Okamura Neji stood in front of the window of the war room with his hands behind his back, his expression solemn.
The "Battle of Nomonkan" launched by the Kwantung Army has ended, but the result far exceeded the expectations of the entire KMT leadership. Even Okamura Neiji did not expect that the Kwantung Army would be defeated so miserably and completely! The Kwantung Army used
Almost all the more than 50,000 ground troops who came to attack were wiped out, and the air force and tank troops were also completely lost!
However, the Soviet army's battle losses were less than 10,000 people, and the losses of the air force were negligible.
The only serious loss of the Soviet army was the tank unit, which lost more than 400 tanks. However, the Soviet Union quickly transferred more tanks from the European theater. After the Battle of Promise Threshold, the Soviet Union deployed tank divisions in the Far East Military District.
Instead of decreasing, they increased, from two before the war to five.
***Zi's consistent thinking is to win with quantity.
If Germany had been beaten and had so many tanks destroyed in one battle, Hitler's military experts would definitely find ways to improve tank armor. In this case, the "Tiger" and "Leopard" heavy tanks might have come out several years ahead of schedule.
Yes, but the ***’s thinking is not like this.
This is what ***’s thinking is like.
You destroyed four hundred of my tanks, then I will set up ten or eight more tank production lines to produce more tanks with low cost and relatively good quality to swamp you! So, after the Battle of Nomonkan, the Communist Youth League Arsenal of the Soviet Far East Military District
The tank production intensity was increased, and the number of tank divisions in the Far East Military Region was also increased by three.
Due to Yue Weihan's crossing and the early appearance of rocket launchers, the Battle of Nomenkan took place more than a year later than in history.
However, the final result did not evolve in a direction conducive to ***, and was even worse than in history!
In the final analysis, Japan's industrial foundation cannot be compared with that of Japan, and its war potential is even different. After the disastrous defeat at Nomenkan, the Japanese base camp completely gave up the idea of "moving north" because at this time the Soviet Union and Germany
Poland had just been carved up in Europe in collusion, and there was no sign of war in a short period of time. The little *** really had no confidence in defeating the *** in a duel.
There is no hope of "moving north", and China cannot find the strategic resources that China desperately needs, so going south seems to be the only way out.
In order to win the southward strategy, whether the Japanese navy can defeat the United States and the British naval coalition will be the decisive factor!
In fact, at the end of World War I, the Japanese navy was already the third largest in the world, second only to Britain and the United States. Moreover, the Japanese navy did not lack actual combat experience. It can be said that the Japanese navy was
The fleet that grew up in actual combat first defeated the Qing Dynasty's Beiyang Fleet, and then destroyed the Russian Pacific Fleet. It can be said that it has made outstanding achievements in battle.
The Japanese government has spared no effort in investing in the navy, and its intensity far exceeds that of the army!
While the incident in China had not yet been completely resolved and the national economy had not yet fully improved, the Konoe Fumima cabinet continued to increase investment in the navy. By the beginning of 1941, the Japanese Navy Combined Fleet already had a standing strength of 1.8 million men.
, there are 58 battleships, heavy cruisers and aircraft carriers with a displacement of more than 10,000 tons, nearly 200 destroyers and submarines, and more than 1,000 aircraft. Its theoretical combat effectiveness has surpassed that of the United States and is catching up with the United Kingdom!
However, even so, Okamura Neiji did not think that the Japanese navy could defeat the American and British navies.
In the final analysis, the Japanese are just a small country with too few resources and too little war potential!
According to Okamura Neiji, Japan should not be at odds with the United States and Britain, but should sacrifice Germany in exchange for the United States. Britain should acquiesce in Japan's occupation of China, and then slowly digest China and fully integrate China into Japan.
After the rule of Japan, Japan's comprehensive national strength and war potential will undergo a qualitative leap. Only then will Japan be able to compete with the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union in the world!
Unfortunately, Tojo Hideki did not adopt Okamura Neiji's suggestion, and preparations for a southward strategy were already underway!
Just when Okamura Neiji was lost in thought, two huge military terrain maps had been hung on the wall of the war room. The map on the left was from half a year ago, while the map on the right was just drawn. The map on the left
On the map, there are large and small Eighth Route Army base areas scattered throughout, but on the map just drawn on the right, these areas have all disappeared.
Looking around, there are only two non-security areas left in North China.
One is Sun Lianzhong's Shandong mountainous area, and the other is Yu Xuezhong's Sulu border area.
