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

Chapter 296 Military orders are as firm as mountains, military law is merciless.

An unprotected anti-aircraft company, facing the machine gun fire of four Japanese bombers, was doomed to fail.

In the end, the air defense company was completely wiped out, with only five survivors, including the company political instructor and the young soldier who had dragged the political instructor away.

This soldier was the youngest in the company, so the other soldiers gave him the chance to live.

"Company commander!"

Seeing his comrades and company commander who had no means of livelihood, the young soldier, his eyes bloodshot, charged towards the air defense position like a madman.

The political instructor, seeing that the entire air defense company had been wiped out, collapsed to the ground, his lips moving as if he wanted to speak, but he couldn't utter a word.

At this point, the entire Liangcheng "tank base" was empty except for the wreckage of two more Japanese bombers.

The remaining Japanese bombers, seeing that there was nothing left to bomb below, also began their return flight.

This time, however, they were truly terrified.

They originally thought it was just a simple bombing raid, and that the opponent was merely a tank force without air defense capabilities.

They could easily complete this kind of task.

During the mission, they discovered a weak air defense unit at the tank base, but they didn't pay much attention to it.

When the Nationalist army was bombed, the Nationalist army did have air defense forces.

The National Revolutionary Army's air defense forces were stronger than those of the Eighth Route Army in terms of both size and firepower, and in some areas, they were many times stronger.

However, this battle resulted in unprecedented losses for them.

With just a few anti-aircraft guns and machine guns, they destroyed five of their bombers and damaged one.

The key point is that when faced with the strafing fire of their bombers' machine guns, the Eighth Route Army's machine guns below actually fired straight back at them.

Keep in mind that the enemy was facing bomber cannons. Without any fortifications to defend against the cannons, directly engaging in a firefight with the bomber cannons would be tantamount to suicide.

Moreover, they have more planes and are stronger.

In this situation, instead of abandoning the air defense positions and retreating, engaging in a head-on battle with the bombers would be a certain death; it would be the act of a fool.

Yet it was this group of fools who caused them heavy losses.

For the first time, the Japanese air force felt fear towards the Eighth Route Army's air defense forces.

They had already decided that in the future, when facing the Eighth Route Army's air defense forces, they would definitely raise their altitude beyond the range of the air defense weapons.

Even so, it's easy to blow it off course.

When Chen Ming learned that his air defense company stationed in Liangcheng had been completely wiped out, he said in a serious tone:

"Who the hell gave the order? My soldiers aren't to be wasted like this."

"Don't you know that air defense companies need to be deployed in tiers? Are you out of your mind to send a single company to take on a whole group of Japanese bombers?!"

Chen Ming was furious. The mission of the air defense company was to enhance the authenticity of Liangcheng as a "tank base," not to engage in direct combat with Japanese bomber formations.

"Commander, it was Company Commander Jiang Defu who gave the order."

One of the staff officers answered.

"Jiang Defu is here! Bring him to command post immediately and ask him what kind of orders he gave that allowed him to take a company and fight a Japanese bomber squadron head-on?"

"Comrade Jiang Defu also sacrificed his life, leaving only two soldiers in the air defense company, and the two seriously wounded soldiers and the company political instructor."

"Even the instructor was kidnapped and evacuated by Comrade Jiang Defu in order to protect the political work cadres."

The staff officer replied.

"Bring Instructor Lian over here. I want to ask him myself why he didn't stop it!"

"At the same time, the situation was reported to headquarters."

"No matter what, the soldiers of the air defense company are all outstanding and heroes."

"Also, the guard company will go together to bring back the remains of our fallen heroes, and we'll take them home."

After a slight pause, Chen Ming gave the order.

He knew that exchanging an anti-aircraft company for five Japanese bombers was well worth it.

In World War I, an anti-aircraft company destroyed five Japanese aircraft, which would be considered a major victory anywhere.

In terms of cost, the equipment value of an air defense battery is far lower than that of a bomber.

Strategically, this effectively weakened the Japanese air threat and compensated for the lack of air superiority on their own side.

In terms of morale, it demonstrates a tenacious will to resist and inspires confidence among the military and civilians.

Therefore, he reported the matter to headquarters.

Headquarters.

Upon learning of this, headquarters took immediate action.

Combined with cross-referencing telegrams sent back by the Liangcheng defense forces.

Headquarters has already determined the extent of the Liangcheng Air Defense Company's actions.

