Niangziguan has existed since the Warring States Period and has played an extremely important role in China's thousands of years of history.
It is this pass built on the slopes of the Taihang Mountains that has guarded the North China Plain from nomads for thousands of years!
A year ago, this same pass blocked the Japanese invaders from entering Shanxi from the North China Plain!
Only when Tang Dao, a man of two generations, personally set foot on this magnificent pass, can he understand why this pass has written so many colorful stories in Chinese history.
The terrain of Niangziguan is so special!
The only road from Jingxing to Jin Province must pass through the pass. Under the west wing of Guancheng is a cliff, and under the cliff is a Tao River, while the east wing of Guancheng extends beyond a wall leading to the cliff.
To pass here, you must pass through the pass.
Moreover, standing on the cliff at the pass, you have an excellent line of sight, and you can clearly see the activities of people outside the pass.
However, on the battlefield where smoke is still rising everywhere, perhaps due to the horrific bombardment three hours ago, or the heavy artillery bombardment by the Japanese army a year ago, there is not much left of the bluestone brick city wall, replaced by a
A dilapidated bunker and sandbag fortifications, as well as a hole dug under the rock to hide soldiers.
Niangzi Pass was captured by a battalion led by Lei Xiong.
The reason why the Japanese army, which had the advantage of the terrain and was well prepared, only persisted for 3 hours before being attacked by the first battalion on the hilltop, was not because the artillery fire of the Four Lines Regiment was too fierce.
Although for this critical battle, the mountain artillery company and heavy mortar company of the artillery battalion of the Fourth Army Regiment, as well as the first battalion's own three 80mm howitzers, all participated in the artillery preparations.
12 Bofors Mountain Cannons, 12 150-caliber heavy-duty guns and three 80-mm howitzers bombarded the area for nearly 40 minutes, throwing more than 1,000 rounds of artillery shells, causing dazzling damage on the pass position with a radius of only 10,000 square meters.
However, the Japanese troops of the two infantry squadrons had five hiding holes at the pass. Because they were dug beneath the rocky surface, their anti-artillery capabilities could even withstand 105-caliber howitzers.
The power of artillery alone cannot completely destroy them.
The most important reason is that the engineer company platoon accompanying the marching battalion put the "poison gas bomb" they developed into actual combat for the first time.
That was the inspiration that Bai Sheng, the engineer company commander, came from during a practical training of the company's "Hangtianlei" artillery.
If the Japanese can make poison gas bombs, why can't they?
Therefore, with the strong support of Tang Dao, the engineer company brainstormed and experimented continuously, and finally made a "poison gas bomb" with its own characteristics.
Unlike chemical weapons such as mustard gas used by the Japanese, the engineer company uses purely biological raw materials.
Chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns and other irritating substances were all tested, and finally a millet pepper produced in the Taihang Mountains was successfully selected.
This kind of millet pepper, which is only as thick as a baby's finger, is known as "a mouthful of fire" in the mountains, which means that taking one bite is like swallowing a ball of fire. Some people who are not very resistant to capsaicin can't even take a bite of it.
If it becomes swollen, even a few Hunan officers and soldiers in the engineer company can only eat one or two at most.
The all-red "Kuihuo" was dried over fire, then ground into chili powder, and mixed with some powder to irritate the mouth and nose, and became part of the engineer company's homemade "gas bombs."
Because, the other part is dynamite!
A 5 kilogram explosive bag, 2.5 kilograms is dynamite, and 2.5 kilograms is chili noodles that can kill people.
At the beginning of the explosion, no one knew how the nearly 100 square meters of human body covered in chili noodles felt. After all, no one was stupid enough to conduct a live ammunition survey. However, a minute later, Captain Bai bravely walked into the center of the explosion.
Then, the brave Captain Bai not only coughed up his lungs, but his black face was flushed with tears. He soaked in cold water for an unknown amount of time before the burning feeling was gone.
Lose.
But three days later, there are still many areas on the face that are peeling off, as if they have been sunburned!
The strong capsaicin may not be able to kill people, but the stress damage caused in a short period of time is by no means much smaller than that of real chemical gases.
And Tang Dao knew that this was definitely not a fantasy.
In the past, the 80th Group Army used this kind of mortar shells mixed with chili powder to attack the Japanese artillery towers, and the effect was very good. The Japanese and puppet soldiers knew that there was a hail of bullets outside, but they still ran out with tears in their eyes, and then
suffer death.
