Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 571 Taking a Different Path

After nightfall, Chen Chengxing set off again, with the second main force heading straight for Shigatse Ridge.

While the Second General Team was speeding towards Shigatse, the Turkish Brigade had already arrived in Jiechuan by truck at breakneck speed.

After arriving in Jiechuan, Brigadier General Yazgi, the commander of the Turkish brigade, dispatched an additional reinforced battalion with four 105mm howitzers to seize Shigatse first.

Once a battle breaks out, the two armies can support each other from both sides with their firepower.

At around 2 a.m., Qin Sheng led the advance team of the 24th detachment to Shigatse.

"Commander, the previous intelligence was wrong. Shigatse has been occupied by the enemy."

Upon hearing that enemy troops had appeared at Shigatse, Qin Sheng's expression changed.

"Damn, the enemy reacted so fast!"

"Is the enemy American or Confederate? How many are there?"

"The initial estimate of the enemy forces at Shigatse is around one thousand. In addition, a large number of enemy troops have also been discovered in Jiechuan, but their numbers are still unknown," the scout reported.

"But it was neither the US military nor the Confederate army."

"Not the US military, nor the Confederate army? Which country's troops are they?" Qin Sheng asked, somewhat puzzled.

The UN forces were indeed composed of troops from many countries, but the main force consisted of the US and Yugoslav armies, with others playing a minor role.

Why would the enemy commander place troops from another country in such an important position at this time?

The investigators were also unable to answer Qin Sheng's question.

The military flag planted on Shigatse Ridge is indeed different.

But asking him to distinguish which unit each country's flag in the UN forces represents is indeed asking too much.

After thinking about it for a long time, Qin Sheng, still unable to figure it out, could only put the question out of his mind.

"We can't worry about that now, let's take the position first."

Qin Sheng ordered, "The First Battalion will organize a commando team to sneak up to the main peak from the other side of the cliff and launch an attack from above. The Second and Third Battalions will split into two groups and launch a pincer attack!"

"Be careful, don't let me blow up the military flag!" Qin Sheng added.

"Before entering Korea, the commander-in-chief said that he planned to set up a military history museum, and that the flags of all the enemies fought would be displayed."

"Don't worry, detachment leader, I guarantee it will be perfectly pinned on for the chief commander."

"Stop talking nonsense, let's get started!"

The assault team, composed of about a hundred skilled men selected from the first battalion, soon began their daring climb up the cliff.

To avoid making unnecessary noise, the commando soldiers not only put down any unnecessary equipment, but also took off their shoes.

The soldiers climbed up the snow barefoot.

After everyone quietly climbed to the summit, they realized they had been presumptuous.

The garrison at Shigatse didn't even send out a few sentries to stand guard.

At first glance, a row of bonfires was set up on Shigatse Ridge, and Turkish sentries were warming themselves by the fires.

Without wasting words, the battalion commander leading the assault turned his head and gestured, and several scouts pulled out daggers and crept over.

This is also a drawback of the Type 71 semi-automatic rifle: the triangular bayonet is not sharp enough, and the bayonet cannot be used alone, so soldiers have to carry their own daggers.

At this moment, the Turkish brigade's sentries were unaware that danger was imminent.

They were still discussing their bravery at dusk.

"Everyone says how strong the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was, and that even the Americans were forced to retreat one after another."

"But in my opinion, it's just so-so." A bearded man stretched out his hands to warm himself by the fire while talking casually.

“That’s right!” the two people next to him chimed in.

"The Americans are only better equipped; their combat capabilities are simply not up to par!"

"Yes, yes, today I personally chopped off the head of a mid-level officer!"

The bearded man laughed heartily: "Now that we've exposed the Central Army's boasting, we must launch a fierce attack this time! We must restore the prestige of the Ottoman Empire!"

The Turkish soldiers next to them were also incredibly proud.

At this moment, they seemed to have already witnessed the resurgence of the Ottoman Empire.

Just as they arrived at Shigatse at dusk, they discovered a group of enemy troops attempting to cross the mountain.

After a barrage of fire, the Turkish troops launched an attack, wielding their crescent blades and killing hundreds of enemy soldiers on the spot, while capturing more than two hundred.

In addition, they also captured a military flag, which was red with a blue upper left corner and a white sun on it.

They didn't know what the flag specifically represented, only that it was red, so they identified it as the central army.

And they were not wrong in their judgment; the flag did indeed belong to the Central Army, but not to the Volunteer Army; it came from the unfortunate Frog Island Military Advisory Group.

