At midnight on the 28th, the Japanese troops stationed in Shanghai, consisting of the Marine Corps and more than 5,000 armed Japanese nationals, suddenly divided into three groups and raided Zhabei. In the blink of an eye, they repelled the defensive positions of the 156th Brigade of the 78th Division of the 19th Army and captured Tianjin.
Tong'an Station and Shanghai North Railway Station were then divided into one group and pressed step by step along the railway line. The other two groups began to attack and occupy important public facilities and main building highlands in Zhabei.
When the news came, there was silence and silence in the conference room of the Nanjing General Headquarters.
While An Yi was angry and sighing, he actually felt a sense of relief. After many days of anxious waiting and full preparation for war, An Yi and his tens of thousands of soldiers were tensed every second. At this time, the war started, but instead
The heart-wrenching and torturous feeling of waiting was gone. After he relaxed, he immediately became full of fighting spirit and murderous intention.
Yang Jie suddenly stood up with a pale face and faced Chiang Kai-shek and said sincerely: "Commissioner, the situation is extremely urgent. We can no longer hesitate. The 60th and 61st Divisions of the 19th Route Army should be transferred eastward immediately. General Zhang Zhizhong's 87th Division
The division should move to the Jiangyin defense line as soon as possible, and General Yu Jishi's 88th Division should move to Suzhou at full speed to serve as the backup of the 19th Route Army to reinforce the battlefield at any time. In addition, General Gu Changfeng's 44th Division should immediately move to the Songhu battlefield to attack the battlefield.
General Jiang Guangding reported that if the Ministry of Military Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs still insist on their opinions and strive not to escalate the situation, then let the 44th Division fight in the name of the 19th Route Army supplementary division. Now we must strive for peace, but we cannot give up.
Fight, otherwise if you are not careful, we will all become sinners throughout the ages!"
In the past two days, Yang Jie, the deputy chief of staff who had had several discussions with An Yi and felt confident, expressed his opinion decisively. Under the premise that Chairman Chiang concurrently serves as chief of staff, he, the first deputy chief of staff,
He is no more than the de facto chief of staff. Failure to speak up at this time would be a serious dereliction of duty.
Secretly, Yang Jie knew that after the special agent battalion of Gu Changfeng Division captured two Japanese spies and conducted a surprise interrogation, the daring An Yi secretly ordered the 44th Division to quietly detour to the edge of the battlefield. The original Wuzhen garrison had been bluffed by the Nanchang logistics troops.
Instead of stationing, all the huge convoys have stayed behind, giving the impression to the outside world that the 44th Division has not moved. At the same time, the Hu Jialin Independent Division, the most elite and most experienced in combat in the army, also quietly set off at nine o'clock tonight
, quietly moved eastward along the Jiangbei line, in order to avoid countless spies and spies on the Beijing-Shanghai highway and railway arteries from knowing their whereabouts. The 16th Division led by Yin Jinan still stayed in Liuhe Camp, paralyzing the enemy as if nothing had happened.
Chiang Kai-shek was worried about gains and losses and could not make up his mind. He turned to Chen Shuming, who was looking at him eagerly: "Before dawn, can the soldiers of the 19th Route be allowed to regain the lost ground?"
"No problem! The enemy's offensive strength is only more than 5,000 people. If they want to control such a large area, it will be difficult to gather troops to resist our counterattack. I ordered Ou Shounian to lead the entire division of 11,000 soldiers to go all out.
, we will drive the Japanese aggressors back to the Japanese Concession. But the follow-up reinforcements must be quick, otherwise once the Japanese army reinforces, our troops will not be enough." Chen Shuming answered loudly.
Seeing Chiang Kai-shek nodding in recognition, An Yi quickly interjected: "Commissioner, I suggest that the 16th Military Police Regiment stationed in Shanghai be mobilized to coordinate with the 156th Brigade. The Military Police Regiment is familiar with the terrain and has better equipment."
"good!"
Chiang Kai-shek finally made up his mind and turned to Ge Jing'en: "Marquis Kan, please issue the order now. In addition, let Gendarmerie Commander Gu Jichang (Gu Zhenglun) come here to report immediately after issuing the order."
"yes!"
Chiang Kai-shek discussed in a low voice with Chen Shuming beside him for a moment, nodded, stood up and walked towards An Yi, sighing: "An Yi, your judgment is right, the Japanese do harbor evil intentions, and the Northeast has not yet fully digested it.
I also have the idea of Shanghai, and I want to compete in the Central Plains to conquer China, so as to complete its strategic layout in East Asia, and I am not afraid of breaking my stomach... I am deeply pleased that you can plan ahead and make targeted arrangements!
I heard from Yang Jie that two of your divisions have already set off, and the 44th Division will arrive in Shanghai soon to join the officers and men of the 19th Route Army. The battle between the two armies requires coordinated command. I have thought about it carefully, and it is difficult for you to take on the important task!
