Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

"In order to adapt to the new situation and changes in the War of Resistance, and also to further improve the combat effectiveness of the troops and build a modern army."

"The Military Commission has decided to reduce the personnel size of some combat units, upgrade weapons and equipment, and make corresponding adjustments to personnel relations."

Lin Wei held Chang Ruiyuan's written order and the documents prepared by the General Headquarters in his hands and read them aloud.

Downsized!

Moreover, it started in the World War II zone, which had a distinguished record of military achievements.
For a moment, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, and subconsciously looked at Chu Yunfei, who was in the lead.

Chu Yunfei's expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected this all along.

Under normal circumstances.

The fewer troops one has, the less power one has.

Many military commanders are often unwilling to relinquish their command authority.

Could it be that Commander Chu and the people of Shancheng have reached some kind of consensus?

The size of an army is certainly not the bigger the better. For example, before the war, the total strength of the National Revolutionary Army was more than four times that of the Japanese army.

In reality, during combat operations, troop strength often simply becomes a number of casualties.

At present, the total strength of the National Army exceeds 3.5 million.

But the actual combat strength is probably only around 2.8 million, not including the elderly, weak, sick and disabled who are unable to fight.
In reality, the number of troops capable of fighting is approximately two million.

Among these, the strongest military force at present is the "Central Army" in North China.

The combat strength can reach approximately 45 (full strength).

Secondly, there was the main force of the Central Army in the Ninth War Zone, with a strength of barely forty (full strength).

Next are the Fifth War Zone and the Third War Zone.
The Fifth War Zone was a typical war zone controlled by local warlords, with numerous factions within it, but also basically all united under Li Delin's command.

Li Delin practically turned the entire Dabie Mountain region into his backyard.

The Dabie Mountains region at this time was very different from the area ravaged by the Guangxi Clique in 44. With the pressure reduced, the supply pressure also disappeared.
A lot of the lousy things didn't happen.

Chu Yunfei had submitted a plan regarding the reorganization of the troops three years ago.

At that time, the main focus was on the troops in the Northwest region, and the main work was done by the Eighth War Zone.

Although the World War II zone underwent some reorganization at that time, it was not as straightforward as it is now.

"In order to unify the corresponding logistics organization, the combat troops in North China will remove 6.5 mm bolt-action rifles and light machine guns from their ranks."

"Some combat units are still using Soviet-style weapons. The specific list is as follows: the 71st Army under Long Muhan and the 14th Reserve Division under Chen Zejun."

"Furthermore, in order to adapt to the strategic requirements of the next stage, the artillery and directly subordinate units of each combat unit also need to be adjusted accordingly."

"Each basic tactical unit (division level) is equipped with 12 mountain guns of 75 mm caliber or larger."

"A Class A combat units currently have more than 36 75mm caliber mountain guns under their command and are equipped with more than 8 105mm caliber howitzers."

“乙B级作战单位当下辖12门以上75毫米口径山炮，基础作战单位应当至少装备8门以上45毫米直射火炮用于攻坚，且直属部队至少装备24门107毫米以上口径迫击炮。”

As soon as he finished speaking, Zeng Wanzhong and the others gasped in shock.

Is this a downsizing?
It sounds like an alternative form of streamlining, but it's practically an expansion.

Taking the Fifth Army Group as an example, not only were they directly issued eight 75mm mountain guns, but they were also given a directly subordinate mortar battalion.

"The organizational structure of Class B regimental-level combat units will not be adjusted for the time being. In order to ensure subsequent combat effectiveness, only the directly subordinate combat units will be adjusted, and the construction of engineering units will be strengthened."

Lin Wei paused for a moment, then continued, "All local construction-related troops will be transferred to local jurisdiction. The mountain city will no longer provide further military funding; it will be covered by local finances."

In addition, development zones will be designated in various regions, and government commissioners will be assigned to oversee the overall planning and development of all aspects of the local economy.

Lin Wei explained it in great detail and very clearly.

In essence, it can be summarized in two sentences.

In other words, semi-dedicated combat units such as local construction corps will be fully transferred to local authorities and will no longer be used as reserve military forces.

On the one hand, it is to ensure the quality of the soldiers; on the other hand, it is a last resort.

Local construction corps, if used well, can be a game-changing weapon.

However, if used improperly, it can become a tool for some people to seek personal gain or even to harm ordinary people.

The successful experience in Shanxi is clearly not suitable for widespread adoption in all regions.

