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

Chapter 290 President Chen?
Over the next two days, three battalions from the Japanese 110th Division detoured around Huai Ren from the right flank and launched multiple probing attacks in three separate columns.

But each attack struck the troops that Chen Ming had mobilized squarely, as if they had hit a steel plate, leaving them battered and bruised.

The Japanese were surprised to find that every attack route they chose was blocked by a large number of Eighth Route Army soldiers.

Even if a small force were to infiltrate, they would run right into an ambush set up by the Eighth Route Army.

This is quite unusual, because in the military field, there are certain gaps between different positions when a unit is stationed.

These gaps are too narrow for large forces to pass through, but small groups can manage to get through.

A small team of a dozen or so people can hide well in a mountainous area and be very difficult to find.

Just like Yamamoto's special forces were able to move through the base area and launch a surprise attack on the headquarters of the Yangcun Independent Regiment.

However, the small contingent of Japanese troops that were sent out were still captured.

This illustrates that the Eighth Route Army's defenses along the Huai Ren line were extremely solid, leaving no opportunity for infiltration.

This also indicates that the Eighth Route Army has a considerable number of troops in this area.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to take care of such a large area.

Unless the Eighth Route Army has a keen eye that can accurately locate the small units they send out.

But that's obviously impossible; it's not scientific at all.

Based on feedback from the 110th Division, Okamura confirmed a fact.

That is to say, the Huai'ren area was indeed the core of the defense of Jin-Sui-Re-Cha, and a large number of troops were deployed there.

Correspondingly, there won't be too many Eighth Route Army troops in the Jining and Fengzhen directions.

As a long-time rival, Okamura had a certain understanding of the Independent Detachment's troop strength.

Meanwhile, the Japanese in other base areas were also closely monitoring the Eighth Route Army, but they did not find any signs of them providing large-scale support to northern Shanxi.

Thus, Gangcun made his judgment.

"Order the 57th and 14th Divisions to accelerate their advance on Fengzhen and Jining."

"The main force of the Eighth Route Army is stationed in the Huai'ren area, and there are not many Eighth Route Army troops in Fengzhen and Jining areas."

"Once we break through the Fengzhen defense line and capture Jining, we can advance westward to capture Guihua and rescue the 3rd Tank Division."

Okamura issued orders to the two Kwantung Army units that were attacking the Fengzhen defense line.

Even though the other party may not necessarily listen to you, they still won't refuse in this matter.

Inside the Jin-Sui-Recha government office.

Chen Ming smiled as he looked at the reports from the frontline commanders and soldiers.

"The Japanese have finally fallen for the trap. They have stopped attacking in the Huai Ren area and have begun to defend their positions, confronting our troops on the Huai Ren defense line."

"This shows that they have determined that our troops in the Huai Ren area are the main force, and knowing that they cannot break through, they have chosen to confront and contain our forces."

"This means that we exploited an information gap, which greatly reduced the vigilance of the Japanese troops in the Fengzhen area."

"Fishing for two more days, once the fish are lured into the net, it will be too late for them to struggle."

Chen Ming smiled and said to the group of cadres.

Upon hearing this, the officers in the command post all showed excited expressions.

This time, the trap they set up contained a huge number of enemies—two entire divisions.

One of them was a Japanese Class A division!

If we could wipe out those two divisions, it would be an unprecedented victory.

That would be a world-class victory, and Chen Ming would become a world-class military strategist. His tactics should be included in Allied military textbooks.

And because of this battle, they will completely solidify their position.

How could the commanders and soldiers not be excited?

Having won this battle, their achievements will be recorded on a separate page in history books, regardless of the country's future.

They will be remembered in history!
This is a man's ultimate pursuit!
"Excellent! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The more critical the moment, the more vigilant we must be. We must not scare the Japanese away."

The chief of staff said, his breathing becoming somewhat rapid.

"Goodness, two divisions of Japanese soldiers! Such a huge bunch! If we eat them all, our bellies will be bloated!"

Wang Dafei gestured exaggeratedly.

"Not just two divisions, but also the Japanese 3rd Tank Division in Baotou."

"As long as we wipe out these two divisions, the Japanese division in Baotou won't be able to escape either."

Political Commissar Zhang Zhengze added with a smile.

"It's too early to talk about these things now. Let's focus on winning the battle first."

"If the cooked duck flies away, it will become a joke."

Chen Ming calmed the agitated emotions of the group of cadres.

Opening champagne at halftime is unacceptable.

After hearing Chen Ming's words, the group of cadres couldn't help but feel impressed by his calm and composed demeanor.

