Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Second World War Zone, Frontline Command Headquarters.

It was noon when Chu Yunfei finally returned.

Upon seeing this, Fang Ligong and Bian Fucheng stepped forward and briefly reported Song Xilian's idea.

Chu Yunfei chuckled lightly: "My senior's concerns are reasonable, but we can't be too explicit at this stage."

Currently, the North China Area Army and the main forces of the Nationalist Army in North China are still probing each other.

Even Chu Yunfei could not find any strategic weaknesses on the Japanese side along such a long battlefront.

Using a specific point to drive broader progress is a good approach.

However, given the current artillery strength of the Second World War zone, it would not be easy to break through the Japanese defenses along the Nankou-Pingxingguan line.

Such terrain is easy to defend and difficult to attack; the Japanese could not break in, and they also found it difficult to break out.

The main attack directions of Niangziguan, Changshe, and even the Fifth War Zone are what Chu Yunfei is currently focusing on.

Fang Ligong was incredibly perceptive.

He immediately understood Chu Yunfei's thoughts, and then slowly said, "The 13th Reserve Division, commanded by Gong Yuxin, has arrived on the outskirts of Handan."

"Give the order..." Chu Yunfei smiled: "The 'Swinging Fist' plan, begin execution."

"Yes!"
-
Outside Handan city.

Gong Yuxin put down his binoculars and looked down at his wristwatch.

"The time for the final offensive is fast approaching, haven't the latest orders been issued yet?"

"Commander, could it be that the higher-ups haven't really decided on which direction to pursue for a breakthrough yet?"

If someone else were commanding this battle...

Then this commander has probably been thoroughly scolded.

But now everyone knows who the supreme commander is; Chu Yunfei's style has always been like this.

The direction of attack and support can be adjusted at any time.

Flexible and adaptable command is also a new challenge for the commanders below.

"Report, Commander, a call from headquarters."

Gong Yuxin took the telegram handed to him by the communications officer and said with a smile, "As expected, it's from our side. Order the troops to launch a full-scale attack on the Japanese invaders immediately, according to the proposed attack plan."

"Yes!"
-
Japanese army
Independent Mixed 7th Brigade Command.

Major General Taisuke Sawajiri, the brigade commander, looked extremely grim.

The intelligence document in his hand felt incredibly heavy, almost suffocating him.

He slammed the intelligence report on the table while muttering curses under his breath: "Damn it. Those damn bastards!"

The gaunt-faced chief of staff quickly stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "General, has something changed in the Changzhi direction?"

“More than just a change of events!” Sawajiri Taisuke’s voice was filled with obvious agitation and panic: “Our outer perimeter security forces and our intelligence agents lurking in China have confirmed it at the same time.”

The main force of the 13th Reserve Division, led by its commander Gong Yuxin, had assembled outside Handan city two days prior.

Sawajiri Taisuke walked to the battle map on the wall and pointed heavily to the location of Handan with his baton: "All the intelligence points to one conclusion: the next target of the Second War Zone in China is this city right here!"
They likely intend to penetrate into our heartland by occupying Handan, and the 71st Army, the elite main force of the Chinese army that had been missing for some time, has most likely been deployed behind them.

Once our defenses are breached, the entire surrounding area's enemy-friendly situation will be completely reversed.

And we will have no more chances.

The chief of staff standing to the side also became serious.

He strode to the table, picked up the organizational chart of his own troops, and quickly compared it with the information in the intelligence regarding the 13th Reserve Division.

The comparison made his heart sink little by little.

Our own troop strength:

Unit number: 7th Independent Mixed Brigade of the Japanese Army.

Type: Mixed Security Brigade

Troop strength: approximately 5500 men. Due to the long-term occupation of the occupied area, the troops were scattered in Handan and surrounding strongholds, with less than 3,000 men remaining in the core garrison within the city.

Equipment: Primarily light weapons, comprising 5 independent infantry battalions, one artillery battalion, one engineer battalion, and one communications battalion.

The artillery unit was left with only four old Type 41 mountain guns and eight Type 92 infantry guns, and there was a severe shortage of heavy weapons and supplies.