When the Korean War broke out and he learned that the Chinese People's Volunteer Army had entered Korea, Chang Ruiyuan immediately dispatched an advisory group, wanting to impart all the experience of the Kuomintang army and the Communist army in their many years of fighting.

If the Chinese People's Volunteer Army were defeated in Korea, his plan to launch a counter-offensive might still be able to be implemented.

As a result, Chang Ruiyuan's military advisory group had just arrived at the front line when they encountered the Second General Headquarters' surprise attack on Ningchuan.

Drawing on years of experience in escaping, the Kuomintang advisory group, in a disheveled state, led several hundred Southern soldiers out of the encirclement.

They originally intended to cross the Shigatse Mountains to meet up with the American troops in Jiechuan, but before they even reached the top of the mountain, they encountered the Turkish army.

Without saying a word, these bearded men came up and started hacking.

Even during this period, the Kuomintang advisory group and the South Korean army all made announcements in English, Korean, and Chinese.

But the Turks said they couldn't understand it.

After the massacre, the surviving prisoners and military flags were sent to the brigade headquarters.

Just as the Turkish soldiers were boasting more and more, several scouts sent by the commando team had already sneaked over.

As the sentries at their posts were gradually taken down, the assault team quietly approached the Turkish army's main position at the mountain pass.

Once they were close enough, the assault team didn't waste any words and unleashed a barrage of grenades.

A series of unexpected grenades startled the Turkish soldiers who had been jolted awake, their eyes widening in disbelief.

You're sound asleep when a grenade suddenly hits you on the head. Who can take that?

"Grenade!" A piercing cry echoed throughout the entire Shigatse Mountains.

Immediately following was a burst of grenade explosions.

"Boom!" "Boom!"
The explosion was the order to attack; as the grenade exploded, the assault team immediately launched a fierce attack.

The semi-automatic rifles had an extremely high rate of fire, and the Turkish soldiers, caught off guard, were pinned down and unable to even lift their heads.

They were simply unable to mount an effective counterattack in a short period of time.

On the other side, with the help of the assault team's firepower, the second and third battalions also rushed up to the Turkish army's front-line positions at an extremely fast speed.

As the Chinese People's Volunteer Army charged forward with bayonets, the Turkish soldiers remembered how they had routed the Volunteer Army the day before.

"God above all!"

Turkish soldiers drew their scimitars, shouted slogans, and charged out of their positions to engage the Second Division in a fierce battle.

However, as soon as they engaged in battle, the Turkish soldiers realized something was wrong.

The Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers in front of us were not only highly skilled in bayonet fighting, but also extremely ruthless.

Faced with a situation where death is not inevitable, they often choose to trade injury for life.

This was completely different from the 'volunteer army' they had encountered before.

As more and more Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers rushed up the mountain, the situation began to deteriorate rapidly. Without hesitation, the Turkish battalion commander on Shigatse Ridge decisively chose to withdraw his troops.

The Turkish troops were as arrogant as they were before, and now they are in a sorry state.

In order to descend the mountain more quickly and rejoin the main force, the Turkish soldiers did not choose to take the winding mountain path down the mountain, but instead slid directly down the steep slope from the top of the mountain.

Even though they were cut by pebbles and branches, and had to tumble and crawl down the hillside, they still resolutely chose the fastest route down the mountain.

After unexpectedly capturing Shigatse, Qin Sheng did not hesitate and immediately launched a general offensive against the Turkish brigade stationed in Jiechuan.

At first, Qin Sheng only had one regiment under his command. The Turkish brigade, with its numerical advantage and fighting spirit, was able to fight to a draw.

However, as more and more troops from the Second General Staff arrived, Yazgi realized that something seemed amiss.

Yazgi lowered his binoculars, his face grim. "Damn it! Is this also the central army? How can the difference be so huge?"

Yazgi believed that the Turkish brigade was not weak in combat, but now that he was facing the central army, he felt increasingly uncomfortable.

The Turkish Brigade has always been known among the UN forces for its daring, aggressive, and tactical flexibility.

However, the opposing central army seemed to be even more daring and aggressive, and their tactics were more flexible.

Yazgi felt as if he were fighting against someone with the same abilities as him, but at a higher level.

No matter how Yazgi changed his tactics, he could never find any way to turn the tide and win.

After two hours of fierce fighting, although the Turkish brigade put up a very strong resistance, they were unable to withstand the onslaught of the 24th Division.

As the casualties among his troops grew and the central army began to encircle and penetrate, making the situation increasingly dangerous, Yazgi decisively ordered a retreat.