Let's do this. You are aggrieved for the time being. As the former chief of staff of the 19th Route Army, you rush to the Songhu battlefield as soon as possible to assist General Jiang Jinran (Jiang Guangnai) and General Cai Xianchu (Cai Tingkai) in commanding the battle. You must stabilize the front and keep the enemy at bay.
As the main purpose. Remember, this is a national war related to the overall situation. You must not be arrogant, let alone get nasty and unhappy with friendly troops for a little fame and fortune. As long as you can fight against the Japanese aggressors, whether it is the 19th Route Army or the 24th Route Army
The army is all China’s army!”
An Yi raised his head and answered solemnly: "Principal, please rest assured that the students are not people who are greedy for fame and wealth. They will go all out to help the soldiers of the 19th Route Army win the self-defense war. Everything will be done with Commander-in-Chief Chiang and Commander Cai as the main leaders.
Only Generals Jiang and Cai obeyed their orders. Not only would they provide the greatest possible help to the friendly forces in terms of clothing, supplies, weapons and ammunition, but they would also fight wherever they directed without hesitation!
As long as we can fight against the Japanese invaders on the front line and protect our country, it is the greatest pride of the students and the officers and soldiers of the 24th Army. Fame and wealth are only fleeting and external things, and they are of no importance in the face of the interests of the country and the nation!"
"General An..."
Chen Shuming stepped forward excitedly and held An Yi's hand tightly.
"Okay, okay! Go ahead. I will telegraph you as soon as possible if there are any instructions. You should also take care of yourself!"
Chiang Kai-shek patted An Yi's arm and walked him to the door in person. Chen Shuming and Zhang Zhizhong followed immediately and watched An Yi salute and leave with expectancy.
When the generals saw An Yi leaving, they all breathed a sigh of relief and were in awe of An Yi's big heart. Everyone knew that as long as An Yi came to the front line to command, the combat effectiveness of the two tiger and wolf divisions Gu Changfeng and Hu Jialin would be measured.
, the Japanese army will never get any advantage in the short term.
He Yingqin also breathed a long sigh of relief. Once An Yi, the thorn in his side who always opposed him, left, he felt much better. Yang Jie's eyes happened to meet He Yingqin's unexpectedly. They looked at each other and smiled before lowering their heads to work.
What Yang Jie was doing was how to mobilize troops as quickly and rationally as possible to make up for the emptiness on the first and second fronts. What He Yingqin was doing was how to negotiate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to firmly grasp the scale and magnitude of the war, so that the next step of negotiations could be carried out favorably.
At three o'clock in the morning, the flames of war broke out in Zhabei, Shanghai, and there was chaos. The intensive sound of gunfire finally shattered the dreams of all the peace seekers. The iron hooves of the Japanese army were accompanied by bursts of violent explosions and the crackle of burning fire, which resounded throughout the earth.
The line from North Station to Tiantong'an Station was particularly fierce. The officers and soldiers of the 156th Brigade of the 19th Route Army and the officers and soldiers of the 16th Gendarmerie Regiment gradually got better after the initial chaos. Both friendly forces cooperated closely and risked their lives to block the enemy's advance.
After taking steps, a tenacious battle ensued. The envious officers and soldiers of the 156th Brigade threw down their rifles when they were out of ammunition, braved the hail of bullets and bravely charged forward, using grenades to push back the defending enemy several hundred meters.
The fallen flesh and blood bodies are used to build the Chinese army's fearless military spirit.
The officers of the Military Police Regiment were deeply affected. Under the leadership of each company commander, they relied on their familiarity with the terrain to attack decisively and fight flexibly. They gave the arrogant Japanese invaders a head-on blow, which greatly reduced the pressure on friendly forces and created prestige and prestige for the full-line counterattack.
morale.
After three hours of fierce fighting, the Japanese invaders, who also suffered heavy losses, left behind more than 300 corpses and were defeated across the board. The defenders pursued them heroically and drove all the Japanese invaders into the Japanese Concession. Thousands of soldiers did not rest and ordered
The brothers of the 115th Brigade who came to the rescue were on full alert and immediately went into action to put out the fires in residential buildings and rescue the dead and injured people. With their outstanding performance and noble sentiments, they won the heartfelt respect and love of the people of Shanghai.
Just after seven o'clock in the morning, Cai Tingkai, who was in the 19th Route Army headquarters, walked out of the polluted room and came to the door. As soon as he let out a bad breath, he saw the chief of the operations section and two people wearing camouflage uniforms. There was no sign of the Central Army.
Young men with generally issued military ranks walked quickly.
Cai Tingkai carefully identified it, immediately strode forward, saluted each other, and then extended his hands enthusiastically: "General Gu arrived so quickly! I received the telegram last night, and I thought it would be noon at the earliest... Haha
...This is..."
"Deputy Commander of the 44th Division, Yan Yaohuan, salutes the general!" Yan Yaohuan saluted and stretched out his hands.
"It turns out to be General Yan. I have admired him for a long time!" Cai Tingkai looked at Yan Yaohuan happily and nodded repeatedly: "I have long heard about General Yan's outstanding command in the Central Plains War. Today I finally have the honor to meet him. I am so lucky! Haha! Two
Please come in!"
