Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Changzhi.

More and more operational commanders are attending the meetings.

Liu Maoen and Chen Tie, who were from the south of the city, also rushed back to attend the meeting.

Its defenses were handed over to the 7th Army Group, which was skilled in defensive operations, and was commanded by Fu Yisheng.

On the Fifth Army side, Zeng Zesheng, the deputy commander of the Second War Zone and concurrently the commander-in-chief of the Fifth Army, will also participate in this operational summary.

In addition, there were Fan Hanjie, who performed reasonably well in this operation, and other units.

This battle summary, a true summary, actually took place the very next day.

On the first day, there was no real reward or recognition of merit; it was just a rough drafting of the list.

The final award was decided by the Military Commission and the officials of the General Staff.

Chu Yunfei's advice was important, but not everything.

the next day.

Changzhi was formerly the headquarters of the 88th Group Army.

In the large operational conference room, a group of generals gathered together.

They had already exchanged pleasantries beforehand, so at this moment, there was complete silence.

Soon, Chu Yunfei and his group walked into the conference room.

The sound of firm footsteps approached.

Everyone instinctively sat up straight.

With Zhao Pengcheng's shout, "Commander Chu has arrived!"

The generals immediately stood up.

“Sit Down”

Chu Yunfei stepped into his seat and immediately got straight to the point: "Today we will only discuss tactics, nothing else."

"In this strategic counter-offensive, we fought hundreds of battles, large and small, and engaged the main force of the Japanese army in various terrains. We have accumulated a lot of experience and summarized many shortcomings."

"Based on the terrain and what we lack at this stage."

"First, let's talk about river assault tactics."

Chu Yunfei paused, his cold gaze slowly sweeping over everyone: "This is a crucial part of future warfare, and also one of the most challenging tactical operations."

As he spoke, Chu Yunfei turned to look at Fang Ligong beside him: "Brother Ligong, please begin."

Fang Ligong pushed up his glasses and then slowly nodded: "In this battle, all of our North China troops performed well in crossing the river, but the one most worthy of discussion is the former 31st Army Group."

Under Tang Enbo's command, the successful crossing of the Yellow River was based on the fact that the main force of the Japanese army was tied down by our army, and only a few scattered infantry battalions were left on the defensive line, which allowed them to force their way across.

"If the Japanese army had set up a division in the corresponding war zone, the outcome of crossing the river would have been self-evident."

"River assaults are typically carried out by no more than one reinforced battalion or reinforced regiment of soldiers under heavy artillery support."

"so that a stronghold could be established on the other side of the river."

"The initial assault would typically use small, human-powered oars or assault boats."

Fang Ligong paused for a moment: "I'm sure many of you have heard of assault boats to some extent, but unfortunately, none of our units are equipped with them. The Expeditionary Force has received some aid from the United States and may be able to put them into combat in the future."

Chu Yunfei then added, "The newly formed 13th Army is currently conducting relevant drills and training."

"After successfully completing the initial assault, follow-up troops will cross the river as soon as possible to clear and consolidate the probing positions."

"Pedestrian bridges, ferries, or inflatable boats can be used, and engineering units are also needed to build pontoon bridges that can accommodate heavy carriages."

"The troops that have already reached the opposite bank of the river must be prepared to immediately meet the enemy's fierce counterattack, and must hold their probing positions until troops capable of breaking through the defenses arrive on the shore."

The difficulty of river assault tactics lies in...

Even if a beachhead is established, it is easy to be attacked by enemy fire.

For example, the Yellow River, a natural barrier, was seen by all commanders as a place that was easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Han Fuqu disregarded the natural barrier of the Yellow River and ignored the geographical advantage of Tai'an.

Such natural defenses and advantageous terrain are not found everywhere.

If used properly, it could be no joke to counter a Japanese army of 100,000.

anyway.

Fang Ligong paused at this point: "Of course, our main combat area is not as densely covered by rivers as it is in the south."

"In the current operational area of ​​the Ninth War Zone, the Japanese army will encounter corresponding river and lake obstacles every 20 kilometers they advance, and will encounter tributaries of the Yangtze River every 100 kilometers they advance."

"In addition, there are many streams, irrigation and drainage ditches, canals, streams, and even irrigated farmland."

"Although these water obstacles are relatively small, they will still cause difficulties for troops crossing the river."