At this time, the US 2nd Division, the US 25th Division, and the South 6th Division were all in Licheng. Yazgi felt that as long as he retreated to Licheng, he would be invincible.

"Commander, the enemy in Jiechuan has escaped by car. This is the enemy's flag delivered by the 24th Detachment."

Chen Chengxing took the military flag, unfolded it, and immediately recognized it.

"This is the Turkish army. According to what I read in the newspapers, they should be a brigade of more than 5,000 men."

"Türkiye?" Luo Ping took it and glanced at it with some curiosity. "Qin Sheng's battle report says that nearly three thousand people were killed, wounded, or captured."

"After two hours of fighting, it's not as bad as the newspapers made it out to be."

“I’ve read the battle report from the 24th Detachment,” Chen Chengxing said. “The Turkish Brigade is one of the few UN forces units that dares to take the initiative in bayonet fighting, and their fighting spirit is still very strong.”

"I feel that they are a bit like the Japanese soldiers during the War of Resistance against Japan, daring to fight and flexible in tactics."

"However, what brings them success also brings them failure. The Turkish brigade has almost the same strengths as us, but they are no match for us. They are completely outmatched."

The Turkish team couldn't compete in close combat, and their small-scale tactical deployments were slower than the Second Team. Even their supposed advantage in firepower was not much greater than that of the 24 teams.

Therefore, Turkey was also very frustrated.

"Forget it, these are all minor matters. There's no need to pay attention to a tiny Türkiye," Chen Chengxing said casually.

"Put the general's flag away for now." Chen Chengxing casually handed the general's flag to the orderly next to him.

With the retreat of the Turkish brigade, the flank of the UN forces completely collapsed.

The Second Division now possesses a secure frontline position, capable of threatening the UN forces' flanks and rear in Licheng to the north, and providing flank protection for the 23rd Detachment to the south.

Upon learning of the Turkish brigade's defeat and retreat, Walker paced anxiously in the command post.

按照既定的撤退计划，美骑1师5团、美24师、英27旅、南1师以及军属52重炮团走安州、肃川后撤。

The 2nd U.S. Division, 25th U.S. Division, 6th Southern Division, and Turkish Brigade under the 9th Army retreated via Shunchuan.

With Jiechuan captured, the Shunchuan route was plunged into danger.

But Walker was no longer able to adjust the retreat plan at this point.

Moreover, he couldn't allow the entire Eighth Army to be piled up on the Anju highway, as that would only slow down the Eighth Army's retreat.

"Which unit is currently responsible for defending Shaxi?" Walker asked anxiously.

Chief of Staff Dane, who was standing nearby, immediately said, "Two platoons of the Confederate Army."

"Two platoons?" Walker became even more anxious upon hearing this.

At such a tense moment, only two platoons were allowed in Shaxi, which was tantamount to running naked.

"Order the 2nd Division to immediately dispatch an advance team to provide emergency support to Shaxi Village!"

As long as the safety of Shaxi is ensured, even if Jiechuan falls into enemy hands, the UN forces can successfully withdraw to Pyongyang.

"Yes, sir!"
Meanwhile, in the direction of Shaxili, the 23rd Detachment had already occupied all the positions.

The two platoons of Southern Army soldiers who remained in Shaxi squatted on the ground, their hands behind their heads, forming a line.

The two platoons of Southern troops were completely wiped out before they could even make a ripple.

Neither side fired a shot, and there were no casualties.

Standing on the hilltop, Sun Xun saw sand and dust filling the air on the highway to the north of Shaxi.

The convoy, stretching as far as the eye could see, was speeding towards Shaxi.

"Send a telegram to the General Headquarters and the Volunteer Army Headquarters."

"The enemy has reached Shaxili. Please clarify the next steps."

Upon learning that the 23rd Detachment had captured Shaxi Village, the commanders of the Zhili Division were overjoyed.

"Damn it, Chen Chengxing gave me such a big surprise!"

Just moments ago, Shiji was wondering when and how to stop the enemy when, with a splash, the 23rd Squad landed in the sandy river.

"Send orders to the 23rd Detachment: spare no effort to resolutely block the fleeing enemy troops in Shaxi!"

After giving the order, the commander added, "It must be driven in there like a steel nail!"

Occupying Shaxi Village only completes half the mission; only by withstanding the enemy's attacks can the mission be truly accomplished.

At this time, the 9th Regiment of the 2nd Division of the United States had reached Shaxi Village, and a small-scale firefight broke out between the two sides.

Walker was utterly bewildered when he learned that Shaxi had been occupied ahead of schedule.

