The battle to supply a certain place in Mnizhi is over.
The British army lost 83 people, and the rest were all taken prisoner, including their commander Bon Emmons and Lieutenant Colonel Westbank.
Although there were some minor twists and turns, the battle went relatively smoothly. Only two Chinese soldiers were killed and they captured this important supply base at a very low cost.
But Wang Ding's interest seemed not to be in the base at all. Apart from asking the soldiers to guard the prisoners and provide necessary supplies, he did not issue any orders to blow up the base.
He invited Lieutenant Colonel Bon Emmons and Lieutenant Colonel Wisbonk into the office, and Klingenberg stayed here with Lieutenant Colonel Bon Emmons and West Bunker.
"Lieutenant Colonel Wisbonk, I think it's time for us to talk." Wang Ding said in a very relaxed tone: "It's time for us to talk about Mr. Q's problem."
Lieutenant Colonel Wisbonk's expression changed drastically. "Mr. A" is a huge secret, but how did the Chinese in front of him know "Mr. Q"?
"No, Mr. Colonel, I don't know what Mr. A is." Westbank denied.
Wang Ding was not angry: "Lieutenant Colonel Westbank, I hope that we can be frank and friendly. Although you are a prisoner now, this does not prevent you from enjoying all the rights of a prisoner. After we complete the mission, you will all get
Released, but the prerequisite is that you have to tell me, Mr. A, when you will be here."
Lieutenant Colonel Westbank's face was very ugly. He tried his best to control his emotions: "I really don't understand what you are saying there."
"I'm talking about Mr. a," Wang Ding said still very patiently: "This Mr. Q was born in a priest's family in St. Mark's Parish, Kennington District, London. His cultural achievements are poor, but his sports achievements are extremely good.
Bang.,Kou. In 7 years, he was miraculously admitted to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After graduation, he joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment stationed in India and served as a second lieutenant platoon leader. During the First World War
, He served in the battlefields of France and Belgium. He was seriously injured and almost died.,.,At the end of the 8-year war, he was appointed as a lieutenant colonel at the division headquarters and a first-class staff officer. Mr. a, stepped through the door of the Camberley Staff College,
In the same year, after graduating in February, he participated in the Irish War. In January 2016, he was transferred back to the Staff College as an instructor. In 1934, he was transferred to the Chief Instructor of the Staff College in Quetta. In 1977, he was transferred to the Commander of the A-th Infantry Brigade.
He led troops well and was appreciated by Wavell, the then commander of the Southern Military District. He later served as commander of the 8th Division in Palestine and was promoted to major general.
As Wang Ding talked, not only Weisbank, but also Klingenberg and Hans' expressions changed.
"Mr. A" His real name is Bernard Law, Montgomery!
In July 1942, the British 8th Army in the North African desert was defeated by the German Afrika Korps of the "Desert Fox" Rommel and retreated to the Alamein area in Egypt. On August 4, q42, Churchill appointed General Montgomery as the 8th Army.
The arrival of Montgomery, the commander of the Army Group, changed everything. He got the support of Churchill, and the British code-breaking experts provided him with a complete overview of Rommel's tactical plan. Montgomery carefully accumulated strength, speaking for 42 years, from 23rd to 4th.
The Japanese led their troops in a fierce battle with German and Italian troops in the El Alamein area, defeating the German "Desert Fox" Rommel, thus turning the tide of the war in North Africa.
Now, it is clear that the Chinese have set their sights on this British army general:
Bernard Law, Montgomery!
God, Klingenberg exclaimed in his heart, the Chinese were so brave, they actually set their sights on Montgomery.
But where did the Chinese learn that Montgomery was "Mr. A"?
"If you still need me to say more, I can say more." Wang Ding smiled slightly: "Montgomery will pass through the Munik supply base in the next two days and inspect the base. He will stay here for about an hour. He will
There are not many concubines in the defense army!"
"No, no!" Westbank shouted: "I don't know what Mr. A is, and General Montgomery will never come here!"
"Then, I think I can only take extreme measures." Wang Ding said calmly: "I will shoot a British soldier every minute until you are willing to say everything I want, even though it sounds like
It's a bit cruel, but I have to do it in order to complete the task."
"God, you can't." Westbank said with a pale face.
"Of course I can." Wang Ding smiled slightly: "Actually, Lieutenant Colonel, you don't have to think about anything anymore. We will ambush Montgomery here, whether you are willing to provide information or not. But for the safety of your men, I personally
I suggest you choose to cooperate with me."
Westbank began to realize that the Chinese were not there to intimidate him.
After a short period of inner struggle, Lieutenant Colonel Westbank chose to cooperate, although he also knew that this would push General Montgomery into a terrible situation.
"You are really a lunatic." Walking out of the office, Kmugenberg shook his head and said: "I really don't know how you knew that Montgomery was Mr. A, and I don't even know how you knew that Montgomery was going to pass.