As expected of the supreme commander of this battle, their demeanor is far beyond what others can match.

Of course, they didn't notice the slightly trembling hand behind Chen Ming's back.

Chen Ming was also very excited, but he didn't show it because of his identity.

This battle was too important; even he couldn't remain calm.

The sheer number of enemies, the vast scope of the battle, and the sheer scale of the engagement made it arguably the largest battle ever commanded by Chen Ming.

If he wins this battle, he might even get promoted to a "general" position.

After everyone calmed down, Chen Ming spoke:

"Tell Ding Wei, He Jianxin, and Kong Jie that I've set up the stage for them, and we're waiting for them to put on a great show for us."

"Yes!"

Inside the Fengzhen Command Center.

Ding Wei received the telegram from the higher command and could not hide his excitement.

The Japanese soldiers had already fallen into the trap, which meant he was fully aware of it.

"Inform all commanders at the battalion level and above about the situation, but remember not to leak the information."

Ding Wei issued the order.

The message was sent to all commanders at the battalion level and above to boost morale and strengthen their determination to win.

Ding Wei knew in his heart that some commanders were facing extremely heavy casualties on the front lines, and he did not understand why.

This is human nature; often, grassroots commanders and soldiers do not understand the intentions of their superiors.

However, even if these commanders didn't understand, they still carried out the orders without compromise.

Ding Wei told them this news so that they would know that their sacrifice was for a greater victory.

This is an incredibly great thing, one that will be remembered in history, with a separate page dedicated to it in the family genealogy.

At the same time, as long as they hold firm, victory is not far away.

This is to strengthen their confidence in victory.

"Yes."

Ding Wei's chief of staff was equally excited and relayed the intelligence downwards.

For officers at the battalion level and above, they are all seasoned and trustworthy comrades.

In addition, the Independent Detachment possesses unique and exceptional counter-espionage capabilities.

Although Ding Wei was not familiar with the counter-espionage squad directly under Chen Ming, he knew that because of that squad, no Japanese spy had ever infiltrated the unit to date.

Even if some Japanese spies or traitors accidentally infiltrate the ranks during recruitment, they will be exposed in no time.

Ding Wei was shocked, not knowing how this was done, but he didn't delve into it. Many things, if your superiors don't want you to know, then there's no need to investigate.

Therefore, Ding Wei is not worried that the information will be leaked.

When the news reached the battalion-level officers on the position, the battalion commander and political instructor were deeply shocked.

"Please rest assured, commanders, our battalion guarantees to complete the mission with unwavering resolve!"

The battalion commanders on the position made a firm statement.

How could they not react after learning the truth?

Now they realize what a great mission they are undertaking.

They were determined to hold their ground even if their entire army was wiped out!
The fourth day of the battle.

The Japanese 14th Division arrived at the Amitabha Mountain position and brought out 36 75mm field guns from the 20th Field Artillery Regiment directly under the division.

With the addition of 16 75mm mountain guns, a fierce artillery barrage was launched directly against the main peak position of Mount Mituo.

"Bang bang bang!"

Numerous shells exploded on the position, creating a continuous expanse of fire.

Although the 105mm howitzers of this Japanese Class A division had been transferred to other units and moved to the Pacific Tank.

But the firepower of 36 field guns and 16 mountain guns was still incredibly powerful!

On the main peak of Mount Amitabha, fortifications began to collapse, smoke billowed, and severed limbs were everywhere.

The soldiers on the position could only huddle in the artillery shelters and struggle to hold on.

The firepower of the Japanese Class A divisions was on full display at this moment.

Even though its combat strength is not as good as it was during the Battle of Xuzhou in 38, it is still a formidable enemy.

The soldiers on the main position at Mount Amitabha fought hard, but fortunately the Japanese artillery bombardment stopped after fifteen minutes.

However, the soldiers on the front lines did not breathe a sigh of relief; instead, they became even more vigilant.

According to the Japanese army's usual tactics, the infantry would begin their attack after the artillery bombardment ended.

Only by repelling the Japanese infantry can the position be taken back.

"Those who are still alive, pick up your weapons and fight back against the Japanese devils!"

The company and battalion commanders on the front lines shouted orders, urging their men to run around the positions and organize a counterattack.

After the massive shelling, many soldiers suffered temporary hearing loss, and the only way to notify them was to go around and notify them one by one.

However, Ding Wei's unit was an elite force, and most of the soldiers knew that the Japanese infantry was about to attack after the shelling ended.

They began to climb out of the blasting hole, which was covered in mud.

"Damn it, the blasting hole almost collapsed. I wasn't killed by the blast, but I was almost buried alive."

