative to withdraw, build a good defense line in advance, and wait for them to come to Hengyang for reinforcements."

"As for the defenders in Hengyang, they are indeed no longer a concern. If they hold on and wait for help, they may be able to hold out for a while. Otherwise, their death is imminent."

The Japanese major general responded respectfully: "Your Excellency the Commander is wise. In this way, the locust army will surely be invincible."

Yokoyama nodded with a smile and said, "I still like to take the initiative and never let the enemy take the initiative."

"In this case, make a plan immediately, and then have the 13th Division and the 40th Division gradually withdraw to the outskirts of Hengyang and continue to block the enemy's reinforcements."

"As for the siege troops, continue to intensify the offensive."

"And this also has another advantage. The blocking troops are closer to Hengyang. If the attack fails and we repel the enemy reinforcements, we can withdraw the blocking troops at any time to join the siege."

The Japanese major general said respectfully: "Your Excellency the Commander is right. If the enemy's reinforcements attack too fiercely, we can always withdraw siege troops to fill the gap. Moreover, we have occupied the enemy's outer positions. Previously, the 10th Army used these terrain advantages and fortifications to block the locust army for more than days."

"Although part of the fortifications are destroyed, the terrain advantage is still there. We can also use these positions to block the enemy's reinforcements and prevent them from entering Hengyang."

Yokoyama Yong's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said excitedly: "And now I have another good idea. We can draw out an elite mobile force. After the main force of the locust army retreats to 20 kilometers outside Hengyang, the enemy's reinforcements will definitely take the opportunity to approach Hengyang." "And our mobile force can take the opportunity to go around behind them and cut off their logistical supplies. We don't need to completely cut off their retreat, we can just focus on their baggage train."

"As a result, the enemy's supplies cannot be transported up. So many troops on the front line are short of supplies. Moreover, they will not have the courage to continue attacking Hengyang when they see the instability in the rear."

"Based on my understanding of them, these guys will most likely retreat immediately to preserve their own strength and avoid running out of ammunition and food."

"In this way, no one can lift the siege of Hengyang."

The Japanese major general said excitedly: "Your Excellency the Commander is wise. This will ensure that nothing will go wrong."

"Yoshi~!"

Yokoyama Yong smiled and said, "This way, we can be sure of victory."

"Immediately order the 58th Division to dispatch a reinforced regiment as a mobile force to cut off their supply lines and harass the enemy's rear."

"Hai!"

The Japanese major general responded respectfully.

The old Japanese soldier, Isamu Yokoyama, suddenly became excited again, as if things were not so bad.

However, for the Japanese, the most important thing is to capture Hengyang as soon as possible. Otherwise, if they continue to drag it out, their casualties and the price they pay will only increase.

But at this moment, there is actually not much time left for them.

……

At the 10th Army headquarters, Commander Fang asked anxiously, "Has the reinforcement not arrived yet?"

Sun Mingyu replied: "I have already asked, but there is no news yet. The reinforcements are still blocked a hundred miles away and cannot come to support in a short time."

"They encountered stubborn resistance from the main force of the Japanese, and these guys did not dare to take the risk of infiltrating."

"so……"

Commander Fang sighed helplessly and said, "I should have expected this result. None of these guys can be trusted."

Sun Mingyu said: "The principal has repeatedly ordered them to continue to march towards Hengyang. I think even if they have some concerns, they will definitely find a way to rescue them under the principal's strict orders."

"But judging by the current situation, it will take some time."

"So we still have to be prepared to stick with it for a long time."

Commander Fang sighed helplessly and said, "Now we can only hold on as long as we can. Whether it's ten days or twenty days, we have to grit our teeth and hold on."

At this time, a staff officer came over quickly and said, "Report to the commander, the 568th Regiment reported that they used fire attack to repel a large-scale attack by the Japanese devils, burning hundreds of them to death."

Upon hearing this, Commander Fang said excitedly: "Li Guotao is a guy who always brings us surprises."

"We need this kind of victory to boost morale right now."

"Immediately send a telegram to commend the 568th Regiment and tell all the soldiers that as long as we continue to work hard to hold our positions, we will definitely win the final victory. Reinforcements are on the way. Persistence is victory."

"Yes!"

At this time, the staff officer said: "It is said that the 568th Regiment has transported a large amount of straw and firewood to the mountain. It is estimated that they will use fire attack again."

Commander Fang frowned and said, "If we use the same method again, will the Japanese still be fooled?"

