"Hey, leader, I'm Liang Shengquan!" After Zhang Dabiao heard a rustling noise from the walkie-talkie, Liang Shengquan's voice came: "I'm Zhang Dabiao, have you figured out the situation of the little devil?"
"Commander, the place where this group of Japanese troops are currently stationed is called Houjiazhai. According to the map, it is only twenty miles away from Dazhaozhuang, where the regiment headquarters is located!"
"We just caught a tongue. According to the explanation, this group of little devils is the 45th Brigade of the 220th Regiment of the 35th Division. The captain is called Tsukada Rikiya. This Japanese 45th Brigade fought against the 3rd Regiment on the old route of the Yellow River.
The personnel establishment was not full, and the number was about 900 to 1,000, including some lightly wounded. There were no additional mountain and field artillery reinforcements. All supplies were transported by mules and horses. This trip was at the request of the Japanese Army of the 16th Division.
, go to Cao County for reinforcements!"
"As for why they stopped at Houjiazhai, the tongues caught were just ordinary soldiers of the Japanese army. I don't know the specific reason. Commander, as far as my personal guess is concerned, this group of Japanese soldiers may have discovered or predicted that our Eighth Route Army has a plan.
The main force of the gang is nearby, so we stopped moving forward!" Liang Shengquan recounted all the information he had received.
Originally, reconnaissance of the enemy was not a simple task, but these were unusual times. Liang Shengquan did not worry about being exposed and directly captured a lone little Japanese from the Japanese search force.
"Okay, I know that the reconnaissance company will continue to pay attention to the movements of this group of Japanese troops. The news that the Japanese troops of the 16th Division were wiped out in Caoxian County cannot be concealed tonight. Once they are noticed by the Japanese troops of the 35th Division, what is happening in front of them will
The partial divisions of the Japanese army will definitely go north to join up with the main force!" Zhang Dabiao said.
"Yes, I understand!" Liang Shengquan responded.
Zhang Dabiao ended the communication and said to the battalion commanders present: "Did you all hear it just now?"
"Listen clearly, Commander, my new regiment has twice the number of people as this group of Japanese troops. Go ahead, this is a piece of fat meat. By eating this group of Japanese troops, our new regiment can at least expand by one battalion!"
"The worst we can do is surround this group of Japanese soldiers stationed in Houjiaji, or what will happen if they escape?" said the third battalion commander.
The new regiment was brought out by Li Yunlong single-handedly. The commanders and fighters above and below have some shadows of Li Yunlong. If Li Yunlong were here, he would definitely be eager to eat the Japanese army in front of him.
Just as Zhang Dabiao was hesitating, the radio station being set up began to ring. After the telegraph operator received the telegram, he stood up and reported: "Regiment Commander, the military region headquarters is sending a direct telegram!"
Zhang Dabiao took the telegram, narrowed his eyes, and seemed to have made up his mind: "Do it."
Regarding how to respond to the attack, Zhang Dabiao already had an idea in his mind: "The First Regiment, the Assault Regiment and other units are on their way. Our current task is to trap this group of Japanese troops so that they cannot go north!"
"Now the Japanese army is firmly entrenched in Houjiazhai. If our troops launch an attack forcefully, the casualties will be huge. If it is just surrounded on all sides and the troops are too scattered, and it is impossible to build a defense line in a short time, and the Japanese army concentrates its troops to break through on one side, how can it be blocked?
?”
"Captain, what should we do?"
"What should we do? We can only take a gamble!" Zhang Dabiao had a murderous look in his eyes: "The Japanese army does not know the number of people in our unit. This is our current advantage!"
Late at night, before the reinforcements arrived, in order to prevent the Japanese troops from moving north, the various units of the New Regiment quickly encircled Houjiaji. At the same time, the reconnaissance company launched a clearing operation against the Japanese search troops on the periphery.
The 1st and 2nd Battalions were located on the north side to hide and not attack. The 3rd and 4th Battalions and the regiment-affiliated teams were respectively deployed in the east, west and south directions. The artillery company of the New 1st Regiment provided assistance on the east side.
During the operations of the reconnaissance company, sporadic gunshots alerted the Japanese troops stationed in Houjiazhai. Immediately, before the Japanese army could react further, three signal flares rose in the south of Houjiazhai, like a brilliant The sunset dyed half the sky red.
Immediately afterwards, intensive artillery fire from the artillery battery bombarded the earthen fence at the east side of the village entrance to Houjiaji. The Japanese army set up a temporary deer village at the entrance of the village. The barbed wire fences were raised into the sky like a hornet's nest stirred by fire.
The Eighth Route Army's decisiveness in launching the battle exceeded the expectations of the Japanese troops stationed in Houjiazhai. Before the battle began, the Japanese troops in the village were still hesitant about whether to continue advancing eastward or go north to join the main force.