An old soldier spat, shook his dizzy head, picked up his gun, and entered the blocking position to begin counterattacking the Japanese.

The remaining soldiers quickly returned to their positions.

However, compared to before the shelling, there were about 25% fewer soldiers.

One round of shelling resulted in a casualty rate of 25%.

This is why artillery is called the king of war.

Throughout World War II, 58% of casualties were directly caused by artillery fire, and in open terrain such as the Nordic Plain, this figure could rise to 75%!

On the main battlefield of Amitabha Mountain, there were less than four hundred soldiers left who could still fight.

However, even when facing a large number of Japanese soldiers, including a Class A division, they remained fearless.

They brought up the hidden heavy machine gun and unleashed a barrage of fire at the Japanese soldiers.

As soon as one machine gunner falls, another soldier will immediately take his place, launching a counterattack in succession.

The elite grenadiers in the Japanese army used grenade launchers to fire at the firing points on the position, and the soldiers on the position returned fire with grenade launchers and light mortars.

One side launched a desperate attack, while the other launched a desperate counterattack.

Corpses began to pile up, and blood seeped into the soil, turning the earth black.

No one complained, no one was afraid; they had only one thought in their minds—to drive back the Japanese and hold the position!
The battle lasted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Unable to break through after a prolonged siege, the Japanese continued their artillery bombardment, repeating the cycle over and over.

One battalion on the main battlefield of Amitabha Mountain has been wiped out, and even the battalion commander has been killed. The highest-ranking officer in the entire battalion is now only a platoon leader.

The position changed hands three times, but was eventually recaptured by the soldiers.

This battalion suffered heavy casualties and was basically decimated, so Ding Wei replaced it.

They were replaced by a battalion transferred from Baimaogou.

The soldiers of this battalion, knowing full well that the front line was the most brutal part of the entire battlefield, still stepped onto the position without hesitation and fought to the death with the Japanese invaders.

The battle raged until nightfall, when the Japanese offensive finally ceased.

The soldiers on the main peak finally had a moment to catch their breath.

"Quickly repair the position, check the condition of weapons and ammunition, and evacuate the wounded."

The newly appointed battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 5th Brigade, who had been replaced, gave the order, panting heavily.

After the battalion commander of the third battalion gave the order, he began to patrol the position.

"Leave me alone, I'm not leaving!"

In one corner of the position, a wounded soldier shouted loudly.

His legs were blown off, and he has received emergency treatment.

"what happened?"

The battalion commander of the third battalion went over and asked.

"Reporting to the battalion commander, Changgui is unwilling to go down to receive treatment for his injuries."

A medic answered.

"Battalion Commander, I'm not leaving. My legs have been blown off, and I'll be a cripple from now on."

"I want to stay on the front line and keep fighting the Japanese. If I can get one, it'll be worth it; if I kill two, I'll be lucky."

"The warrior known as Changgui said with red eyes."

"Nonsense! Seriously wounded soldiers must be evacuated immediately; that's a matter of discipline!"

"So what if my legs are crippled? I can still make revolution, go to the rear to learn culture, and make weapons. It's all part of the fight against Japan!"

"Medic, carry him away!"

The battalion commander of the third battalion directly ordered the medics to send the seriously wounded down.

On the battlefield, prioritizing the evacuation of seriously wounded soldiers is a discipline of our army.

Even if the position is lost, we must do our best to break through with the wounded.

This is the ironclad rule of our army: never abandon or give up!
The battalion commander of the third battalion also understood why this seriously wounded soldier was unwilling to retreat.

One reason is that his comrades, with whom he had spent every day, died at the hands of the Japanese, and he harbored hatred and wanted revenge.

Secondly, they did not want to trouble the organization and their comrades, and waste manpower and resources to transfer and treat him.

Third, due to the initial feeling of being wounded, they believed that being crippled meant they were useless, and their refusal to retreat stemmed from the fear of becoming a "burden" after the war.

They believed that sacrifice was more honorable than injury—even if a leg is broken, the gun can still fire!
Fourth, there is the belief in living and dying with the position!

The deeper reason is that, under the battlefield perception that "serious injury equals death," persisting in fighting is the only way for soldiers to take control of their own destiny.

However, regardless of the wounded soldier's motives, the battalion commander of the third battalion could not allow him to remain on the battlefield.

The Second Battalion has already been decimated, and it's unknown what the future holds for the Third Battalion.

For the sake of the Third Battalion, and for the sake of this soldier, he had to get the enemy to retreat.

Even if all three battalions are wiped out, the flame will still remain, and their battalion designation will never be erased!
(End of this chapter)