Following this, corresponding divisional administrative districts will be established in Shanxi.

The reserve combat forces will undergo off-the-job training.

This model will also begin in the Shanxi region.

After all, only the Shanxi region has three comprehensive training grounds: Jincheng, Changzhi, and northwestern Shanxi.

In addition, other war zones and provinces do not meet the corresponding requirements.

Even in Yunnan and other regions used as the rear base for the expeditionary force, there were only two small comprehensive training grounds.
-
"Commander Lin, regarding the personnel adjustments, has the mountain city government issued any relevant instructions?"

After a moment of silence, Lin Wei slowly said, "The personnel adjustments are still under study. We will maintain the basic principle of keeping the old units and old commanders, and give appropriate commendations."

"In addition, we need to have some discussions and summaries regarding the casualties of various units."

"In this battle, the preliminary estimate of casualties is 103,867, with 76,453 killed."

"Among them, Major General Yao Yanfeng, the division commander, Major General Liu Yun, the chief of staff, and Major General Miao Zelin, the deputy division commander, were killed in action."

Thirteen military officers at the regimental level or above were killed in action.

"The initial count of Japanese casualties is 58,650, including more than 16,000 confirmed killed, including the Japanese division commander, Suemitsu. The entire 109th Division of the Japanese Army was annihilated. There are reports that the Japanese Army has now cancelled the designation of the 109th Division."

Hearing this, everyone smiled.

It should be noted that although the casualty ratio between the two sides was close to 2:1.

But they fought mostly tough battles, either urban or mountain warfare.

Or it could be a mobile warfare operation following a forced march.

This kind of offensive and siege warfare also involves large-scale mobile warfare, resulting in such a casualty ratio.

At this moment, the National Revolutionary Army could, in a sense, be considered one of the world's top-tier forces.

PS: This applies only to the troops participating in this operation.

"The units that have suffered the heaviest casualties so far are the 14th Army of the 14th Group Army, the 13th Reserve Division, the 14th Reserve Division, and the 13th Army."
-
The meeting lasted a long time.

in the afternoon.

Chu Yunfei, looking slightly tired, got up and left his seat.

Lin Wei, Fang Ligong, Zhao Pengcheng and others followed behind.

In a small meeting room.

Further discussion and consultation are needed regarding the specific details of the reinforcements for these units.

"Brother Weiwen, what exactly does the Chairman intend to do with the Thirteenth Army?"

Lin Wei looked helpless: "Before I set off, the Chairman had not actually made a clear decision or given any instructions."

"Commander Chu must also know that Tang Enbo is extremely loyal to the Chairman. Although he is slightly lacking in ability, especially his tendency to protect his reputation, which displeases many people, his experience in fighting against the Japanese is unparalleled in the entire National Revolutionary Army."

Chu Yunfei sighed: "I can understand why they set off hastily in the Battle of Teng County, and why their support was not timely and they encountered resistance from the Japanese army."

"During the Battle of Taierzhuang, they discovered that the main force of the Japanese army was entrenched, so I can understand and even support their idea of ​​not rushing south."

"During the Battle of Xuzhou, as the rearguard, they ran faster than anyone else."

"In the Battle of Zaoyi, the Japanese launched a campaign to annihilate their main force. Their mobile warfare tactics were quite outstanding and truly commendable."

"I won't go into detail about some of the battle examples."

Chu Yunfei changed the subject: "But Brother Weiwen, whether it was the Battle of Tengxian, the Battle of Taierzhuang, or the subsequent Battle of Xuzhou, was Tang Enbo really thinking about the country and the world, or about the power in his hands?"

Lin Wei sighed silently: "Previously, the local armies were very powerful. To put it bluntly, the Second War Zone was too big to be controlled, and the Fifth War Zone, under Li Delin's command, was almost a monolithic entity."

If we follow your idea and completely dismiss Tang Enbo, and have Wang Zhonglian lead the 20th Army Corps...
"How could the 31st Army Group have come to this?"

That's certainly true; without Chang Ruiyuan supporting Tang Enbo...

The Fifth War Zone had long been dominated by the Guangxi clique.

Even so, after General Zhang Zizhong's sacrifice, the Guangxi clique forces still dominated the entire Fifth War Zone.

Based on these considerations, Chang Ruiyuan would never touch Tang Enbo.

Just like Hu Zongnan is now as stable as Mount Tai in the Northwest.

