Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Changjin Lake, a Hundred Battles, a Hundred Victories

Chapter 197 Chen Ming Wants to Form a Special Task Force
This time, Chen Ming brought along elite troops to cover the transport of supplies for Datong. He also brought captured cars, bicycles, and some cavalry units as a rapid mobility force.

Human strength has its limits. No matter how fast two legs can run, or how good the soldiers' endurance is, it is difficult to match the speed of transportation.

It was precisely because of these means of transportation that the elite troops of the Independent Detachment were able to reach the Wucheng area so quickly and complete the transfer in a rapid manner.

After Chen Ming issued the order, the Independent Detachment organized all kinds of transportation.

A total of 122 cars (not all of them), more than 600 bicycles, and a cavalry battalion of 200 men were provided.

The Japanese army's main truck model was the Type 94, which had a standard passenger capacity of eleven to twelve people (seated).

However, in actual combat, the vehicle is usually overloaded, with soldiers standing on it, and it can carry sixteen to seventeen people.

When they received orders to form an advance mobile force to intercept Japanese troops in the field, the soldiers were overjoyed at the prospect of battle.

They eagerly signed up, vying for the chance to fight.

The soldiers in the vanguard were also standing inside the vehicles, almost cramming them into sardine cans.

"We can't get in, we really can't get in."

The soldiers of the motor transport company shouted with bitter faces.

These vehicles are the treasures of their vehicle company; they can't be damaged just because they're overloaded.

The soldiers in the motor transport company strictly limited the load capacity of each vehicle.

Otherwise, people would practically be sitting on the metal hood of a car.

After organizing the troops, the vanguard immediately set off to catch up with the Japanese reinforcements.

The vehicle was very crowded, and the soldiers could only squeeze together, with no room even to scratch their itch.

It was also very bumpy, enough to knock out leftovers. The soldiers in the motor transport company didn't care about comfort when driving and drove very wildly.

As long as we reach our destination and don't leave anyone behind, that's fine.

As for the soldiers who accidentally fell off the vehicle, they should find a way to catch up and climb back onto the vehicle themselves.

Otherwise, when I get back, I'll definitely get a promotion.

The journey was a terrible experience, but the soldiers didn't find it difficult at all; on the contrary, they were quite enthusiastic.

The Eighth Route Army had endured harsh conditions and hardship. They were willing to squeeze in, as long as they could fight the Japanese, it didn't matter if they had to stand for an hour or two.

For the soldiers, being able to ride in a vehicle is always more comfortable than running for hours on foot.

By this time, the advance force numbered approximately 1,800 men.

The trucks transported a thousand soldiers, along with weapons and ammunition, a bicycle unit of over six hundred men, and over two hundred cavalrymen.

The Japanese soldiers who came from Jining were about 40 kilometers away from Jining, but only 20 kilometers away from Xinghe.

At 4:30 a.m., the roar of cars broke the silence of the retreating Japanese troops, pursued by cars, horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.

Twenty kilometers, plus the Japanese army's marching speed, meant that if infantry pursued them, the Japanese might be able to escape successfully.

However, with the pursuit of the mobile forces, this distance can be covered in just over an hour.

"Reporting, sir, the rearguard has spotted a large force of Eighth Route Army troops in the rear."

A Japanese officer jogged up to the Japanese battalion commander and said in a panic.

The Japanese battalion commander was utterly astonished upon hearing the report:

"What?! How did the Eighth Route Army catch up so quickly? Can they fly?"

It should be noted that after receiving the order from the Expeditionary Army Headquarters, they immediately changed direction and began their advance without stopping for a moment.

They thought the Eighth Route Army was still more than 20 kilometers away, but Jining was only 40 kilometers away.

Based on their marching speed, the Eighth Route Army should not be able to catch up with them.

After all, in the impression of the Japanese battalion commander, the Eighth Route Army did not have mechanized units and relied mainly on their two legs to march.

No matter how fast the Eighth Route Army soldiers ran on their own two legs, they couldn't close the gap of more than 20 kilometers before they retreated to Jining at full speed.

Unexpectedly, the Eighth Route Army is now chasing after them.

"Sir, our reconnaissance soldiers have discovered that the Eighth Route Army is equipped with a large number of vehicles, which are highly mobile." The Japanese officer cleared up the Japanese battalion commander's doubts.

"Damn it, those bastards in Datong actually let the Eighth Route Army capture a large number of cars intact, they really deserve to die!"

The Japanese battalion commander immediately understood the situation and cursed angrily.

"Immediately organize troops to block the Eighth Route Army's pursuit," the Japanese battalion commander ordered.

They are now only 20 kilometers away from Jining. If they can gain an hour, they can retreat back to the outer defense perimeter of Jining.

There are many strongholds and pillboxes there, which can hinder the Independent Detachment's attack.

Once they get there, they'll be safe.