Because it was the first time to use this kind of 'pure natural gas bomb', the engineer platoon was afraid that the effect would not be enough. They used artillery cover to quietly move the three 'Zhentian Lei' to the hillside 300 meters away from the left front of the Niangziguan position.
Fired 15 explosive charges.
Although due to accuracy issues, only 8 large and small explosive packets finally landed on the Japanese position. While the terrible air wave caused swept away the remaining fortifications of the Japanese position, more than 20 kilograms of chili noodles also spread throughout the air wave.
Japanese army position.
The Japanese soldiers hiding in fortifications or hidden artillery holes almost choked to death from the small mouthful of chili peppers that came from the depths of the Taihang Mountains. Many people exclaimed, "The Chinese use poison gas" and ran out of the bunkers, and were then attacked by ruthless artillery fire.
Tear into pieces.
Even if the Japanese troops were still hiding deep in the bunker despite coughing up their lungs, their combat effectiveness on the battlefield after the entire bombardment was reduced by at least 50%.
The officers and soldiers of one battalion and one company, who were ordered to attack from three directions, crawled to the area where they could throw grenades. They could also hear coughs coming from the Japanese positions.
Therefore, after two consecutive attacks were thwarted, 30 mortar shells filled with chili powder fell from the sky, continuing to make the Japanese infantry "irritated".
The artillery fire, the rain of bullets, and the additional damage from Xiaomi Spicy finally allowed nearly 500 Japanese troops to be wiped out before they could hold on for three hours!
Of course, this kind of 'poison gas bomb' does not mean that it is very effective at all times. It must be placed on the open ground and exploded when the opponent's position is not so wide and the weather is good and the wind is low. When the wind blows, it does not take ten seconds.
It dissipated in a few seconds and was of some use but not very useful.
It just so happened that the weather was fine today, and the Japanese army detected the arrival of a large number of Chinese troops yesterday, so they adopted a shrinking defense and abandoned the hills and highlands on both sides of the pass in an attempt to take advantage of the superior terrain of Niangzi Pass to wait for reinforcements.
This resulted in the area of its position being only over 10,000 square meters, which was just suitable for artillery and 'poison gas bombs' to maximize their power.
This is why the Japanese army did not expect that the artillery fire of the Chinese army in front of them would be so fierce, otherwise they would not have made such a stupid choice.
"Sir, should we immediately pursue the victory and defeat Jingxing County?" Lei Xiong, who had won a great victory in the first battle, suggested to Tang Dao with high spirits.
"It's better to ask the frontline headquarters first. Send a message to the frontline headquarters and ask where the other divisions have arrived." Tang Daoyao looked ahead and chose to be cautious.
During the week since the launch of the counterattack, all divisions except the 921st Division encountered reinforcements sent by the 20th Division and successfully defeated one of its infantry regiments. The other four divisions and one regiment, including the four-line regiment that was latently advancing, were considered successful.
.
In other words, the battle plan for the first seven days was basically realized.
But the smoother the war went, the more cautious Tang Dao became.
The battlefield is constantly changing, so why is there such a thing as everything going well?
Even after conquering Niangzi Pass, the number of Japanese troops who were able to escape into the mountains on the entire battlefield can only be described as single digits. There were more than 500 Japanese defenders lying dead. Tang Dao who walked up to Niangzi Pass still did not cheer for victory with steel guns held high.
The subordinates cheered for joy.
Anyone can cheer for victory, but he, the leader of the group, cannot.
Because, like them, when fighting deep into enemy-occupied areas, any negligence could lead to the complete annihilation of the entire army. He must remain calm enough not to be dazzled by the temporary victory.
Seeing that Tang Dao did not directly approve his battle plan, Lei Xiong grinned and did not say much. Instead, he waved his hand and asked Xia Dayu to go to the regiment headquarters communications company to generate electricity.
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Just as Tang Dao understood him, he also understood Tang Dao. He knew that Tang Dao was always decisive on the battlefield, but before the war started, he was calm and clear-headed, and would never make a decision easily without sufficient assurance.
"Brother Lei, do you feel that our war progress is a little too smooth?" Tang Dao took out a cigarette, gave Lei Xiong one, lit one for himself, and asked softly.
"Based on the reaction of the enemy at Niangziguan, at least three groups of top soldiers sent by them were discovered and killed by our scouts in succession. After finally detecting the enemy's situation, they immediately reduced their defenses. Jingxing also showed signs of sending troops to assist. All reactions
It's all normal." Lei Xiong frowned slightly, carefully recalling the battle process and the opponent's reaction before engaging the enemy.