Enemy troop strength (estimated):

Unit designation: Second War Zone, 13th Reserve Division.

Type: Full-strength Class A Division.

Estimated combat strength: over 11000 personnel.

Note: Although this division is "newly formed", its core members are mostly veterans with rich combat experience, and most of the officers have left Chu Yunfei's command, so the morale is high and the command is flexible.

Equipment: Judging from its performance on other battlefields, the division is well-equipped, with not only a large number of submachine guns, but also powerful support firepower such as the division's mountain artillery battalion and heavy mortars.

“General,” the chief of staff said, his voice hoarse, “the ratio of enemy to friendly forces is nearly 2:1. If the Chinese army concentrates its main force to launch a strong attack on Handan, with our current strength and fortifications, we probably won’t be able to hold out for even three days.”

This place is Handan City.

In 38, Chu Yunfei led his troops in a surprise attack and achieved considerable success.

Gong Yuxin was serving as the company commander of the assault company under Chu Yunfei at the time.

They were quite familiar with the surrounding terrain.

Now, he has become the commander of the 13th Reserve Division.

His army is strong and well-equipped, with top-notch weaponry and personnel quality.

Under these circumstances, how could the Japanese possibly have a chance of winning?
"The headquarters has absolutely no idea about our difficulties!"

Sawajiri Taisuke stopped in his tracks, a resolute glint in his eyes: "All their attention has been drawn to Chu Yunfei's actions at Nankou and Pingxingguan! We can't just sit here and wait to be killed!"

"Immediately!" He turned around abruptly and ordered the chief of staff: "Send a telegram in my name to the North China Area Army Headquarters requesting reinforcements, asking His Excellency the Commander to dispatch the main force of the 33rd Division to come to our aid."

"The telegram described the situation in person and emphasized in detail the combat capabilities and offensive intentions of the enemy's 13th Reserve Division!"
It was emphasized that without strong reinforcements, Handan was in imminent danger!

The request is for the army group to immediately dispatch reinforcements and provide urgent tactical guidance, preferably with air support.

"Hai!"

The chief of staff suddenly bowed his head and immediately turned to draft the telegram.

only.

Fate always seems to enjoy playing the cruelest jokes.

The telegram requesting help, carrying all of Sawajiri Taisuke's hopes, had not yet been sent.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

A muffled, distant explosion seemed to come from the horizon.

The Japanese soldiers in the command post felt a slight tremor in their hearts.

Sawajiri Taisuke and his chief of staff were both startled and stopped what they were doing at the same time.

A young staff officer instinctively asked, "What's going on? Is it thundering?"

"No!" Sawajiri Taisuke's face turned deathly pale instantly. His battle-hardened intuition told him that the sound was the sound of an exploding shell.

These two sounds were most likely test firings by the Chinese military!

The words have not yet fallen.

"Boom! Boom! Boom—!"

The denser and louder cannon fire, like rolling thunder, came from afar and continued to explode one after another!

The earth began to tremble, a sensation that could be clearly felt even by the command center within the city.

This time, they heard it clearly: it was heavy artillery!

Heavy artillery with a caliber of at least 105 mm!
Soon, a communications soldier rushed out, looking rather impatient.

"Reporting to the general! The Chinese troops have launched an attack on our Xiangtangshan and Wu'an line."

"what?!"

Sawajiri Taisuke was taken aback: "So fast?"

Xiangtang Mountain is one of the few "commanding heights" in Handan City, and Wu'an County is a "non-security zone" that they and the 18th Group Army have repeatedly fought over.

Xiangtangshan and Wu'an are two of the most important strategic outposts protecting Handan City.

He deployed a reinforced squadron here and constructed strong defensive fortifications.

Now, the 13th Reserve Division bypassed the other secondary strongholds and launched a simultaneous heavy artillery attack on his two "key strongholds"!

The moment the attack was launched, Sawajiri Taisuke instantly understood, and a chill ran from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

His previous judgment was correct in no way.

The 13th Reserve Division did not only want to capture Handan City.

They also wanted to cut off their flank strongholds, turning Handan into an isolated city that could only seek help from outside.