"General Cai please!"
In the headquarters, after listening to the battle report from Songhu garrison commander Dai Ji, Gu Changfeng and Yan Yaohuan immediately pounced on the map and looked to the west. After a while, Gu Changfeng asked:
"Sirs, please feel free to give orders on how to mobilize and use our troops. Within four hours, Commander An Yi issued three orders. Two of them ordered the officers and soldiers of our division to unconditionally obey the command of the commander of the 19th Route Army. All subordinates will strictly abide by military orders.
, please ask the commander to issue an order!"
Cai Tingkai and the generals who had already received Chen Shuming and An Yi's telegram looked at each other with emotion and nodded, obviously very satisfied with Gu Changfeng's attitude. They were not polite at the moment, Cai Tingkai pointed to Wusongkou on the map, not without worry.
said:
"So far, we still don't know the specific number of Japanese troops, but what is certain is that the enemy did not move out in full force, but held back. Now our 60th Division has moved at full speed from the west. Within five hours
It can be reached. The only thing that worries us is Wusongkou. If the Japanese army forces a landing under the cover of powerful artillery fire from warships and appears on the flank of our army, it will be difficult for our army to divide our troops to resist the enemy. Therefore, can you please ask General Gu?
, General Yan will lead your troops to the front line of Wusongkou?"
"Good! Very good! What heroes see the same thing! To be honest, when our division was stationed in Hukou, we conducted special training on anti-landing operations and summed up some methods to deal with it. Our division will guard this area.
The first line couldn't be better! I obey my orders!" Gu Changfeng replied readily.
Yan Yaohuan raised his wrist and looked at his watch and found that the time was almost up, so he took a half step forward and said, "Each of our officers and soldiers carries two sets of military uniforms and two pairs of new combat rubber shoes. I will keep one of them later so that your army can replenish it."
At the same time, it may be able to confuse the enemy and play a certain role in keeping the whereabouts and numbers of our troops secret. Unfortunately, there is only one helmet and it cannot be left behind. Please forgive me!"
"Great! In this way, we will be able to confuse the Japanese army, making the enemy's judgment blurred for a while, thinking that we are the main force of the Central Army and not daring to act rashly! Great move! Thank you, General Cai!" Cai Tingkai and the generals were all very happy. Happy.
Gu Changfeng added: "I believe there will be an influx of reporters soon. General, please respond with all your strength and try your best to prevent reporters and anyone not related to the battle from going to our division's garrison. Externally, we will also supplement it with the 19th Route Army." We will respond in the name of the division. In addition, our division’s communications department will call the dedicated telephone line within three hours. Commanders, please give us any orders. I will take my leave now!"
Ten minutes later, an army that seemed to suddenly emerge from the ground quickly passed through the 19th Route Army defense area. Each soldier put down a set of camouflage uniforms and wrapped shoes on the dry roadside, and then headed north. Run forward in the direction of Wusongkou.
When the brothers of the 19th Route Army saw tens of thousands of well-equipped and well-trained friendly troops passing by, there was no noise at all. Except for the sound of footsteps, there was no noise at all. Apart from feeling emotional, they also greatly admired the deep friendship of the friendly troops. .
The artillery battalion commander's surname was Ying Duqian, and he suddenly heard that he was called "Ying Gambling". He lived up to the name. His gambling skills were extremely good, and he was nicknamed "Laoqian" by his brothers. At this time, he was looking forward to leaving in a hurry. Ying Duqian, a friendly soldier, said in a low voice: "They are all handsome and handsome, but we just don't know what will happen after the gunshots are fired."
"Oh, you kid, how dare you look down on others? I can guarantee that your artillery battalion cannot defeat any battalion of their artillery regiment!" A familiar voice came from behind.
The old man was just about to get angry, but suddenly he felt something was wrong. He looked back and quickly stood up straight with his legs crossed to salute. When the brothers around him saw that it was the master's birthday, they also nervously saluted and kept their mouths shut.
Ou Shounian pointed to the growing pile of military uniforms and shoes beside the road not far away, and ordered in a low voice: "Each regiment and battalion immediately picked up those clothes and shoes and put them on. If the sizes are wrong, exchange them with each other. They must be exchanged within twenty minutes." Finish!"
"yes!"
The officers immediately dispersed, and the old man took a few steps and turned back again: "Master, which unit of the Central Army is this?"
Ou Shouxian sighed: "Are you convinced of the 44th Division of Madman Gu of An's Army? Your more than 5,000 rounds of high-explosive artillery shells were given to you as a gift."
The old man was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said: "My subordinates are convinced, haha! But no matter what, General An is also our son-in-law in Guangdong, so he can be regarded as a relative, so there is no shame in it, haha..."
At the same time, the American ocean liner "Anatis" sounded its flute and slowly approached Shanghai Huangpu Pier. Mr. and Mrs. Ou Yaoting, their excited daughter and innocent and curious grandson stood on the side of the ship, looking at the still-burning fire over Shanghai. Smoke of gunfire, extremely anxious and sad.