From the Mnnik supply base.”
"I'm not sure." Wang Ding said with a smile: "I only know that this is the information provided to us by our intelligence personnel, and it is also a task that I must complete. Fritz, thank you for being with us.
Get up here and we will create a piece of history!"
Fritz Klingenberg nodded in agreement...
Indeed, whether Montgomery is captured or killed here, it will shock the Allies and the entire world. And this period of history will be created in their hands...
"Then, let's get started!" Klingenberg said enthusiastically.
"Then, let's get started!" Wang Ding repeated his friend's words heavily.
Bernard Law Montgomery did not know that danger was quietly approaching him. He followed a previous plan and marched towards the Mnnik supply base with some soldiers and subordinates.
Munich Supply Base was just a short stopover during Montgomery's journey, and Montgomery didn't think it was anything important.
What he values most is the battle situation on the front line. After defeating Rommel, now he must set his sights on the Chinese."
Montgomery took over the Eighth Army at the most difficult time for the British. At that time, the morale of the entire Eighth Army had dropped to its lowest point.
The best way to boost morale is to win in battle. Montgomery urgently needed to win a battle, a beautiful victory, so as to restore the confidence of his officers and soldiers in their senior commanders and invest with high morale before he decided to launch a large-scale offensive.
The battle ahead.
But Montgomery believed that the time was not yet ripe for him to take the initiative. His only hope was that Rommel would launch an attack and he would counterattack.
Montgomery's intelligence personnel were certain that Rommel's possible attack would be on the south side, and then detour to the left, mobilizing armored forces to attack the Alam Halfa and Ruwaisat mountains. Montgomery agreed with this view. Based on this prediction,
Montgomery and Degangan's Division 1 formulated a battle plan.
He smiled and said to De Guangan: "I want to set a trap for Rommel, the fox."
There are three key locations on the British front: one is the coastal position in the north, the other is the Ruwaisat Ridge in the middle, and the third is the Alam Halfa Ridge in the south. Based on Rommel's judgment that he would attack in the south, Montgomery decided to attack in the north.
and the center resolutely defended their positions, forcing Rommel to attack Alam Halfa. The British troops in the south should deliberately retreat in the face of the enemy's attack, leaving a gap, and minefields should be prepared in the gap area. At the same time, the 7th Armored Division
The generals will retreat while fighting, luring Rommel's tank troops into pursuit. Once the German tanks enter Alam Halfa, the British 44th Division ambushing there will fire fierce artillery fire at the German armored divisions trapped in the minefield.
Fight back.
Montgomery expected that Rommel would not dare to bypass the British defense line in Alam Khalifa and march directly to Cairo. Otherwise, 4 tanks would hit his rear. For Rommel, the only way was to capture Alam Khalifa first.
Only by visiting the Lefa Ridge can you relieve your worries.
At the same time, Montgomery decided that the defenders on the northern and central lines were not allowed to pursue the retreating enemy troops. In addition, he also ordered the 7th Armored Division and the 44th Division to use all their strength in the defensive battle on the Alam Halfa Ridge.
It is possible to maintain one's combat effectiveness in order to participate in important battles in the future.
At this time, Montgomery's mind was already brewing for the next battle, which would be a decisive battle.
Now, the trap has been set. As long as Rommel launches an attack, no matter which direction he moves, he will be trapped. When he is trapped, the British Desert Air Force aircraft will attack him in turn in a dense formation, dropping
The "carpet bomb" that Rommel called. Everything depends on Rommel. If he doesn't attack, Montgomery will not be able to succeed.
Will Rommel attack?
Judging from the situation on the battlefield at that time, Rommel's wisest policy at this time was to implement a "Hindenburg Route" retreat, that is, retreat westward to an appropriate defensive position to shorten the dangerous length of the front.
Rommel was a master of mobile warfare. He did not like opponents like Montgomery. He believed that Montgomery's method was "mechanized static warfare." He also noticed that the deployment of the British army was changing.
.If he had planned a retreat, it would have made all Montgomery's efforts in vain. The most convincing thing is that he was very short of men and materials: his divisions were short of 60 men, and there were 60 men in transportation.
85% are trophies with missing arms and legs; his combat equipment is 200 tanks and 75 armored personnel carriers less than the establishment requirements; his ammunition, fuel and rations are also unsustainable. In short, the retreat is Long Mei's
Your only way.
However, Montgomery firmly believed that Rommel would attack.
Of course Rommel knew that retreat was the best option, but his situation determined that it was actually impossible for him to retreat. Hitler was enough to stop the retreat. He actually gave Rommel no idea of retreat. In addition, from the African battlefield and the Soviet Union
In terms of strategic coordination on the German battlefield, Rommel cannot retreat. The German troops on the Soviet-German battlefield are launching a large-scale offensive in the Caucasus, and it seems to be going well. If Rommel can continue to advance eastward in Africa, the two German armies will
It is possible to join forces and advance toward the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
All this convinced Montgomery to defeat Rommel.