The 13th Reserve Division's plan was to encircle the enemy's stronghold and then strike at its reinforcements!
"They want to clip my wings first! Crack off my claws! Turn Handan into an isolated city!"

The attack was launched much faster than Sawajiri Taisuke and others had anticipated.

Despair instantly filled their faces.

The 33rd Division was mainly engaged in combat against the main force of the Nationalist army in the southern Taihang Mountains.

Even with emergency assistance, it would take at least three days to arrive.

And during these three days.

They were facing one of the most elite combat units in the Second World War zone.

Moreover, this unit is highly likely to be supported by large-caliber artillery.

This battle seemed quite hopeless from the very beginning. If they tried to rescue, they would likely be besieged and their reinforcements attacked. If they didn't, Handan would fall, and it could even lead to the collapse of the entire Hebei situation.

Xiangtangshan position.

Gong Yuxin, the commander of the 13th Reserve Division, was holding up binoculars and quietly observing the Japanese positions in front of him, which were completely covered by artillery fire.

75mm Shanxi-made mountain gun. 107mm heavy mortar.

With an astonishing rate of fire, they were continuously hurling shells at the Japanese army's Zhen Di direction.

"Tell the artillery not to stop!" Gong Yuxin put down his binoculars and roared at the messenger beside him, "Give them a good beating! Flatten the hill with shells!"

"Relay my order!" Gong Yuxin turned to his chief of staff, "After the artillery preparation is complete, the First Regiment will immediately launch a general offensive!"

"The Third Regiment is to turn back from the flank and be wary of reinforcements from the direction of Handan City. Note: Xiangtang Mountain must be captured before dawn!"

"We must get off to a good start for the second phase of the strategic counter-offensive in the Second World War zone!"

"Yes!"

As the resounding bugle call rang out.

Under the cover of artillery fire, the soldiers of the 13th Reserve Division charged down like tigers descending from the mountains.

They launched a massive offensive against the Japanese positions.

Okamura Yasuji was far away at the North China Area Army Headquarters in Beiping.

At this time, the situation is still uncertain due to the "unusual movement" in the Pingxingguan direction.

He never dreamed of this.

Chu Yunfei's killing move, however, was aimed at Handan City, hundreds of kilometers away.

Mountain City, National Military Government Committee, Attendant's Office.

The continuous rain finally took a short break, and the damp air was filled with the unique fragrance of banyan trees.

In the office of Zhang Zhizhong, the director of the personal guard, the telephone rang and the telegraph machine beeped incessantly.

Zhang Zhizhong put down a section of his analysis of the enemy and our forces in the North China Theater and gently rubbed his temples.

Nankou, Pingxingguan, Niangziguan, and the Southern Taihang Mountains.

The war situation in North China was like a chessboard that Chu Yunfei had wantonly stirred up.

Nobody knows what he's doing, and nobody knows what he wants to do.

Main focus?

Judging from the deployment of various units, this claim is completely unfounded.

It seems that the main focus is on attacking, and there are opportunities for breakthroughs everywhere.

however.

What really concerned him was the latest telegram from Yangon.

"Wenbai Gong, this is a message just sent by General Du Yuming, regarding the complete annihilation of the Japanese special commando unit."

A capable adjutant presented a thick telegram.

Zhang Zhizhong took it and read it carefully.

In his report, Du Yuming detailed how he used Japanese spies to set a trap, and how Zhou Weiguo commanded the reconnaissance brigade to cooperate with the newly formed 22nd Division to annihilate the elite Japanese "assault team" with lightning speed.

The brilliance of their tactics and the decisiveness of their execution are truly remarkable.

"What a brilliant 'luring the snake out of its hole' strategy! What a brilliant 'turning the tables' strategy!"

Zhang Zhizhong couldn't help but whisper in admiration: "Du Guangting's command is becoming more and more experienced."

The latter part of the report.

Based on the experience gained from this counter-offensive special operations, Du Yuming put forward strategic suggestions.

He pointed out that the battle was at a stalemate.