As for Yue Weihan's Taihang base area, it is connected to Shanxi. Strictly speaking, it cannot be regarded as a base area behind enemy lines. However, an old devil like Okamura Neji also knows very well that Shanxi does not need to be occupied, but Taihang Mountain must be captured, because in order to achieve this,
For long-term peace and stability in North China, Yue Weihan’s Taihang base must be eradicated!
However, before eradicating Yue Weihan, Sun Lianzhong and Yu Xuezhong must first be eradicated.
This is also the essence recorded in ancient Chinese military books: first cut off the branches and leaves, and then take away the branches!
Sun Lianzhong's 2nd Group Army and Yu Xuezhong's 3rd Group Army are the branches and leaves, and Yue Weihan's 39th Group Army is the branch of the resistance in North China. After Sun Lianzhong and Yu Xuezhong are eliminated, the North China Front Army will no longer have any worries and can concentrate on cleaning up.
Yue Weihan is gone. If Yue Weihan is taken care of, Shanxi and even the entire northwest will be within easy reach.
I have to say that this old devil Okamura Neiji does have some strategic vision.
Shogun Hirata strode up to Okamura Neiji, and immediately stood upright and said: "Your Excellency, Commander, the 24th, 25th, and 26th Divisions of the Second Army in Shandong, the 3rd, 4th, and 4th Divisions of the North China Autonomous Army,
The 6th Group Army, as well as the 6th and 13th Divisions of the Third Army of the Central China Front have all entered the designated area."
"Yo Xi." Okamura Neiji nodded and said happily, "Order all ministries to start sweeping the central Shandong mountainous area and the Sulu border on time on New Year's Day in the 16th year of Showa (1941)."
"Hai." Masaru Hirata lowered his head suddenly and followed the order.
As the saying goes, if you are not in the position, you will not be in charge. As the commander of the North China Front, the only thing Okamura Neiji needs to consider now is to improve the public security situation in North China, manage the entire North China into the backyard of the Japanese empire, and serve as the commander-in-chief of the North China Front.
The empire continues to provide human, material and financial resources, instead of dragging down the empire's finances like it is now.
Jingxing County, 39th Army Headquarters.
Yue Weihan is convening a meeting of all officers above the brigade commander level.
By New Year's Day in the 30th year of the Republic of China (1941), the Baoshan Division, 181st Division, New 6th Division, New 9th Division and New 39th Division of the 39th Group Army had all completed their re-equipment. The Taihang Guard Brigade, Tumen Fortress Guard Brigade and Cavalry Brigade
Re-equipment has also been put on the agenda, only the re-equipment of the artillery brigade is still on the agenda.
However, Helen is active in the United States, buying artillery equipment on a large scale.
The patent for the rocket launcher has been sold to the US government for US$5 million, which is a fair price.
Of course, this is the result of Helen using the influence of the Morgan family to hire a professional team to negotiate with the U.S. government. If Yue Weihan, a Chinese with yellow skin and dark eyes, is allowed to negotiate with the U.S. government, the bazooka patent can be sold for $50,000.
It’s a shame, the double standards of the American devil are definitely not exaggerated.
With this 5 million US dollars, it was enough for Yue Weihan to buy 100 heavy howitzers or 200 American-made howitzers with a caliber of less than 100mm. After careful consideration, Yue Weihan decided to buy howitzers with a caliber of less than 100mm, because the US government may not be willing to sell large-caliber heavy howitzers.
, even if you buy it, you can’t transport it into the Taihang Mountains.
Although 200 howitzers are not many, they are enough to equip two artillery brigades.
As for the logistical support of the American howitzers, it is no longer a problem. The sixteen large forging presses Helen ordered from the United States have been transported to Kunming through the newly completed Burma Highway. They can be transported into the Taihang Mountains in at most two months. With this
With sixteen large-scale forging machines, the Taihang Arsenal can forge copper bullet cases with a caliber of less than 300mm.
Liu Yi was the last one to walk into the conference room. As soon as he sat down, he reported to Yue Weihanhui: "General manager, the latest news is that the sixteen forging presses have been shipped to Chongqing and will be shipped to Xi'an soon. At most, they will be shipped to Xi'an in half a month.
We can reach Taiyuan.”
Yue Weihan said happily: "That's great. With these forging presses, even if there is no chance to produce American howitzers and they are used to produce bullets and 60 mortar shells, the production efficiency will be greatly improved." After saying this, Yue Weihan
Looking around at the divisions present, the brigade commander said, "Tell the brothers below that from today on, there is no need to save artillery shells!"
