"Another one, the model brigade has more than 10,000 troops. One brigade is equivalent to one and a half of our divisions. The defensive strength from Fenghuang Mountain to Baiyangyu is more than enough, and the command and coordination is simpler than if we put two divisions up there. many."
"The third reason is the issue of ammunition supply. You all know that we didn't bring much ammunition when we came out. It's not that Shang was reluctant to bring it, but that he didn't have any. Moreover, our 32nd Army has a variety of weapons and needs bullets of various calibers, which has increased It’s difficult to supply, even if the Peiping branch will replenish us, it’s impossible to meet all the needs.”
"So I think that although most of our army is placed behind the deep defense, the bullets and artillery shells we save can fully support the 139th Division. And the model brigade brings a lot of ammunition. Even if it is consumed, Shanxi Marshal Yan will also continue to deliver them. The key is that their weapons are unified, and the logistics supply is relatively simple and convenient."
"The last reason is, of course, the determination and desire to fight of the more than 10,000 officers and soldiers of the Model Brigade starting from Brigadier Zhao and below, which deeply moved Shang. It is still the old saying, 'Fame only comes from horses.' At this time of national crisis, , our soldiers should march forward bravely and stain the battlefield with blood."
"Yes!" All the officers stood up and responded loudly.
In fact, Zhao Changshu's initiative to take on the defensive task of Lengkou Pass was something that he and Zhou Wen had already discussed in Shanxi, and now his wish can be considered fulfilled.
But General Shang Zheng agreed without any hesitation, which was also what Zhou Wen expected. Although General Shang Zheng gave four reasons to appease his men, his intention to preserve his strength was clearly revealed.
This was also the common mentality of all warlords, big and small, in the country during this period. After all, only by having soldiers and guns can they maintain their position.
In fact, this was forced by the principal's usual way of dealing with these motley crew. Even during the period of the All-out Anti-Japanese War, as long as they went to the battlefield and fought bravely with the Japanese army, those miscellaneous troops that were eventually destroyed were basically no longer restored to their regular ranks. These troops either disappeared in the long river of history, or were directly controlled by the principal. It was controlled and reorganized by trusted officers, and eventually became the Central Army, and those original officers were naturally destined to be marginalized.
The best example is Commander Huang of the 139th Division who will fight side by side with the Model Brigade. A famous patriotic general who made great achievements in the Anti-Japanese War. After the outbreak of the all-out Anti-Japanese War, he led the 139th Division to fight bravely. After several battles, the soldiers suffered heavy losses and gained again. There is no need to add that during the Battle of Taierzhuang, he was framed by Commander Tang of the 20th Army Corps and delayed the opportunity to fight. On the same day, he was ordered by the theater headquarters to remove his military power. From then on, he never had the opportunity to command troops and had no way to serve the country.
Finally, in order to maintain his family's livelihood, Commander Huang, who left the military, also started a small business, such as selling bread, oil piles, cigarette stalls, etc., and then also opened a comic book stall, barely maintaining the life of a family of seven until liberation. back.
General Shang Zheng's ending was better than his. After all, he was a second-level general. He was transferred from his military post shortly after the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War and became a diplomat.
Therefore, Zhou Wen didn't care too much about General Shang Zheng's little thoughts. Even if he only placed one regiment as a reserve force in Jianchang camp, he would not have any objection.
Historically, it was because General Shang Zheng placed the main force in Qian'an County, 20 kilometers away, that Lengkou Pass was stormed by the Japanese army until the most critical moment, but reinforcements were not available. By the time General Shang Zheng led the 142nd Division to Jianchang Camp, they had already encountered The remnants of the 139th Division who retreated from Lengkou will find it extremely difficult to recapture the pass.
But now Zhou Wen is not worried about this problem. Lengkou now has a strong model brigade to hold on. Not to mention how powerful the equipment and firepower are compared to the 139th Division. In terms of military strength alone, it is more than 10,000 more than in history. , how could it be impossible to hold on?
To put it bluntly, Zhou Wen almost told General Shang Zheng that just let the 32nd Army lie back and win, and let the Model Brigade do the task of eliminating the little devils.
After the meeting at the headquarters was over, General Shang Zheng sent Zhao Changshu and Zhou Wen out of the headquarters and said earnestly: "I have given you the contact information of the radio station. I hope you will cooperate closely with Commander Huang, stick to the cold words, and fight for the success of our Jin army. If you have any situation or difficulty, you can report it directly to me. Remember, although I, a poor military commander, cannot help you with a single shot or bullet, I will support anything that is beneficial to the fight against Japan. "
Finally, he looked at Zhao Changshu and Commander Huang and said solemnly: "Changshu, Guanghua, the front line will be left to you. I will not participate in the deployment of defense positions. You are all veterans and you all know what to do. There is only one line, and there is no answer." When ordered, no one is allowed to retreat, otherwise military law will be ruthless."
"yes!"
After explaining to the two of them, General Shang Zheng looked at Zhou Wen and said: "Xiao Zhou, I can't give you any advice on the tactics of your army. I can only say, take care. I believe you will bring me another one soon." News of victory.”
…
Time goes back to the afternoon of the same day. The original security headquarters of Tang Yulin in Chengde City has now become the headquarters of the Japanese Sixth Division, and the Japanese army is holding a combat meeting.
In the large conference room, on both sides of a long rosewood table, officers at all levels above the joint captain of the Sixth Division were sitting. Sitting on the main seat was a young man with a mustache. The lean lieutenant general officer who looked like an old man was the division commander of the 6th Division, Lieutenant General Sakamoto Eemon.
At this time, the Chief of Staff, Colonel Taro Yoshida, who was standing in front of the map on the wall, held up the frame of his gold-rimmed glasses with his left index finger and said with a sad face: "Everyone, please be quiet. Before the meeting, I have to tell everyone Announcement of sad news. The Mishan Brigade under the 14th Imperial Brigade, also known as the Beast Brigade, was unfortunately ambushed by the despicable Chinese army when it was ordered to attack Lengkou Pass on the Great Wall. All 1,428 people in the brigade were shattered. .”
There was a "buzz" sound, and the whole place was in an uproar.
"How is that possible? We are well aware of the combat effectiveness of the Beast Brigade. Even if it is ambushed by ten times the strength of the Chinese army, it is impossible to crush them all. The offensive power of the imperial army is unstoppable. Even if it cannot be defeated, there will be no problem in breaking through. .Yoshida-kun, is the news reliable?" A short but very strong major general officer stood up and questioned.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Nakamura Brigade Commander. The news came from reliable intelligence personnel in Nanjing. It is said that Nanjing, China has sent people to verify it. In addition, we have not received any response from the Mishan Brigade in two days. The Kwantung Army headquarters has basically determined that the Mishan Brigade is indeed in pieces."