Montgomery's luck seems to be particularly good. Not only has his opponent Rommel decided to launch an attack, but this "Desert Fox" has become ill. His sense of smell and judgment are no longer as sharp as before. He suffers from severe stomach problems.
Ulcers and nasal diseases, and poor blood circulation. His medical adviser believed that his body was no longer suitable to serve as a commander. Rommel himself also suggested that Guderian be transferred to replace him, but Hitler refused. At this time, Rommel
I was actually mentally and physically exhausted. When he made the decision to attack, he said to his medical adviser: "Professor, the decision to attack I made yesterday was the most difficult decision in my life. The result is either that our German troops in Russia will be able to
Arriving in Grozny, we can reach the Suez Canal in Africa, or "Rommel did not dare to think about it."
On August 3, day and night, Rommel's Afrika Korps finally launched an attack on the British army. Rommel was so sick that he threw all his few tanks into the minefield. He said: "Fight
To continue, this decisive battle must not turn into a positional war under any circumstances."
The fox fell into a trap, it's up to the hunter.
When Rommel launched the attack at midnight, Montgomery had already fallen asleep. An excited Deganang rushed to Montgomery's room and reported the good news to him. Montgomery only said: "It couldn't be better...
"I fell asleep again immediately. He had already regarded this as food on his plate, so this was not exciting to him.
Rommel's attack was not smooth from the start.
The night bombers of the Desert Air Force were dispatched at dusk on August 3, and carried out a destructive attack on the armored vehicles that Rommel had just assembled. When the Afrika Korps rushed into the minefield to open a passage, they found that the minefield was larger than the original one.
It was expected to be much wider and more complex. The British troops protecting the minefield also fired dense and accurate bullets at them. Rommel originally expected to pass through the minefield quickly, but then he found that he had fallen into a death trap.
Soon, news came out that General von Bismarck of the 2nd Armored Division was killed by a landmine, and Afrika Korps Commander Nelin was also seriously injured!
At this time, it was too late for Rommel to turn around and turn back, but he did not do so. Instead, he tried to continue charging in the darkness. This was actually getting deeper and deeper into the trap. Facing Rommel's attack, the 7th Armored Division pressed
Plan to attack and retreat. The German army advanced another 7 miles in the trap. Rommel ordered his armored forces to make a predetermined left outflank movement to the north, where Montgomery had already deployed the 2nd Armored Brigade.
Rommel did not know that there was an ambush there. Led by several modified Mark 4 tanks, the large group of tanks formed a terrifying formation, like a snake curled up ready to bite, and slowly entered
The ambush circle of the 22nd Armored Brigade. Major General Roberts gave the order and all tank guns and anti-tank guns opened fire at once, catching the Germans by surprise.
Under heavy blows from the British army and due to fuel shortages, Rommel was forced to stop using tanks.
The next day, Rommel once again organized several sporadic attacks, but they were far less violent than on August 3. At 6:4, the German 5th Armored Division launched a short-term attack on the Alam Halfa Ridge.
Impact. At 7:30 and 8:30, two more small-scale local impacts were carried out. During this period, the German army also had a fierce encounter with the British 8th Armored Brigade. The battle took place in the
This occurred when the 8th Armored Brigade attempted to move westward to rendezvous with the 22nd and 23rd Armored Brigades. Horrocks, bearing in mind Montgomery's instructions not to allow 3rd Army's tanks to engage in close combat with the enemy, took the
The 8th Armored Brigade withdrew.
Seeing that Rommel's troops were in dire straits, Montgomery ordered the New Zealand Division to drive southward from the defense zone to close the gap that the Germans had entered earlier. Rommel saw the danger at this time and discovered that he actually only had enough fuel for one day.
So they ordered a retreat and quickly retreated to the minefield they had passed through earlier, preparing to defend this area.
On the 3rd, the British army, under the command of Montgomery, began to launch a counterattack. Montgomery rejected all requests for "tank attacks..." and actually prohibited Horrocks from continuing to pursue the enemy and occupy the Himaimat Heights. He
He said that Rommel should keep an observation post there so that the German army could see all the deceptive measures he had taken to prepare for the next battle. This allowed Rommel to quickly gain stability. By August 7, the Afrika Korps was already at
The British army's original minefields and rear areas were firmly established. So Montgomery ordered the operation to be stopped.
In the Battle of Alam Halfa, the German army lost about 2,000 people and 4a tanks and armored vehicles; the British army lost 700 people and 67 tanks, of which 3 "Grant" tanks could still be repaired. The British army
He began to take the initiative on the battlefield.
Montgomery became famous in one battle!
However, then he had to face a strong challenge from the Chinese! (To be continued