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

Chapter 246 The Soviet Army is Shocked! Increase Aid!
What Chen Ming needs to be concerned with is to continue expanding around Guihua and Jining and control more territory.

The blockade of the Japanese 3rd Tank Division in Baotou should also be strengthened to prevent them from breaking through the blockade and escaping.

At the same time, efforts must be made to establish contact with the Far East Army to the north and bring back all the weapons and artillery that were provided as aid.

We should hurry up and bring the artillery back before winter arrives, otherwise it will be delayed until April or May next year when it gets cold.

In the following days, Chen Ming led his team to continue expanding their gains and taking control of the surrounding areas.

The battles of Guihua and Jining essentially wiped out the main force of the Japanese army in Suiyuan.

The remaining areas had few garrison troops, and could be described as a free-for-all.

Without the Japanese as their backing, Prince De's troops were chased around like dogs by Xu Desheng's cavalry detachment, who achieved considerable success.

Wuchuan, Siwangqi, and several banners of the Right Wing of Chahar.

Relying on the two cities of Jining and Guihua, the Independent Detachment's sphere of influence expanded rapidly.

Their expansion eventually stopped after they made contact with the Northern Route Army.

After all, the Northern Route Army is still an allied force, and the two sides have cooperated before, so it is not advisable to cause conflict.

During this period, the adjutant of the Northern Route Army also proposed that they were the commanders of Suiyuan and demanded that the Independent Detachment withdraw from Guihua and return Guihua to them.

Chen Ming directly rejected this unreasonable request and would never agree to it.

They paid a considerable price and finally managed to capture Guihua and Jining.

You think you can just talk your way out and make him leave and give up his territory?
They weren't there when we were fighting the Japanese, but after the war they came back to loot our things.

There is no such good thing.

This matter is over.

Chen Ming didn't have time to deal with these things; what he cared about most right now was the news Xu Desheng was sending back.

Xu Desheng's cavalry detachment headed north and encountered the Far Eastern Army in Outer Mongolia.

The Independent Detachment is making a lot of noise in Suiyuan and Chahar, and there have been previous negotiations.

The two sides met quickly and established contact.

When the Far Eastern Army learned of the Independent Detachment's achievements, they were extremely shocked.

After all, in their minds, the Eighth Route Army was very poorly equipped, even worse than their worst recruit division.

They actually managed to achieve such results, even encircling an entire Japanese armored division in Baotou.

Such results are not something the Eighth Route Army could achieve.

At first, the Far Eastern Army did not believe it, but after they reported it and sent representatives to investigate, they finally believed this shocking fact.

"It is truly astonishing that your army, with no armored forces, managed to develop into an armored regiment from the Japanese army through captures!"

"This is a military miracle; it would have been an impossible task under normal tactical conditions."

After learning about the special forces unit, the Far East military representative remarked with admiration.

The two people who received the Far East military representatives were Zhou Weiguo and Xu Desheng.

Zhou Weiguo is technically savvy and is in charge of receiving technical and military personnel.

As for Xu Desheng, besides being the commander of the cavalry detachment, there was another reason.

Xu Desheng was an exceptionally heavy drinker; he could drink baijiu (Chinese liquor) as easily as drinking water.

Even the representatives of the Far East Army could be outdone by Xu Desheng alone.

During the few days the team was there, Xu Desheng received special permission from Chen Ming to have a good time.

Xu Desheng's generosity and magnanimity also earned him the approval of the Far East military representatives.

For the Russians, no, they're the big brother. If you can drink more than them, then everything is negotiable.

After several days of hospitality, the representatives of the elder brother returned home satisfied, carrying the sorghum liquor given to them by Chen Ming.

The reason why Fenjiu was not sent was due to the difference in taste; the "grassy" flavor of Fenjiu made from peas did not suit the taste of the Soviet troops.

However, the main ingredient of sorghum liquor is sorghum, while Soviet vodka is made from rye and wheat, so the two liquors are not very different.

Moreover, because sorghum liquor had an alcohol content of 55-55%, which was higher than the Soviet army's vodka of 40%, it was more popular with the Soviet army.

After all, the higher the alcohol content, the better the effect of keeping warm.

After returning, the Far East military representative reported the situation.

The loving father was equally surprised when he learned about the situation of the Independent Detachment.

The original plan was simply to provide some old equipment to draw the attention of the Japanese Kwantung Army.

I never expected the Independent Detachment to be so powerful, possessing its own armored force.

These armored vehicles were not produced by themselves, but were captured from the Japanese army.

During the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, the Soviet army knew that although the Japanese army was outdated in tactics and equipment and had not kept up with the times.

But the Japanese soldiers' fearlessness and madness also left a deep impression on the Soviet army.