Fang Ligong spoke at length, and the generals listened thoughtfully.

Until half an hour later.

He then gave a summary: "In North China, there are also many scenarios for the application of river assault tactics. Based on the existing combat experience of various units, as well as the combat experience of various units of the Expeditionary Force, plus the tactical experience report provided by the Ninth War Zone."

"Our staff has made a corresponding summary, and the key points are as follows."

"Sufficient intelligence, effective tactical planning, realistic consideration of terrain and weather, reasonable assessment of the defending forces' capabilities, effective system of participating troops, and timely organization of river-crossing and bridge-building equipment."

"If the intensity is successful, the advantage the army gains may not only be tactical, but even strategic."

"But if the coordinated operations are not effective, the price to pay will be unacceptable to everyone."
-
River crossing operations are a rather profound subject, and Fang Ligong went on to explain a whole host of general concepts.

This was a simplified summary made by Chu Yunfei based on his memory of river assault tactics.

How exactly does one conduct systematic warfare?

No one is confident that they can complete it in a short period of time.

"Commander Chu, Commander Fang, there is a problem right now: our army doesn't have the corresponding engineering boats, or even corresponding engineering units."

Fan Hanjie raised his hand in acknowledgment.

Chu Yunfei immediately nodded: "Theoretically speaking, all major countries will equip themselves with small boats for reconnaissance, transporting personnel and equipment. Currently, the southwest has also carried out the construction of corresponding engine plants, which have now entered the assembly stage."

"These components will be purchased as material aid and brought into the country for assembly to help us gain experience."

"The production capacity forecast is quite optimistic, so there's no need to worry too much. The reason we're discussing it is because we anticipate many potential application scenarios in the future."

Currently, the engineers of various units of the National Revolutionary Army are basically responsible for simple combat tasks, and they have hardly ever carried out such amphibious assault missions.

Even in history, when the engineering corps attempted to breach the Yellow River dike, a miscalculation prevented them from doing so, and they opted to breach the dike at Huayuankou instead.

If you really take a closer look at this kind of thing...

It's true that it's not something that can be explained in a short time.

After providing his explanation, Fang Ligong sharply criticized the shortcomings of Tang Enbo's troops' tactics of crossing the Yellow River to the north.

Furthermore, it was criticized as a successful battle with a significant element of luck. Based on this...

Taking advantage of the situation, Fang Ligong proposed the establishment of a corresponding research laboratory and resolved to select several battalion and company commanders from the participating troops of the 31st Group Army to accumulate relevant combat experience.

"Two days ago, I already advised the General Headquarters through Director Zhang Zhizhong of the First Auxiliary Division."

"The approval was received yesterday evening."

Chu Yunfei paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Currently, the General Headquarters has agreed to the establishment of new pontoon bridge combat detachments in each basic tactical unit and their integration into the operational structure."

At the same time, the organizational structure varies depending on the different combat nature of each region.

The basic tactical units in North China will be newly formed into company-level pontoon bridge assault detachments.

Army-level units should establish corresponding pontoon bridge regiments and equip them with appropriate strategic combat supplies.

"The combat units in South China will be organized into pontoon bridge regiments based on the A-level tactical unit standard. The Expeditionary Force will be no exception."

"Based on the needs of corresponding tactical equipment, I plan to establish a new infantry man-made bridge factory in the Jincheng area, and encourage the planting of fast-growing trees in suitable areas."

The main types of tactical bridges include not only infantry bridges, fixed vehicle bridges, and folding pontoon bridges, but also other types.

The vehicles used for pontoon bridge transport also vary from country to country.

Based on the premise of being as close as possible to US production capacity, Chu Yunfei naturally prioritized the US side.

After all, at this point in time, Laomei's production capacity is practically overflowing.

As the battle neared its end.

Chu Yunfei also took the initiative to contact Stilwell and expressed his thoughts.

However, to Chu Yunfei's surprise, Stilwell had not yet arrived in northern Myanmar to discuss matters with him.

The first to arrive was Lin Wei, the deputy head of the advisory group.

Clearly, they came with a mission.

Chu Yunfei had already arranged for Zhang Dayun and Sun Ming to accompany Chu Xichun to pick her up at the airport. As for himself, he was at ease continuing to hold the corresponding summary meeting in Changzhi.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

The first day mainly focused on river assault tactics and the subsequent strategies for various military commanders to establish pontoon bridge units.