The division commanders and brigade commanders present burst out laughing, and they all looked excited.
Of course, Yue Weihan was not telling the gunners of the divisions and brigades to waste ammunition, but he was saying that when fighting the Japanese again, they would no longer have to worry about running out of shells. The thought of hundreds of 60 mortars was heartless.
The artillery was lined up in the forward position, dumping tons of shells on the Japanese positions. These veteran ruffians really couldn't sit still.
Liu Yi opened his notebook and asked Yue Weihan: "General, what should I do with the equipment that has been eliminated by the new 39th Division?"
The Japanese weapons and equipment eliminated by the previous four main divisions were all paid support to the Eighth Route Army. It stands to reason that the new 39th Division's batch of equipment should really be considered Sun Lianzhong in the Shandong Mountains, or Yu Xue in the Sulu Border Area.
Of course, how to transport this batch of weapons and equipment is a big problem.
Seeing that Yue Weihan was silent, Liu Yi added: "Sun Lianzhong just sent another urgent telegram, repeatedly requesting us to provide emergency assistance for a batch of weapons and equipment. To be honest, the current situation of the 2nd Army is indeed very difficult. There is not enough food.
There are not enough clothes, and there is also a serious shortage of guns and ammunition, otherwise..."
Yue Weihan sighed and finally said: "Chief of Staff, just do what you want."
After thinking for a while, Yue Weihan added again: "Wait a minute, let's use the 10,000 rifles, 200 improved Czech light machine guns, and 100 Maxim heavy machine guns produced by Taihang Arsenal in the past two months to support the 2nd Army.
Rifle bullets are given ten base points, and light and heavy machine gun bullets are given at least fifty base points."
Although Yue Weihan has secretly joined the Chinese Communist Party, he still has a good impression of the Communist Party of China.
Especially Sun Lianzhong and his 2nd Army. Compared with the cowardly Yu Xuezhong, Sun Lianzhong has a strong temperament and can definitely be called a heroic anti-Japanese general. His 2nd Army can also be called an elite force that is brave and good at fighting.
, if the two armies were not too far apart, Yue Weihan was even willing to arm the 2nd Army with half of the new ordnance.
They are all China's national defense forces, so why should they be so clearly distinguished? Besides, it is not a good thing for the 39th Group Army to be the only one. If there is an equally powerful 2nd Group Army that can compete with the 39th Group Army, it will be detrimental to the entire
In terms of the situation of the Anti-Japanese War behind enemy lines in North China, this is the biggest benefit!
Unfortunately, the Shandong Mountain Area is a bit far away from the Taihang Mountains.
Although Chi Dianwen's underground transportation line can transport personnel and equipment, it also involves great risks!
Like this time, when Chi Dianwen's Green Gang troops sent this batch of weapons and equipment to the Luzhong Mountain Area, their identities would definitely be exposed. Then, they would definitely not be able to stay with the Japanese any longer.
This underground transportation line has come to an end, but in order to save the 2nd Army, it is worth sacrificing this transportation line!
After a pause, Yue Weihan ordered Liu Yi again: "Send a secret message to Sun Lianzhong in my personal name, begging him to lead the 2nd Army to break into pieces and break out separately. Chief of Staff, this is a plea, not a request! After the 2nd Army broke through,
, you can move to the Dabie Mountains to establish a base again, or you can come to the Taihang Mountains to rest and make other plans!"
"Understood." Liu Yi nodded and immediately took the order. As the chief of staff, Liu Yi knew Yue Weihan's thoughts well.
Frankly speaking, Yue Weihan had no selfish motives when he begged Sun Lianzhong to lead his army to the Taihang Mountains for rest and recuperation, and he never thought of taking the opportunity to recruit the 2nd Army. Yue Weihan really hoped to retain this powerful anti-Japanese armed force for the Chinese nation, and
Sun Lianzhong, Chi Fengcheng and a large number of "anti-Japanese steelheads" are treasures of the Chinese nation!
Shandong Mountain Area, 2nd Army Headquarters.
Senior generals such as Feng Anbang, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Group Army, Huang Qiaosong, Commander of the 27th Division, Zhang Huatang, Commander of the 30th Division, Chi Fengcheng, Commander of the 31st Division, Wu Pengju, Commander of the 44th Brigade of the ***, have gathered in the conference room. Commander-in-Chief of the 2nd Group Army
The leader, General Sun Lianzhong, was mobilizing them before the war.