Sun Mingyu smiled and said, "Even if the Japanese don't fall for it and we can't burn many of them to death, but the fire in the trenches will make it impossible for them to attack, which can delay the time a little."

"What we lack most now is time."

Commander Fang nodded and said, "That makes sense. Delaying time as much as possible can also reduce casualties and save ammunition. This is a good idea."

"Immediately notify the civilian workers in the city to collect all the wood and straw that can be burned inside and outside the city, transport them to the front line, and use fire to stop the enemy."

"Yes! I'll arrange it right away." Sun Mingyu responded quickly.

The Japanese 218th Regiment, which suffered heavy losses, did not completely give up the attack at this moment.

Itsuki Hariya was also completely enraged and vowed to take over the Tianma Mountain position.

So the old Japanese organized his troops again and launched another fierce offensive in the afternoon of the same day.

A large number of Japanese soldiers rushed out of their positions screaming and shouting. When they approached the trench, they smelled a disgusting burnt odor from afar.

All the Japanese soldiers who had died in the trenches before were burned into charcoal, emitting a foul stench.

However, after the last lesson, Ichiro Hariya became more cautious this time.

The troops dispatched are obviously much smaller, so the attacks are launched one by one. The next wave will rush forward only when the previous wave has been almost consumed.

In this way, even if there is another fire attack, the losses will not be too great, and the Japanese behind will have enough time to retreat.

Li Guotao observed the situation on the battlefield and sneered, "I knew these devils would be on guard. But even if we don't burn as many of them as we did last time, we still have to burn what needs to be burned."

"At least it can delay time and save weapons and ammunition."

"Throw all the firewood down immediately and burn the Japanese in the trenches to death."

"Yes!"

Following Li Guotao's order, the brothers poured some kerosene on the firewood to help it burn, and after lighting it, they rolled down the mountain.

Bundles of burning firewood rolled down, and some Japanese soldiers who were climbing up were unable to dodge and were hit by the rolling firewood.

"The enemy set fire again!"

The Japanese soldiers suddenly became confused, screaming loudly and starting to flee.

Soon the entire trench turned into a sea of ​​fire, and some of the Japanese soldiers who ran slowly and those who were injured and could not run away were all burned to death.

All the ladders built by the Japanese were also burned.

As for those Japanese soldiers who escaped, they were mowed down by the machine guns on the position while running back, causing heavy losses.

In this attack, the Japanese lost more than 300 soldiers, which made Hariya Itshiro very angry.

Up to this point, his troops had suffered nearly two thousand casualties, and with the consumption in previous battles, the casualties exceeded two thousand.

Moreover, all the losses were combat troops, which crippled the entire Jingu Regiment and made it no longer able to capture Tianma Mountain.

Faced with the report from his subordinates, the old Japanese was so angry that he almost vomited blood.

But now his men were trying their best to persuade him to stop the attack.

Itsuki Hariya was forced to accept it.

At this time, Yan Yongwang called and asked about the battle situation in Tianma Mountain.

Ichiro Hariya could only report the battle results to Wang Iwanaga in detail.

Upon hearing this, Lieutenant General Yanyong Wang could not help but get furious and said, "Baga Yalu! I ordered the artillery to fully assist you in attacking Tianma Mountain because I thought you could definitely take Tianma Mountain."

"But now, not only have you failed to capture Tianma Mountain, but you have also suffered heavy casualties. You are simply a sinner of the empire. You have disappointed me so much."

Colonel Itsuki Hariya knew he was in the wrong and no longer had the arrogance he had before. He said honestly, "Hayi, I deserve death. Please give us another chance, General."

Yan Yongwang said coldly: "I'll give you one more chance. Do you still have the energy to attack Tianma Mountain?"

"Are you sure you can take over Tianma Mountain?"

Yilang Xigu said: "As long as we are given some additional troops, we will be able to capture Tianma Mountain. If we fail to complete the mission, I would rather die as an apology."

Yan Yongwang said: "But there are no more troops for the time being. The commander has once again ordered us to take Hengyang as soon as possible, so the attack cannot be stopped."

"How about this, your troops will withdraw and rest first, and when there are reinforcements, I will replenish them for you."

"As for Tianma Mountain, let's leave it to the 65th Regiment to attack for the time being!"

Although Ichiro Hariya was dissatisfied in his heart, he had no choice but to accept it and did not even dare to show the slightest dissatisfaction.

(End of this chapter)