A meeting was convened immediately.

There is no doubt about the results; the wreckage of Japanese planes found at the scene proves the authenticity of the results.

The current discussion concerns the aftermath of this heroic company that has already sacrificed its life.

For the achievement of destroying five Japanese warplanes, the headquarters awarded the company the honorary title of "Iron Wing Air Defense Company" and collectively awarded it a major merit.

All fallen soldiers were recorded as martyrs, their remains were properly buried, and their families received compensation.

As for the survivors, there are no arrangements yet.

Arrangements will be made after the personnel return and are reviewed.

After all, there are still some controversial points in this matter, and we cannot make a hasty judgment.

As for the subsequent propaganda work, it was postponed at Chen Ming's request because we are currently in a critical period of fighting the Japanese.

North China Expeditionary Army Headquarters.

After the Japanese bomber formation returned to base, Okamura learned of the results of the battle.

Okamura was both pleased and angry about this.

To his delight, he destroyed an armored unit in the hands of his biggest adversary, rendering that unit completely harmless.

Without armored units, the two divisions in Jining will no longer pose a threat, and we can launch a bold and unreserved attack.

The anger stemmed from the fact that a bomber squadron had five of its planes destroyed by the Eighth Route Army.

This was undoubtedly a major loss for him.

He now has very little air power left, and the priority for replenishing aircraft at headquarters is to send them to the Pacific theater.

The Japanese troops in North China were treated like stepchildren, with very few opportunities to replenish their supplies of weapons like airplanes.

He even had to be transferred out to support the Pacific theater.

The planes he currently owns are so valuable that losing just one would mean total loss.

With his strength dwindling, how could he not be furious?

However, in order to promote propaganda and maintain morale, Okamura still emphasized the "victory" of destroying the Eighth Route Army's armored forces through an internal military circulation.

They kept silent about the loss of the aircraft, downplaying it in order to maintain morale.

This is a consistent tradition of the Japanese. Even now, many people in Japan are still unaware of the defeat at the Battle of Midway and still believe that the front lines are still experiencing a "great victory".

However, since Okamura was angry, someone had to take the blame. So, a colonel from the Japanese Army Air Force, who had failed to provide escort for the bomber formation, was shot seven times in the back and committed suicide.

Until his death, the Japanese colonel had no idea what had happened.

If he knew, he would definitely protest his innocence:
"Didn't you say that the Eighth Route Army didn't have any countermeasures against airplanes and that they didn't equip them to save fuel? How come I'm the one being blamed for this incident?"

After dealing with the scapegoat and silencing him forever, Okamura issued orders for the two divisions that had already arrived in Jining to accelerate their advance.

"The Independent Detachment has lost its armored forces, and their backup plan has been destroyed. Now it's time to decide the outcome."

Okamura confidently gave the order.

Chen Ming noticed the changes in the Japanese attack rhythm.

"The Japanese have sped up their attack now. It seems they think they can win as long as they keep fighting."

"Unbeknownst to them, our two divisions, one artillery detachment and one special operations detachment, along with Ding Wei's unit in Shangdu, have laid a trap, waiting for them to come in."

Chen Ming said with a smile.

"Yes, after so many sacrifices, it's finally time to reap the rewards."

"Two divisions of Japanese soldiers have entered the encirclement; Zhuozi will be their burial ground."

The chief of staff also said excitedly.

Such a huge lump of meat would tempt anyone to look at it.

Having won this battle, their names and deeds will be recorded in military and historical records, regardless of what happens in the future.

"The situation is very favorable to us now, but that old devil Okamura is not to be underestimated. If there is any disturbance, these two divisions could very well run away."

"The destruction of just a 'tank base' by the Japanese is not enough to make Okamura completely lower his guard."

"Pass on my order: Li Yunlong's troops in Baotou, along with three battalions and one detachment from the surrounding area, are to launch a large-scale attack on Baotou."

"We must make the Japanese think that we have lost our support after our tank units were destroyed. We must eliminate the armored division in Baotou before the Japanese reinforcements arrive, so as to force the Japanese to speed up their attack on the two divisions in Jining."

"Once the Japanese get desperate, our chances of seizing the opportunity will increase."

"At the same time, all troops in the Huai Ren area were ordered to make the illusion that they were moving towards the mountains and wanted to provide support to the north."

"This was to mislead the Japanese, making them think that we were worried about the deterioration of the war in the north and wanted to send reinforcements, thus further lowering Okamura's guard."