"Furthermore, according to the inside information of the 921st Division on the Shimen side, the 20th Division was very nervous about our army's sudden arrival in eastern Shanxi. A curfew was imposed on Shimen last night, and Chinese residents were not allowed to enter or exit the city gate. The city defense has been dispatched
The double patrol team patrolled, which fully shows that the 20th Division did not clearly foresee our army's sudden sword attack on Jindong and Niangziguan.
This morning, there was also a call from Brigadier Cheng. Part of the 20th Division, which was originally chasing them, suddenly changed its marching route, probably because it wanted to return to Shimen.
If the 20th Division had really predicted that we would be so bold and that it was Shimen's idea, then they would not have been in such a hurry."
"The reaction of the 20th Division is normal, but it does not mean that the entire Japanese North China Front is normal. With our current strength of five divisions and one regiment, not to mention the 20th Division, just one or two more divisions, in such high mountains and ridges
I'm not afraid of them in battle, but what if the North China Front mobilizes heavy troops?" Tang Dao knew that what Lei Xiong said was true, but he still shook his head gently.
"Tuanzuo, you mean to say that this is a big net laid by the Japanese, just waiting for us to get through. In order not to leak the information, they even concealed it from the division-level troops? And they even did not hesitate to annihilate several of them by us.
Thousands of people?
Then the Japanese are too patient! If we don't come to Niangziguan, wouldn't their people be killed by us in vain? I don't think the arrogant Japanese can do this kind of money-losing business.
." Lei Xiong shook his head and took a long puff of cigarette.
"Besides, what if the Japanese come? This is what I came here to do. At worst, I will fight with them."
Tang Dao knew well that Lei Xiong had a generous temper and was fearless even if he encountered difficulties. Otherwise, he would not have chosen to stay with him in Sihang Warehouse with more than a hundred people until the end. He smiled slightly at the moment: "Brother Lei
The last sentence is quite true, if the Japanese really spend so much money to lure me into taking the bait, then just make it clear that we have fought against them."
Yes, although Tang Dao's intuition is somewhat abnormal, as a commander, he cannot just rely on intuition to make judgments, but must rely on reconnaissance and intelligence.
For this battle, not only did the Second War Zone request intelligence from the military commanders, but the Eightyth Army also used its under-the-radar intelligence system, requesting intelligence personnel lurking in the cities of Pingjin and Tianjin, as well as in Shimen, Licheng, Lucheng and other cities.
It is necessary to monitor Japanese military movements more closely and provide timely feedback.
Although many of them did not have radio stations, resulting in time differences, they were basically able to give the frontline headquarters some judgment on the movements of the Japanese troops.
As for the Fourth Army Regiment, they had already dispatched their own reconnaissance company before dispatching troops at the end of August. They were divided into nearly 10 groups, each with 4 people and a radio station.
Moreover, the reconnaissance company's reconnaissance direction is not only Shandong in the tactical plan, but the west of Shandong, Xingtai, and HD are all within its reconnaissance scope.
The farthest reconnaissance group was even more than a hundred kilometers away from the main force of the Four Lines Regiment.
It is never better to rely on yourself than to ask for help. Tang Dao knows this truth well!
These ten groups of scouts are like his eyes, allowing him to know the Japanese army's movements and changes in troop strength, so as to judge what the Japanese army's intentions are.
So far, apart from being a little confused, the Japanese army doesn't seem to have changed much.
"We received a call from the frontline headquarters. The Japanese troops in Changzhi have made some changes. The Japanese troops are gathering in Lucheng, Licheng, Shecheng and other places! Commander Liu, the commander-in-chief of the frontline headquarters, asked the group to go to the headquarters in person." Xia Dayu ran quickly.
come over.
"Has there been any change between the 108th Division and the 109th Division?" Tang Dao's eyes narrowed.
"This shows that the Japanese North China Front Army Headquarters reacted very quickly! Are they planning to encircle Wei and save Zhao?" Lei Xiong's eyes also turned cold. "However, with these two frightened divisions, how could they
I really think too much."
"Perhaps, it's not just that!" Tang Dao raised his head and looked at the sky. "With Master Liu's personality, he would never go to war and ask me to go to the headquarters dozens of kilometers away just because the little devil used this small force. He might
I also discovered something!”
"Brother Lei, order the whole regiment to build field fortifications on the spot with the Niangziguan position as the core. No one can slack off, otherwise military law will be imposed.