As the captain of Houjiazhai said before, the entire Houjiazhai is full of trails out of the village. In order to prevent the troops from being too dispersed and reduce the encirclement at the same time, Zhang Dabiao ordered the troops deployed in the east, west, and south directions to immediately To launch a fierce attack on the Japanese army at all costs, the position must be pushed to the entrance of the village.
At the same time, the soldiers of the new regiment's guard company were responsible for the main attack on the east side, rushing towards the large earthen fence at the entrance of the village like a sharp knife.
In the smoke that filled the sky, the heavy machine guns placed by the Japanese army on the big soil fence were unplugged immediately. The guard company commander took the lead, and the soldiers poured into the big soil fence like a tide.
The Japanese troops, who had been stunned by the artillery fire just now, woke up and tried their best to block the way forward with machine guns. Bullets shot like locusts at the charging soldiers.
Seeing that the advance of the guard company was blocked, the guard company commander was so anxious that his eyes were burning and he waved his hand: "Everyone buy time for the grenade team!"
The soldiers of the guard company who rushed at the front spontaneously stood in front of the grenade group, forming a barrier with their flesh and blood to block the Japanese machine gun fire.
Several grenade groups also lived up to expectations, accurately bombarding the Japanese army with more than a dozen grenades near the light machine guns that were raging. Then the guard company quickly arrived at Datu Weizi, and with the dozens of flower traps in hand, they stationed here in one fell swoop. The Japanese squad was wiped out.
"Hurry, the Japs are about to counterattack, pick up the baggage company and the heavy machine gun platoon, and guard the big soil perimeter!" shouted the guard company commander.
The rapid advance of the guard company caused the Japanese troops in the village to lose the defensive key point at the entrance of the village. Looking around, we could see a dark mass of Japanese soldiers coming from all over the village.
The occupation of Dadu Weizi was like a nail driven into the village. After the supply company and the heavy machine gun platoon arrived, the guard company commander concentrated all the light machine guns and three heavy machine guns to form a semi-arc fire network. It contained the counterattack from the Japanese army and completely cut off the Japanese army's idea of breaking out from the east.
Although there was no artillery support from the artillery companies on the west and south sides, after the guard company took the lead, most of the Japanese troops were attracted to the east side, creating an opportunity for the third and fourth battalions. After paying a certain amount of casualties, they successfully
Completed scheduled tasks.
In the village, the Japs were in chaos. After the artillery company stabilized the situation, they continued to shell the village.
"Sir, the Eighth Route Army's offensive is really too powerful. According to soldiers' reports, the Eighth Route Army on the east, west, and south sides may have thousands of people in total, and there are also organized artillery to assist in operations. This is just a one-time investment of troops. I'm afraid the peripheral forces
There are more troops waiting for our troops to surrender!"
"Our troops repeatedly attacked the defense line set up by the Eighth Route Army at the entrance of the village, but were repulsed. The Eighth Route Army even shouted at the entrance of the village that our troops had been surrounded by the main force of the Eighth Route Army, and ordered the imperial army to immediately put down their weapons and surrender on the spot. Otherwise, once the Eighth Route Army came in, we would not be able to defeat them.
Keep a prisoner!"
"Sir, how did the division headquarters respond to the call? How should our department take action?" said the adjutant on the side.
Hearing this, Matsumoto and Tsukasa shook their heads, with a look of panic on their faces. He already knew the news that the Japanese troops of the 16th Division had lost contact. Matsumoto and Tsukasa knew what this meant.
"What's the current situation in the north of the village?"
"I have sent out many search troops, but none of them have returned to report the situation. The Eighth Route Army must have heavy troops ambushing them on the way north, waiting for the imperial army to surrender. Sir, you must not break out to the north!" the adjutant advised.
"The imperial army's grand sweep has just begun. Why are we in a passive situation and being constrained by the Eighth Route Army at every turn? We ordered the troops to stand still and wait for reinforcements. The main force of the division will arrive at dawn!" Matsumoto Kazuji said in a deep voice.
After the adjutant left, Matsumoto Kazuji once again asked the telegraph operator to send a report to the division headquarters of the 35th Division. The content was extremely urgent.
For a period of time that followed, the fighting between the enemy and ourselves around Houjiazhai came to a stalemate. The Japanese army was unable to break through the earthen fence held by the Eighth Route Army. At the same time, the participating departments of the New Regiment were in short supply of ammunition and did not dare to break into Houjiazhai excessively to avoid being attacked by the Japanese army.
Get to the bottom of things.
The main force of the 35th Division, which was fighting the Eighth Route Army west of Heze, also realized the seriousness of the situation.
"Division commander, the search force sent out reported that the Eighth Route Army troops that had previously gone north to the Liangpu area are moving south and seem to be encircling our department. At the same time, the Eighth Route Army troops that were fighting with our department suddenly increased their offensive not long ago.
"A little Japanese officer came forward and said.
"How could this happen? It's messed up!" Harada Kumakichi pressed his temples with both hands, trying to stabilize his chaotic thoughts. The multiple telegrams sent by Matsumoto Kazuji confused him, causing Harada Kumakichi to become more and more concerned about the current situation.
can't read.