Before he finished speaking, the adjutant hurriedly walked into the conference room and reported with great excitement: "General, Commander-in-Chief Yue of the 39th Group Army has called back. They have promised to support us with all the Japanese weapons and equipment eliminated by the new 39th Division, except for some
In addition, there are 10,000 new Zhongzheng rifles, 200 Czech light machine guns and 100 Maxim heavy machine guns, as well as 50 base bullets!"
"ah?"
"Um!?"
"Very good!"
"Good guy, Yue Weihan is quite interesting!"
The senior generals present were in an uproar when they heard this!
Sun Lianzhong was also very excited. Although he was very dissatisfied with Yue Weihan's pro-communist behavior, he also admitted in his heart that Yue Weihan was indeed a great general and a generous man. At this time, he was able to support the 2nd Army with so many guns and ammunition.
This fully shows the national justice of this person!
If he were the commander-in-chief of another group army, the equipment that could support a regiment of the 2nd Army would be overwhelming!
To be honest, Sun Lianzhong did not expect that Yue Weihan would be so generous in giving him equipment for two entire divisions, and one division actually had all new equipment!
The aide-de-camp paused and then said: "Your Majesty, Commander-in-Chief Yue also sent a secret message in his own name!"
"What secret message? What kind of personal name?" Sun Lianzhong frowned and said, "As a member of the Communist Party, how can you have privacy? Read!"
"Yes!" the adjutant stood at attention, and immediately unfolded the telegram and read, "Brother Feng Lu (characterized by Sun Lianzhong): We have been farewell to Xuzhou for three years, and my voice, face, and smile are still the same as yesterday. I miss them so much. Today, the Japanese invaders are approaching.
, the situation in Luzhong was in danger, my brother Yu Taihang paused and begged to imitate Brother Lu and ordered the troops to be broken into parts and break out separately, not only to protect the steel head of brother for the party and the country, but also to preserve the elite division of the 2nd Group Army for the Chinese nation, do it!
My brother, Yue Weihan came to Taihang on the 1st day of the first month of the 30th year of the Republic of China!"
Feng Anbang, Chi Fengcheng and other senior generals present here all changed their expressions. This telegram can be described as sincere.
Yue Weihan is a second-level general and has a hundred thousand troops. Whether it is personal reputation or the combat effectiveness of the troops he commands, Yue Weihan is far superior to Sun Lianzhong. This time, he did not hesitate to treat Sun Lianzhong as his brother, and he spoke sincerely.
They even used the words "stop and beg". From a certain perspective, Yue Weihan was almost kneeling down to beg!
Sun Lianzhong was also slightly moved. He really didn't expect that Yue Weihan would have such a high opinion of him and his 2nd Army. The reputation of "Gangtou" and "Elite Division" is not just for any person or unit.
They are all qualified to endure it, but Sun Lianzhong is confident that he and the 2nd Army deserve it.
However, Sun Lianzhong did not intend to accept Yue Weihan's plea.
The reason is very simple, because half an hour ago, Chairman Chiang had just sent a telegram instructing the 2nd Army to defend Luzhong and smash the Japanese invaders' mopping up at all costs! As a member of the Communist Party, you must obey Chairman Chiang's orders
As a duty, Sun Lianzhong decided to lead the 2nd Army to coexist with the Shandong base area!
"Record!" Sun Lianzhong calmed down and said calmly.
The aide-de-camp quickly took out his notebook and prepared to record it.
Sun Lianzhong pondered for a while and read aloud: "My dear brother, the power has been collected. I am very emotional. Brother, I am so ashamed. The fifty thousand officers and soldiers of the 2nd Army are very ashamed! In addition, I am deeply grateful for my generous act. I am deeply moved.
In order to repay you, I will kill more Japs in the war in Central Shandong in the future, and I will rest until death, that's all. Brother, Sun Lianzhong, January 1, 30th year of the Republic of China."
Jingxing County, 39th Army Headquarters.
Colonel Liu Xin walked into Yue Weihan's office with a solemn expression and handed the telegram in his hand to Yue Weihan.
Yue Weihan hurriedly read the telegram, then let out a long sigh and said to Liu Yi, who was sitting opposite: "It's over, Sun Lianzhong is over, the 2nd Army is over, what a pity for an anti-Japanese steel head, what a pity for a tiger and wolf division...