The fact that the independent detachment was able to develop an armored force from the capture of such Japanese soldiers demonstrates its strength.

The key point is that the Japanese still have an armored division (the 3rd Tank Division) surrounded in Baotou by a group of Eighth Route Army soldiers, mainly infantry.

Given the current situation, this armored division is cut off from supplies and is an isolated force; its annihilation is only a matter of time.

After learning about the situation of the independent detachment, the loving father's thoughts changed somewhat.

The Battle of Stalingrad is currently in full swing, with both sides continuously pouring troops into the area.

During this critical period (the German offensive lasted from July to November, while the Soviet counter-offensive lasted from November to February of the following year), the Far East region absolutely could not be threatened.

If we could provide more equipment to help the Independent Detachment continue to develop and keep the attention of the Japanese Kwantung Army firmly in focus, that would be an excellent deal.

then
"That's right, we didn't fight this battle for nothing, and the drinks we had recently weren't for nothing either."

"With the equipment of two divisions and some conditions being relaxed, we not only wiped out the Japanese devils this time, but also greatly strengthened ourselves."

Chen Ming was very happy.

The Soviet army provided more weapons, including equipment for an additional division.

This division is not the ordinary division it was before.

This means he will receive hundreds of field guns, as well as a large amount of weapons and ammunition.

Most importantly, this batch of weapons was free, unlike later aid which required repayment.

For Chen Ming, this was practically free; how could he not be excited to have it?
As for the condition for this batch of equipment being used to attract the attention of the Japanese Kwantung Army, that was a piece of cake for Chen Ming!

Even if the Soviet Union didn't mention it, Chen Ming would still have to go toe-to-toe with the Japanese Kwantung Army.

"Once we get these artillery pieces, our artillery detachment can be officially established."

The artillery of the two divisions consisted of 96 field guns, 48 ​​anti-tank guns, and 36 120mm mortars.

With so many artillery pieces, plus the existing artillery of the independent detachment, there is absolutely no problem in forming an artillery detachment.

In addition, there was assistance with military technology.

After all, the Far Eastern Army's supply lines relied on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and they had difficulty even transporting supplies themselves.

Transporting supplies from the Far Eastern Army's base to the Independent Detachment's base was another ordeal.

Instead of incurring huge costs with each shipment, it would be better to just transport the production equipment over and let the independent detachment produce it themselves.

Of course, the Soviet army wasn't that generous; the technology they provided was mostly small arms technology and small-caliber artillery technology.

Large-caliber artillery and shell production technology are core technologies for all countries and cannot be easily given away.

The field guns still need to be resupplyed with aid.

Even so, the value of this aid is still enormous.

Chen Ming's current concern in military production is not a lack of raw materials, but a lack of equipment.

After all, the spoils captured in Datong were limited, and most of the Japanese military equipment was located in Northeast China. Datong didn't have much equipment; most of it consisted of factories that transported raw materials to other places for production.

Examples include Datong Graphite Plant, Datong Steel Plant, and Datong Sugar Factory.

With limited industrial equipment at hand, the production efficiency of the arsenal was naturally restricted.

For Chen Ming, raw materials were definitely not a problem. The base was such a large territory with abundant resources and minerals that even if production efficiency was increased fivefold, it could still be supplied.

What's lacking is sufficient production equipment.

With this batch of aided machine tools and technology, the mineral resources of the vast base areas could play a greater role.

With the equipment and technology, the training speed of technical personnel in the arsenal can also be accelerated, laying a solid foundation for future industrialization.

It can be said that with the acquisition of these weapons, the independent detachment's combat effectiveness will achieve a leap forward.

"Indeed, dignity and development are earned through fighting. If you wait for others to give them handouts, you'll never stand tall in your life."

"Only when we are strong ourselves will others take us seriously."

At the independent detachment's debriefing meeting, Chen Ming said with a smile.

"That's right, Old Chen's words are very insightful. We've developed to where we are today because we've earned it through our own hard work, shot by shot."

"Why are the Japanese afraid of us? Why is our base so large? Why are we able to gain a foothold?"

"We relied on our own strength to defeat the Japanese invaders!"

True strength lies in being strong yourself!

Political Commissar Zhang Zhengze also spoke up.

"Yes, the political commissar is right. We must continue to grow stronger, so strong that no one can ignore our existence."

"We must let the world see that our people can stand tall and proud!"

"Winter is coming soon. Once the equipment arrives, we need to take advantage of this winter period to intensify training. We must get the team organized after spring begins tomorrow."

Chen Ming spoke up.

Soviet artillery differed from Japanese artillery, and it required a period of training to become proficient in its use.