The Japanese army will inevitably adopt more unconventional tactics such as small-unit infiltration, raids and harassment, and disruption of supply lines.

If our expeditionary force is to remain invincible, it may launch a counter-offensive in the future.

Therefore, it is necessary to establish equally elite and professional unconventional combat forces to cope with this new form of warfare.

At the same time, a large number of reconnaissance troops are needed to go into Siam to conduct reconnaissance, infiltration, and mapmaking.

Du Yuming made a clear suggestion: to expand the former Expeditionary Force reconnaissance battalion, which had distinguished itself in battle and had rich experience.

The "Special Operations Brigade" was formally reorganized and is now capable of independently carrying out complex missions such as infiltration, sabotage, intelligence gathering, and counter-insurgency operations behind enemy lines.

"Du Guangting's previous suggestion coincides with some of Yunfei's ideas."

Zhang Zhizhong put down the telegram, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

Chu Yunfei has been committed to the modernization and professionalization of the military.

The formation of such a "special forces" unit is an important part of its strategic blueprint.

Du Yuming clearly felt the benefits of this elite force firsthand.

After consulting with Chang Ruiyuan, Zhang Zhizhong immediately summoned his adjutant and began to receive a commendation telegram issued in the name of the Military Commission.

"A telegram is to be sent to the General Headquarters of the First Army Group of the Expeditionary Force, and also to all war zones."

As Zhang Zhizhong paced back and forth, he carefully chose his words, his voice steady and commanding.

"According to the report, the First Army Group of the Chinese Expeditionary Force, under the outstanding command of Acting Commander-in-Chief General Du Yuming, displayed the might of our nation on the battlefield."

Recently, on the border with Siam, he discerned the enemy chieftain's treacherous scheme, devised a clever plan, and annihilated an elite Japanese special task force, a truly remarkable achievement.

General Du Yuming's strategic planning and decisive victory, especially during this critical period, have been instrumental in strengthening the Party and the nation, and he deserves high praise.

"In addition, the original expeditionary force vanguard, under the command of Captain Zhou Weiguo, fought bravely and acted swiftly, annihilating the invading enemy with thunderous force, demonstrating the awe-inspiring might of the Chinese soldiers."

General Zhou Weiguo is renowned for his wisdom, courage, and decisive command; this order is hereby issued in commendation!

After reading the commendation section, Zhang Zhizhong's tone changed, becoming more solemn.

"In order to adapt to the new situation on the battlefield, effectively counter the enemy's infiltration and sabotage, and reserve a spearhead force for future strategic counter-offensives, the proposal of General Du Yuming, Acting Commander-in-Chief of the First Army Group, has been studied and decided by the Military Commission of the National Government and submitted to the Chairman for approval. The following order is hereby issued:"

The adjutant's pen flew across the paper as he recorded this order, which was bound to have an impact on the expeditionary force.

"I. Effective immediately, the original designation 'Chinese Expeditionary Force Reconnaissance Battalion' is hereby abolished. Based on all officers and soldiers, the 'Chinese Expeditionary Force Special Operations Brigade' will be formally expanded and established."

"Second, Major General Zhou Weiguo of the Army is the first brigade commander and is fully responsible for the brigade's training and combat command."

"Third, in recognition of General Zhou Weiguo's outstanding achievements in various battles, he is hereby awarded the 'Fourth Class Yunhui Medal' as encouragement."

"Fourth, the first organizational structure of the 'Special Brigade' is tentatively set as follows: the brigade headquarters shall be under the command of four combat battalions and one logistics battalion. The specific organizational structure is yet to be determined, and the goal is to make it lean, independent and self-reliant."

This order.

This was not only a commendation and promotion for Zhou Weiguo and his troops.

It was also a profound transformation in the Nationalist government's understanding of modern warfare under Chu Yunfei's influence.

Its grand scale confirmed that the Republic of China possessed its first brigade-level, systematic special operations force.

After Zhang Zhizhong finished dictating, he carefully reviewed the draft telegram and, after confirming that it was correct, said to his adjutant, "Also, send a copy to General Stilwell."

I think he would certainly be happy to see this happen. (End of Chapter)