In addition, there are only a few hundred little Japs left in Jingxing. If they are left alone for a day, they won't grow many flowers. Let's leave them alone for now until I come back from the frontline headquarters." Tang Dao gave a decisive order.
"Okay!" Lei Xiong nodded. "However, this place is already a battlefield. When you leave, take a cavalry company with you!"
"No, I will try to return before 12 o'clock at night, let Niu Er, Ming Xin, Shen Laoliu, and Lao Lu join me, and let Lu Sanjiang lead a cavalry squad. Heavy rain will be waiting at the regiment headquarters."
Tang Dao strode away, leaving a few words in the distance.
"Regiment deputy, what should we do?" Xia Dayu looked at Lei Xiong with a bitter face.
Before sending troops, Tantai Mingyue had told him in private that whenever Tang Dao left the army, he must be persuaded to bring at least one platoon for protection.
This is great. He is bringing at most ten people with him. If Tantai Mingyue finds out, he, as a personal servant, will definitely be criticized. The most important thing is, what to do if he encounters danger?
"It's not like you don't know Tuan Zuo's temper? But with Niu Er and the four of them plus Lu Sanjiang and a cavalry squad, it's not a problem even if dozens of Japanese troops come. Maybe Tuan Zuo is still eager to
They're here to catch a few alive."
Lei Xiong smiled wryly and shook his head, waving his hand to Xia Dayu, meaning to tell him to hurry up and prepare Tang Dao's belongings, and just follow orders for the rest.
Soon, Tang Dao and his party of 14 people and 28 horses ran along the mountain road to the frontline headquarters located 35 kilometers away. The empty horses carried mortars, MG34 machine guns and ammunition boxes on their backs.
Obviously, Tang Tuanzuo is not blindly confident. He has also made full preparations for encountering the enemy. If he really encounters an enemy who can't open his eyes, he can defend it with a large number of people. Although the cavalry battalion of the Sixings Regiment is not yet full, within more than an hour,
Reaching the two cavalry companies was no problem.
If there are few people, it is natural that Qian Teliang will be the best. Who can Tang Tuanzuo and his gang of old men beat?
As for the Si Xing Regiment, as the military order was issued, the three infantry battalions stopped advancing and began to build various field fortifications along the mountains in the mountainous area around Niangziguan.
The remaining battalions and companies also deployed their positions according to field standards in the valley behind. Although the military order was for field positions, the Four Lines Regiment had fought through blood and fire. Knowing that no matter what the reason was, the entire regiment did not continue to march towards 35 as planned.
The superiors must have reason for advancing to Jingxing, kilometers away, but staying here. Fortifications are for life-saving purposes. The stronger they are, the more people they can survive, and one of them may be himself.
So, they all worked very hard!
The heavy machine gun fortifications that could have been surrounded by sandbags were asked by the infantry to remove the steel plates and build semi-permanent fortifications that could at least withstand infantry artillery levels.
The officers and soldiers who had just transferred from the special training camp were a little confused. Didn't they just stop and repair for a long time or overnight? You repaired the machine gun fortifications until they could block artillery shells, so what?
What stunned them was yet to come, because this area was mostly made up of stone mountains, and the soil layer was very shallow. The trenches could not be dug too deep before encountering the hard rock layer. The engineer platoon did not need to greet the infantry company commanders at all, and directly started explosive blasting.
...
Even the health company, a non-combat organization behind the protection of the infantry battalion, dug trenches around its slopes and built defensive firepower points. In addition to doctors and other personnel, including female nurses, who were busy setting up digitally disguised field tents,
Inside, everything was invested in the construction of fortifications.
Fortification construction is not only integrated into the blood of all officers and soldiers of the Fourth Army Regiment, but also one of the most important training subjects, covering all arms of the Fourth Army Regiment.
It won't be long before those officers and soldiers who lament that their comrades are making a fuss out of molehills will understand the value of desperately building fortifications.
When the shells fall and shrapnel splashes and air waves sweep over everything, you may even feel that you should have gone all out without eating or sleeping to dig a little deeper, even just five centimeters?
Just when the Fourth Army Regiment began to build fortifications, dozens of kilometers away on the North China Plain that they could not see, tens of thousands of Japanese troops from two divisions were gradually completing their assembly. With the delivery of trains, it wouldn't take long.
It will rush straight towards here.
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ps: Today is the 15th anniversary of the 5.12 earthquake. I would like to express my condolences to the compatriots who died in the disaster!