Fortunately, Soviet artillery was a bulky and simple type, making it relatively easy and not difficult to operate.

The Far Eastern Army also promised to send a group of artillerymen to teach artillery techniques, making the training easier.

Similarly, this is also a valuable learning opportunity.

The artillery of the independent detachment was accurate, but its use of artillery clusters was not as good as that of the Soviet army.

People say that Soviet artillery was clumsy and crude, and that the Soviet artillery was not very good.

On the contrary, the Soviet artillery was highly skilled, able to suppress the German army on the Eastern Front, which speaks volumes about its capabilities.

You can never have too much technical learning.

After the summary meeting of senior officers of the independent detachment, Chen Ming began to preside over the celebration party.

At the celebration meeting, Chen Ming commended the troops and individuals who made meritorious contributions.

The Chahar-Suiyuan Campaign was a resounding success, with countless troops and individuals distinguished themselves in the battle.

There were instances of a single tank destroying three Japanese tanks in the 13th Tank Regiment of the Japanese Army.

There was a soldier who destroyed two Japanese tanks using cluster grenades and explosive charges.

One soldier killed seventeen Japanese soldiers and thirteen puppet troops.

There was also a platoon that captured an entire regiment of puppet troops.

These were tremendous achievements for both the individuals and the company/platoon, and deserve to be recorded in history.

Chen Ming awarded medals to these outstanding individuals and groups one by one.

This is just the medal conferment within the independent detachment; Chen Ming will arrange for them to return to the rear to receive their medals later.

Chen Ming also commended the large collective.

For example, the reinforced 2nd Battalion and Special Detachment of the Japanese 13th Tank Regiment, which were destroyed in this battle, were also awarded collective merit.

In addition to his military achievements, Chen Ming also separately commended Xu Desheng for his drinking ability and his important role in receiving the Far East military representatives.

Xu Desheng was beaming with pride when Chen Ming awarded him his honor.

Although he has already made many contributions, he managed to get so much for the army and even received commendations just by being able to drink. How could he not be happy?
He drank to his heart's content during those few days, consuming the amount he used to drink in a year in just a few days.

Previously, due to discipline, although he could have a little alcohol, it was impossible for him to drink freely.

As the commanding officer of a unit, if he dared to get drunk during combat, being sent to Chen Ming's command post to feed the horses would be the least of his worries.

This time, not only were they allowed to drink freely, but they were even commended for their drinking capacity.

I wish this kind of wonderful thing could happen more often.

The celebration lasted all afternoon.

Chen Ming commended every individual and group that made meritorious contributions.

After the commendation ceremony, he submitted the commendations that required a decision from headquarters.

As expected, the commendations Chen Ming reported were usually higher, not lower.

As for Chen Ming himself, he no longer needs these things.

While the independent detachment was celebrating its achievements, it also stirred up a storm in the outside world.

This battle was a strategic one, and the chain reaction it triggered was enough to create a huge upheaval.

Previous battles, even the Battle of Datong, were only regional battles.

As the name suggests, the Chahar-Suiyuan Campaign involved a wide area, a large number of troops, and achieved remarkable results in annihilating the enemy.

All the media outlets under our control spared no effort in carrying out propaganda.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! Great victory in Chahar and Suiyuan!"

"Breaking news! Breaking news! The Independent Detachment has captured Guihua, annihilated countless enemy troops, and severely damaged the Japanese armored division."

"Breaking news! Breaking news! The Japanese army is showing signs of weakness; the time for a counterattack has come!"

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Major newspapers launched a massive publicity campaign, with headlines that were increasingly exaggerated.

One newspaper even marked this battle as a turning point in the War of Resistance.

The Japanese naturally adopted a strategy of blocking the propaganda of these newspapers.

However, at times like these, there is never a shortage of fearless Chinese people.

Even though the Japanese army deployed a large number of agents to block the news in the occupied areas, the news still spread.

The more it is blocked, the faster it spreads.

In just a few days, people all over the country knew about this great victory!

For the people of the whole country, this victory is the best gift they could have prepared in advance for the Chinese New Year.

In many places, firecrackers were set off even before the Lunar New Year. Even some families with limited means brought out some things they wouldn't normally eat to celebrate.

Chen Ming's reputation has risen to an unprecedented level.

He quickly rose to become the most famous general in the country.

The base area thus welcomed a large influx of people, further enhancing its war potential.

As a series of top-secret details were gradually released, the public opinion was pushed to an even higher climax!

P.S.: I recommend a book called "The War of Resistance: I Really Don't Understand What Special Operations Are," a new work by a top military author. Quality is guaranteed, so you can read it with confidence. (If it's bad, come back and scold me.)

(End of this chapter)