Chen Ming gave the order.

These commands, along with the previous ones, all have only one purpose.

Lower the Japanese soldiers' guard and lure them into the encirclement step by step.

Whether it's creating the illusion of a "heavy" defense in the Huai'ren area, the destruction of the "tank" base, the withdrawal of troops from Fengzhen and Jining areas, or the current orders.

They all have the same goal.

Okamura was as cunning as a monkey, and he wouldn't easily fall for a trick when facing the Independent Detachment.

To get a wary fish to bite, you have to make it feel safe.

"By the way, should we add an extra layer of insurance for Li Yunlong?"

The chief of staff reminded Chen Ming as he gave the order.

Li Yunlong's deeds had long been known, and even Chen Ming's chief of staff had a deep impression of him.

That's why I reminded Chen Ming to take Li Yunlong, this variable, into account.

After hearing the chief of staff's reminder, Chen Ming thought about it and felt that it made a lot of sense.

Human life is like the shadow of a tree; some insurance measures must be taken.

"Add to the telegram that the attack on Baotou is only an auxiliary measure. While it is important to build momentum, we must also ensure our own safety and never engage in a direct confrontation with the Japanese."

"Military orders are absolute, and military law is merciless. If you disobey orders and miss the opportunity to win the battle, you shall be severely punished for the crime of disobeying orders."

Chen Ming said, word by word.

Anyone who saw this sentence at the end of the telegram knew Chen Ming's determination.

If anyone dares to disobey orders, Chen Ming will absolutely not tolerate it.

Li Yunlong had been suspended from his post by Chen Ming for disobeying orders, so he knew Chen Ming's style of managing troops.

Now, Chen Ming, as the commander of this battle, is at a higher level and on a larger scale.

Li Yunlong believed that if he dared to jump out again, he would be lucky to even be able to raise horses.

He challenged the commander's authority and disobeyed orders on the battlefield; execution was not out of the question.

If Chen Ming insists, no amount of pleading will help.

The telegram was sent out and quickly reached Li Yunlong.

"Reporting to the commander, order 01..."

As Li Yunlong listened to Zhang Dabiao read out the telegram, he was initially excited, thinking that it was finally time for them to show their skills.

When Li Yunlong found out that Ding Wei was fighting hard in Fengzhen, he was practically drooling.

Now that the command post has finally given them the order to attack, he can hardly contain himself any longer.

However, upon hearing the rest, the excited Li Yunlong felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, sending chills down his spine.

"Does the commander distrust Lao Li that much? Those things are just rumors spread by others. Lao Li still follows orders very well."

Li Yunlong awkwardly addressed the other officers in the regiment.

However, none of the people present really believed these words.

If Li Yunlong could behave himself, the sun would rise in the west.

"Commander, the commander has authorized me to immediately suspend you from your position as commander if you disobey orders."

"Command will be handed over to Captain Li of the Daqingshan Detachment."

The political commissar of the Independent Regiment spoke up, providing Li Yunlong with a safety net.

If Li Yunlong dared to disobey orders at this time, then after obtaining authorization from the command headquarters, he had the right to immediately suspend Li Yunlong's command authority after reporting to the command headquarters.

Originally, after 42 years, the political commissar would no longer have the right to interfere with command.

However, during this battle, Chen Ming specifically authorized that if Li Yunlong disobeyed orders, the political commissar had the right to urgently report to the command headquarters, and the command headquarters could suspend Li Yunlong from his post, with the political commissar acting as the executor.

This was something Chen Ming specifically created for Li Yunlong; it's the only one of its kind.

Upon hearing the political commissar's words, Li Yunlong smiled awkwardly and remained silent.

Now that he has double insurance, he can only obediently be a good boy.

Li Yunlong neither liked nor disliked this political commissar.

The other party's abilities are not as strong as Zhao Gang's, and it's unlikely that they can get along with Li Yunlong.

However, the other party's abilities were also recognized by Li Yunlong; he was principled, of high quality, and not some naive scholar.

This political commissar was specially selected by headquarters and Chen Ming, taking into account Li Yunlong's past.

He was an outstanding cadre, more than a match for Li Yunlong.

After the order was read aloud, Li Yunlong, as the commander in Baotou, gave the order:

"By order of the command, all troops in Baotou, take out your weapons and bombard the Japanese fiercely."

"Let those sons of bitches know we're not to be trifled with!"

(End of this chapter)