"Gentlemen, the current situation is extremely unfavorable to the imperial army. If you are not careful, everything will be lost. The imperial army cannot withstand such a blow. I have decided to change the original battle plan!"
"Except for a small number of our troops to hold back the enemy fighting in front of us, the rest of the main force quickly went south to join the 45th Brigade. At the same time, we sent a telegram to Huaxian County, Junxian County, the imperial army that was fighting the Eighth Route Army, and Sun Dianying's troops to immediately move eastward to Dongming territory!"
Harada Xiongyoshi ordered.
"But, division commander, once our troops go south, the Eighth Route Army will surely follow, and the situation on the battlefield will become even more chaotic, and may eventually get out of control!" the captain of the 220th Regiment questioned.
"Since ancient times in China, there has been a saying in the art of war that is worthy of learning. The current task of our department is to maintain the connection with the 45th Brigade and strengthen the strength of the Imperial Army, so as to hold back more of the main force of the Eighth Route Army and create a solid foundation for the 32nd Army.
Division, the 21st Division is fighting for time!"
"As long as the Imperial Army wins in the end, no matter how much our Thirty-fifth Division sacrifices, it will be worth it. Please go and prepare yourself. In order to live up to the trust of General Okamura, for the Empire of Japan, and for His Majesty the Emperor,
We will shed the last drop of blood!" Harada Kumayoshi looked around at the people present, his tone slightly solemn and solemn.
"Hey, serve His Majesty the Emperor!" Many Japanese officers present shouted in unison.
After many little Japanese officers left, many civilian staff at the headquarters of the 35th Division also began to pack their bags. Taking advantage of this gap, Harada Xiongyoshi thought again and again and took pictures of the 21st Division and the 32nd Division respectively.
Seal the telegram.
In the telegram, it was directly stated that the Zhongze Detachment of the 16th Division was very likely to be wiped out by the main force of the Eighth Route Army in Caoxian County, and the 35th Division was in the predicament of being surrounded by the Eighth Route Army. It also showed that the 35th Division wanted to attract the Eighth Route Army.
The determination of the main force in Dongming territory.
Request the Japanese Army of the 32nd Division to place their main targets around Heze and temporarily give up the plan to attack the Eighth Route Army's Luxi base area. At the same time, they request the 21st Division to change their operational route and move along the original Shanxian, Chengwu, and Dingtao routes.
The offensive was changed to breaking through Yucheng, mopping up Caoxian County where the Eighth Route Army might be depleted of troops, and then heading north to attack Heze together.
"Sir, is this all there is to say?" the adjutant on the side asked.
"That's all!" Harada Xiongyoshi waved his hand and said.
"Do you need to send a telegram to the Expeditionary Forces Headquarters to inform General Gangcun of our current predicament?"
"So what if you know, distant water cannot quench the near thirst, and where will General Gangcun mobilize reinforcements from? We are the sinners of the Japanese Empire, and we have allowed the Eighth Route Army to grow to the extent it is now. This is probably the last time our North China Expedition Army will
Organize heavy troops to carry out a large-scale sweep of the Eighth Route Army base areas. Once the plan fails, how will the development of the Eighth Route Army be restricted in the future? I hope other imperial army units can achieve the final victory!" Harada Xiongyoshi said disheartenedly.
The adjutant had never seen Harada Kumonoshi in such a depressed state: "Your Excellency, division commander, you have to cheer up. The warriors need to win under your leadership!"
On the other side, inside the headquarters, the deputy chief of staff had gone to rest, but Zhou Weihan remained at the headquarters.
After receiving the telegram forwarded by Tan Lin, Wang Zenan speculated in the telegram that the New Eighth Army had taken military action to seize the Liangpu area.
"Hey, I set a trap for you and you actually got in?" Zhou Weihan looked at the telegram in his hand. He didn't look angry, but showed a smirk.
As the saying goes, don't allow others to snore on the side of the couch. No matter how good your relationship with the Eighth Route Army is, they are not on the same side now. What's more, after occupying Chaocheng and Fan County, the New Eighth Army has been sneaking around on the west side.
The development of Guancheng.
During this period, there were no major conflicts with the Eighth Route Army in Guancheng, but small conflicts continued. Whenever the Eighth Route Army sent people to negotiate, Gao Shuxun claimed that he was one of his subordinates, deceiving the superiors and concealing his actions. He raised the board high and lightly
Falling lightly, something happened to the lake.
If Tan Lin hadn't always advised Zhou Weihan to focus on the overall situation, the situation would not have escalated.
Zhou Weihan kept these things in mind. This time, the 5th and 19th regiments could have easily taken over the Liangpu area, but they never took action. It was Zhou Weihan who dug the hole and waited for the New Eighth Army to jump down.
The dirty work, the work that offends others, you, the New Eighth Army, have done for me. When the time comes, you will vomit out whatever you have eaten with profit.