"We must take back Shaxi at all costs!" Walker roared.

For the 9th Army at that time, Shaxi was their lifeline.

Upon receiving the order, the US 9th Regiment did not hesitate and launched a fierce attack on Shaxi before air support arrived.

However, the 23rd team, which was well-prepared, had an extremely solid position.

The US 9th Regiment couldn't even get close to the position, let alone take it.

In order to pave the way forward, the U.S. military used all its firepower this time.

In addition to the US 2nd Division sending reinforcements to urgently support the battlefield, dozens of bombers also flew to the battlefield and began to continuously bombard Shaxi.

Countless shells, bombs, and incendiary bombs completely covered the entire hilltop.

The originally solid rocks on the mountaintop were all blasted into rubble.

The trenches dug in advance by the 23rd Detachment were all flattened by the fierce artillery fire.

The relentless bombing seemed to set the entire sky above Shaxi ablaze.

Even though tunnels could significantly reduce bombing casualties, the frontline companies were wiped out in just three hours.

The next company, with red eyes, went up again.

The continuous assaults resulted in a large number of American corpses lying in front of the positions.

Even though MacArthur urgently deployed all available aircraft, the 23rd Squadron held its ground.

The US military launched a full-day offensive, but failed to capture a single position.

As darkness fell, even if the American troops were unwilling, they had no choice but to retreat and rest.

Inside the Eighth Army Command, Walker frowned as he looked at the map, while everyone around him held their breath.

"Judging from the 2nd Division's battle report, it will probably be difficult to capture the Shaxili position in a short period of time."

"We have to find another way."

Walker looked at everyone, hoping to get some creative suggestions.

The various units of the central army are now advancing and attacking, and they don't have much time to waste.

"Sir, should we send the 1st Cavalry Division to provide support? If we launch a two-pronged attack from the north and south, taking Shaxi Village shouldn't be a problem."

The 5th Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division is currently positioned along the Chongchon River, but the 7th Regiment is in Sunchon, directly behind Sagye-ri.

"No way." Walker refused without even thinking.

Based on the current reconnaissance, the central army has two major flanking routes.

Shaxi is just the first one; there is another one further south.

If the 7th Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division is transferred north to attack Shaxili, Sunchon may be captured by the central army.

At that time, the central army can attack Sukcheon to the west, blocking Anju's retreat; and it can attack the 1st Cavalry Division from the north.

If that happens, the entire Eighth Army Group might be in dire straits.

"Sending reinforcements from the 1st Cavalry Division is not an option," Dane said after thinking for a moment.

"Sir, if we cannot break through Shaxi in a short time, we can take another route and the main force can retreat back to Pyongyang via Anju."

Walker shook his head: "I can't possibly put hundreds of thousands of people on the Anju-Sucheon highway."

"Moreover, even if the Eighth Army goes to Anju, it will be of no use. The central army could launch an attack from the flank at any time, and our losses could be even greater."

Although the Eighth Army has begun to withdraw, it is impossible for all of its more than 100,000 troops to return to Pyongyang in just a few days.

The few roads available simply cannot handle such a large transport capacity.

Once the 2nd and 25th Divisions also retreat to Anju, traffic will immediately become congested.

At this point, if the central army were to arrive, the combined forces of over 100,000 allied troops would be unable to utilize their firepower advantage effectively.

The Eighth Army Group will still be in danger as a whole.

He wouldn't do something as foolish as risking the entire Eighth Army Group to save two divisions.

The command post fell silent again upon hearing that the suggestion to retreat via Anju had been rejected.

Just when everyone was racking their brains, Ding Yiquan, the Chief of Staff of the Southern Army, suddenly spoke up and suggested:

"General Walker, sirs, if you want to take a different route, there is actually another one."

"Where?" Walker asked urgently.

"Twenty kilometers west of Shaxi, there is a place called Guangpingli, where there is a small path."

Ding Yiquan squeezed to the front of the map and pointed: "This path existed long before the Japanese occupation, and it was in pretty good condition. It's just that for various reasons, the Japanese didn't turn it into a highway."

"Although it is not a highway, mechanized forces such as trucks and tanks can now pass through it."

If it were summer, or if it had just rained, this road would only be suitable for pedestrians or horses.

But it's winter now, and the ground is frozen, so there's no problem for tanks to pass through.

"Great! Great!" Walker was extremely excited.

"Pass on my order: have the 25th Division send a regiment to seize Gusongling and cover the flank of the main force."

"The 2nd Division shall adjust its offensive direction and advance towards Guangpingli!"

(End of this chapter)