The next day, the discussion focused on mountain assault operations and summer warfare tactics.

That afternoon, at Chu Yunfei's urging, the officers continued to urge their subordinate staff to compile statistics on casualties and submit a summary report.

On the third day, just as Lin Wei arrived in Changzhi.

Chu Yunfei then received the combat casualty reports from various units. Before he could study them in detail, he received news of Lin Wei's arrival.

"Brother Weiwen, you must be tired from your journey."

"Commander Chu," Lin Wei was about to say something in greeting.

Chu Yunfei immediately laughed and placed his large, fan-like hand on his shoulder: "No need for pleasantries, let's get down to business."

Lin Wei nodded with a smile.

Although the two had a good relationship, their status was delicate, and they weren't close enough to be seen arm in arm like that.

Chu Yunfei clearly guessed that he had come with a mission.

"Commander Chu, have the casualty statistics been completed?"

Fang Ligong, standing nearby, spoke up: "To be honest, Commander Lin, we just completed the casualty statistics for all participating units an hour and a half ago..."

"The overall situation is not optimistic due to limitations in weaponry and equipment, as well as the quality of combat personnel."

Lin Wei looked solemn and did not accept the battle report summary handed over by Fang Ligong. Instead, he took out a survey report on the quality of the conscripts from his pocket.

"This one."

"And this one too..."

Before each major battle, the Nationalist Army would prepare corresponding conscripted regiments in advance to replenish troops immediately after the battle.

In cases like the recent battle in North China, where casualties were excessive.

It is impossible to complete the corresponding replenishment by relying solely on Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces.

Therefore, supplementary corps from Henan, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Gansu, Sichuan and other places will be added to the various teams.

Chu Yunfei took the report and, after just a glance, guessed what Lin Wei wanted to say.

This was clearly stated in the investigation report from Military Service Minister Roh Jong-rin.

If conscription is conducted according to strict standards, three-fifths of the conscripts will be unqualified.

Among the conscripted soldiers, it is difficult to find even one out of a hundred who has a primary school education.

Besides that, what troubles the various districts the most is...

More than 90% of the conscripted men did not meet Chu Yunfei's requirements.
Other Nationalist Army units had available recruits, and they didn't discriminate; they would take even conscripts who wouldn't fire a gun for three months.

But that won't work for Chu Yunfei, especially after the Second War Zone spent a lot of effort reorganizing the military stations along the Sichuan-Shaanxi Highway.

Chu Yunfei's requirements for able-bodied men have never decreased.

"Brother Weiwen, I reported this situation to the General Headquarters two years ago, so why has it not improved to this day?"

"Traffic jams, unsanitary food, insufficient physical fitness due to long journeys, rampant mosquitoes, and malaria outbreaks—Commander Chu, can these problems be solved simply by adjusting personnel relations?"

From this report.

Chu Yunfei was able to deeply understand the helplessness of a pre-modern war when waging a modern war.

He handed the report to Zhao Pengcheng, who was standing to the side, and sighed deeply.

"In that case, let's proceed with the downsizing as the General Staff intends."

"Downsizing?" Fang Ligong, standing to the side, was taken aback. "Now that we've just gained the initiative on the battlefield, why aren't we actively expanding our forces to prepare for the upcoming offensive operations?"

Chu Yunfei gestured for Fang Ligong to calm down: "Let's discuss this matter at the meeting."

Lin Wei looked somewhat helpless: "The United States has reduced its aid allocation for the next quarter, citing a crucial war on the Eastern Front that threatens the nation's fate, and that they need to fully support the Soviet Union and their British allies..."

"The Battle of Stalingrad?"

Lin Wei paused, her expression slightly strange, then nodded: "That's right."

He was very curious as to how Chu Yunfei knew about this.

Could it be that, with the strategic counter-offensive in North China in full swing, he actually had the mind to pay attention to the overseas battlefield?
Lin Wei had heard about the analysis of this river assault tactic on the way.

He was quite surprised.

Chu Yunfei would be interested in these things.

After all, there are relatively few rivers and lakes in North China. Could it be that Chu Yunfei really intends to launch a full-scale counterattack and recover all lost territory?
Can his body really support him doing this? (End of Chapter)