The title of "King of the Northwest" has been used for a long time, but Chang Ruiyuan has never suspected Hu Zongnan, which is also a testament to Hu Zongnan's ability.

Chu Yunfei remained silent for a moment.

Chang Ruiyuan's biased stance was essentially driven by fear.
There's just no way to say this directly.

There are far too many military units that have connections with him, both overtly and covertly.

There were so many that Chang Ruiyuan was anxious.

Otherwise, why would they continue to support the Ninth and Third War Zones, and even want to create another war god, Xue Yue?

If Chu Yunfei hadn't been so indifferent to this matter...
The internal strife within the National Revolutionary Army alone would probably give him a headache.

Forget about any strategic counter-offensive at that point; mutual sabotage could even worsen the entire war situation.

Chu Yunfei quickly stated his opinion: "If you think Commander-in-Chief Tang really has the ability to command combat, then why not let him teach at the Army University instead of being the director of the recruit training department?"

"If it weren't for his disobedience and reckless advance, the Japanese army wouldn't have had the opportunity to inflict heavy losses on our troops. By now, those Japanese devils should have been driven out of the southern Hebei region."

Chu Yunfei paused, then slowly said, "Could it be that the principal is planning to treat Liu Jingfu the same way?"

Lin Wei extended his right hand to signal Chu Yunfei to calm down: "The Chairman is determined to give everyone an explanation for this matter. There is absolutely no way that Tang Enbo will return to his command position."

"Well, there's one more thing. Tomorrow, Stilwell will arrive in the Shanxi region, and I will have further discussions with him regarding American aid. What are the General Staff's expectations?"

"At a minimum, we should restore more than 60% of aid supplies; ideally, we should be able to continue supporting our domestic operations."

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly, his eyes filled with worry.

This was actually a great opportunity, as US aid had just arrived in the country, production capacity was piling up in the Northwest, and the troops were in good condition.

If Tang Enbo hadn't insisted on his own way, following Chu Yunfei's battle plan...

While recovering the entire North China region might be unrealistic, the situation in Hebei and Henan provinces should be relatively straightforward.

Even so, the supply of additional troops can still be adequate.

In terms of quality, it might be slightly inferior.

Further training is needed, and the time frame is also an issue.

After briefly discussing a few key issues, Lin Wei quickly left the small conference room.

After seeing Lin Wei off, Fang Ligong turned back and asked in a low voice, "Master Yun, do you think the Americans will agree?"

Chu Yunfei shook his head: "As far as I know, that US president's desire for control is extraordinary."

“We have ‘disobeyed’ his wishes this time, and it is very likely that we will anger him.”

"But he was also a very intelligent and astute president."

"Therefore, we don't need to worry too much; at least the resources to support the expeditionary force's continued counter-offensive will definitely be provided to us."

Fang Ligong was taken aback and asked curiously, "Are you planning to return to Myanmar soon?"

"I will set off after all the awards have been finalized. If I go back now, the awards may not be so fair."

Chu Yunfei spoke meaningfully.

Almost at the same time.

Meanwhile, in a conference room in the mountain city.

The debate over the commendations and punishments of the military commanders of the participating units was so intense that it nearly caused a huge uproar.

This battle was indeed fought well, and the initiative in the war in North China was regained.

However, they also lost their basic offensive capabilities within six months.

It also offended its most steadfast ally.

This even led the Japanese to frequently redeploy troops from the Kwantung Army to alleviate the pressure on the battlefield inside the Great Wall.

This can be considered as indirect support for the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War.

But who wants to support them?
Whether the Soviets died or not had little direct relation to them.

In the eyes of high-ranking commanders, human lives are merely costs, numbers, nothing more.

"The awards for Gong Yuxin and Long Muhan can be finalized as soon as possible."

"The initial operational command of the 71st Army was carried out by Song Xilian, with Fan Hanjie's 27th Army providing excellent support, which also played a significant role in containing the enemy in subsequent operations."

Song Xilian has been promoted.

Long Muhan has nowhere to rise; at best, he can only get the Treasure Cauldron Medal or even the Cloud Banner Medal.

However, according to the general rule that medals in the National Revolutionary Army become less valuable over time,

Chang Ruiyuan will most likely receive the Treasure Cauldron and even the Blue and White Medal.

Chen Cixiu paused, then added, "The 13th Reserve Division not only distinguished itself in the relief efforts and the capture of Handan City, but also, in coordination with friendly forces, almost completely annihilated an enemy brigade." (End of Chapter)