After the Japanese battalion commander gave the order, the machine gun company, artillery squad, and elite detachment with the Japanese flag attached, which were providing cover at the rear of the marching column, immediately organized a defense.

The Japanese machine gun company was equipped with twelve heavy machine guns, and the artillery platoon was equipped with two Type 92 infantry guns.

These weapons are powerful and are tasked with covering the rear of the main force, aiming to allow the main force to withdraw at minimal cost.

Once the vanguard of the Independent Detachment came into view of the Japanese, the Japanese artillery immediately opened fire on the leading cavalry.

At this time, the Japanese artillery's military skills had not yet declined significantly, and two shells hit the vanguard cavalry unit.

Fortunately, the cavalry units were spread out, so there were not too many casualties.

"Ignore the Japanese rearguard, outflank them and intercept the main force. Don't let the big fish escape!"

The cavalry battalion commander immediately gave the order.

Cavalry horses can traverse complex terrain, which is difficult for cars and bicycles to do.

The cavalry battalion's mission was to conduct reconnaissance, harass, and hinder the advance of the main Japanese force.

The priority is to directly outflank and intercept the main force of the Japanese army. As for the Japanese rearguard, that can be left to the main force behind them.

It's just a heavy machine gun company plus an artillery platoon. How many shells can it withstand?

The cavalry battalion took a detour via the mountain road beside them, directly flanking and infiltrating, moving towards the front of the main Japanese force.

The Japanese troops covering the rear tried to stop them, but were directly bombarded by the artillery of the Independent Detachment.

The independent detachment's artillery deployed very quickly, using 82mm mortars, which could directly strike the Japanese artillery positions using a curved trajectory.

In mountainous areas, mortars are far more effective than infantry guns.

The Japanese machine gun positions were not spared either; nighttime was the Independent Detachment's home ground.

Under the cover of darkness, the soldiers charged directly toward the Japanese blocking positions. Once within range of the grenade launchers, they used them to precisely eliminate several Japanese machine gun positions.

The Japanese were helpless against this.

That's outrageous! What kind of Eighth Route Army uses artillery to clear the way in battle?
Using indirect fire artillery, their heavy machine guns became useless, and they could only be helplessly wiped out.

Fifteen minutes into the battle, the Japanese machine gun company, after achieving some initial successes, was subsequently wiped out by a barrage of artillery fire from mortars and grenade launchers.

After eliminating the Japanese rearguard, it meant that this Japanese battalion had virtually no resistance left.

The Japanese army's strategy of using elite troops and superior firepower to cover the retreat was very effective against ordinary troops.

However, the drawbacks are also very obvious. Against guerrilla harassment and superior firepower, the actual effectiveness will be greatly reduced, instead exposing the main force, primarily armed with rifles and light machine guns, to danger. After eliminating the Japanese rearguard, the soldiers abandoned the vehicles and began an infantry assault to pursue the main Japanese force.

Meanwhile, the main force of the Japanese troops was caught up by the cavalry battalion, which began to harass the Japanese retreat and slow down their speed.

Left with no other option, the Japanese were forced to retaliate.

Otherwise, if the Eighth Route Army cavalry continues to harass them like this, they won't have to worry about the main force of the Eighth Route Army catching up. The cavalry can bleed them to death.

After the main force of the Japanese troops slowed down, they were overtaken by the main force of the vanguard and found themselves caught in a pincer attack.

"Hurry up, bring all the artillery up and bombard the Japanese devils in the ravine ahead!"

"With so many of us, we're more than enough to take down a whole battalion of Japanese soldiers. Let the main force behind us clean up the battlefield."

Political Commissar He Jianxin shouted loudly.

After the artillery positions were set up, they immediately opened fire on the Japanese positions. Under the cover of the artillery fire, the infantrymen quickly advanced towards the Japanese positions.

The makeshift positions set up by the Japanese were no match for the bombardment of artillery shells, nor could they stop the advance of the soldiers.

The heavy machine guns and infantry guns were destroyed, leaving no means of countermeasures.

It can be said that when the reconnaissance troops discovered this Japanese battalion in the mountains, and they were 40 kilometers away from Jining and only 20 kilometers away from Xinghe,

This Japanese battalion was destined to be completely annihilated.

After the vanguard of the Independent Detachment charged into the Japanese position, they unleashed a barrage of light machine guns and grenades at the Japanese.

The two defending Japanese infantry companies quickly retreated, falling one after another under the combined firepower of grenades, grenade launchers, and machine guns.

Limbs were smashed and blown apart, and blood splattered everywhere like a fountain, staining the soil on the ground dark red.

Soldiers skilled in bayonets and broadswords rampaged through the Japanese positions, giving the still-breathing, wailing Japanese soldiers a quick and painless end.

The scattered fleeing Japanese soldiers were caught up by the cavalry battalion soldiers and had their heads chopped off from behind.

The body was still running forward, but the head was flying high into the air, and arterial blood was shooting high like a fountain.

The battle ended very quickly; in just over an hour, a Japanese battalion was wiped out.

Eight hundred and three Japanese soldiers were killed, and no prisoners were taken.

The battle report was sent to the command post.

"Haha, our advance team has finished all the work, so there's nothing for us to do now," Chen Ming said with a smile.

"We wiped out a Japanese battalion in Jining. Now Jining is just a Japanese company plus some puppet troops, which greatly reduces the difficulty of the attack."

"It can be taken down in less than three hours."

Chief of Staff Wang Dafei echoed this sentiment.

"Comrade Dafei is being conservative. With the strength of our troops, I think we can take Jining in an hour and a half," He Jianxin said.

"What do you mean, an hour and a half?"

At this moment, Ding Wei walked in from outside and asked with a smile.

"Old Ding's back! How did it go in Xuanhua?" He Jianxin asked Ding Wei as soon as he saw him.

"How to describe it? If it wasn't smooth sailing, you could say it was a sure thing. Old Ding is famous for blowing up bridges and destroying roads."

"The Japanese won't be able to repair the railway section in Xuanhua for at least two months," Ding Wei said with a smile.

“Good. Now that Ding Wei is back, let’s sit down and have a meeting,” Chen Ming said.

The clerk brought over a stool and put it down, and Ding Wei plopped down on it.

"What did you just say, half an hour?" Ding Wei asked again.

He Jianxin explained it to Ding Wei.

"Haha, it's so convenient to have vehicles to transport troops. The Japanese can't escape even if they want to. Our Eighth Route Army is now using mechanized troops too," Ding Wei exclaimed after hearing this.

Chen Ming nodded in agreement.

This experience made him realize the advantages of a highly mobile force. With rapid maneuvering and advance, he caught up with the Japanese troops and took them by surprise.

Chen Ming was already considering whether to create an elite combined arms force, modeled after the previous two hundred-strong unit that had taken down the county town.

A task force will be formed, prioritizing mobility and utilizing tanks, automobiles, armored vehicles, artillery, engineers, reconnaissance units, and logistical support.

If a battalion-level task force is too expensive to build, we can try to build a task battalion first.

Although it lacks air power, it is still sufficient for the North China battlefield and will definitely give the Japanese a big surprise.

However, these matters need to be planned properly after the Battle of Datong. For now, Chen Ming only has a rough idea in mind.

"Alright, after eliminating the main force of the Japanese in Jining, Jining is already ours."

"Order the vanguard to proceed immediately to Jining without stopping to clean up the battlefield and take Jining."

Chen Ming gave the order.

After wiping out a battalion of Japanese soldiers, the vanguard still had more than 1,500 soldiers who could fight.

Taking down a company of Japanese soldiers plus some puppet troops stationed in a city would be a piece of cake.
The order was transmitted to the advance troops via telegram, and the advance troops abandoned the cleanup of the battlefield and immediately set off again toward Jining.

Meanwhile, at the North China Expeditionary Army Headquarters, Okamura received news that a battalion sent to reinforce Jining had been overtaken by the main force of the Independent Detachment and had been completely destroyed.

His face was ashen!

"Baka yarou! Baka!"

"Damn Yoshio Shinotsuka! Damn Chen Ming!"

His North China Expeditionary Army lost another battalion to the Independent Detachment.

If the current rate of loss continues, the independent detachment will bleed us dry little by little.

Okamura even suspected that one day Chen Ming would be able to lead his troops directly into Beiping!

"Where did this Chen Ming come from? He was nobody three years ago, but now he has grown into a major threat to the empire!"

Gangcun was filled with doubt; Chen Ming seemed like a powerful figure who had appeared out of nowhere.

He rose to prominence with unparalleled success, almost without a single defeat, unlike a normal commander.

Logically speaking, someone with such abilities shouldn't have been unknown 39 years ago.

Okamura couldn't understand it, and he couldn't possibly understand it.

After all, the concept of cheating didn't exist in this era.

Now, the only one Okamura can blame is Yoshio Shinotsuka.

After all, the Independent Detachment was developed during the time when Yoshio Shinotsuka was the commander of the First Army. If we don't blame him, why should we blame ourselves?
Yoshio Shinotsuka was once again caught in the crossfire; whenever a Japanese unit was wiped out by the Independent Detachment, he would be dragged out and criticized.

"I urge all units to continue pursuing the main force of the Independent Detachment!" Okamura urged again.

Although the crisis in Wucheng has been resolved and the main force of the Independent Detachment has headed north, we can't just keep traveling now that we're here.

The most important thing right now is to drive out the independent detachment, recapture Datong, and build a new defense line.

P.S.: It's the last day, and it's time for readers to throw their monthly tickets around again. If you haven't thrown any yet, could you please give me one?
(End of this chapter)