"Then let's talk about it! I also want to listen to your thoughts. I didn't know you very well before, and I couldn't explain clearly your behavior and other aspects. This trip to Lanfeng, I gained a lot It's very big..." Song Xilian said bluntly.
"Then let's just do some tricks in this humble position!" Zhang Tianhai smiled and said, "As for the development prospects of the Zhiyi Regiment, if conditions permit, I will definitely develop a cavalry battalion."
"Oh? The cavalry battalion? But as far as I know, your cavalry battalion has a size of more than 400 people. Among the ** troops, if a regiment can have such a cavalry unit, it is quite powerful." Song Xilian was a little surprised and didn't understand Zhang Tianhai's thoughts.
Zhang Tianhai shook his head and said: "In terms of numbers, it is basically enough, but the combat effectiveness still needs to be improved. Apart from having a rifle, the current cavalry battalion is no different from the cavalry in the cold weapon era. .”
"What do you mean?" Song Xilian's eyes narrowed slightly, looking a little interested.
Song Xilian is not unaware that the current position of the cavalry is a bit awkward - after all, they have sufficient maneuverability, but the assault capability of the cold weapon era has also been weakened. Apart from chasing down broken troops, it seems to be of no great use. This is the main reason why the cavalry's position is in such an embarrassing situation.
"The cavalry battalion of our regiment has a total strength of three companies, which is not much, but also a lot. Since the emergence of tanks, the assault capability of the cavalry is almost zero in comparison. Therefore, I have been thinking about it. It is about how to transform the cavalry battalion." Zhang Tianhai said bluntly.
"Transformation?" Song Xilian's interest became even stronger.
"Yes, it's transformation." Zhang Tianhai nodded, but his eyes looked into the distance, gradually getting deeper.
Before Song Xilian could speak, Zhang Tianhai continued: "The mobility of the cavalry is still urgently needed by us. How to strengthen the combat effectiveness of the cavalry is what I am thinking about now. With the changes in the form of war, the lack of For us, who have heavy weapons such as tanks, it is very urgent.”
"Oh? Do you have a preliminary plan now?" Song Xilian asked with interest.
"Yes, but there are no conditions to realize it." Zhang Tianhai said with a wry smile.
Poverty is the greatest original sin...
"Then tell me, maybe, as the commander of the army, I can help you?" Song Xilian smiled and said half-jokingly.
"Regarding this cavalry battalion, I want to build them into a rapid reaction force, a mobile force that can quickly enter the front line of the battlefield, and a firepower-strengthened force that can fight independently." Zhang Tianhai mentioned it in front of his superiors for the first time. Come to your own thoughts.
"Oh? How to strengthen the method?" Song Xilian was indeed very interested. In his opinion, Zhang Tianhai was one of those extremely talented people.
"That is to build the cavalry battalion into company-level units, and build them into units with various tasks. First, each company of the cavalry battalion will be issued a combat radio, so that it can receive the task of commanding operations at any time." Zhang Tianhai Start talking.
"For example, the first company of the cavalry will assume responsibilities similar to those of ancient scouts, that is, scouts. The company will maintain its current status;
Another example is the Second Company of the Cavalry. If conditions permit, a large number of grenades, mortars, and Japanese-made heavy machine guns will be issued to build the company into a horse-mounted machine gun company, which is also a fire support unit. ;
The last one, regarding the construction of the third cavalry company, let's build it according to the existing infantry company system! "When Zhang Tianhai said that, he tried his best to slow down his speed so as not to distract Song Xilian.
After all, Song Xilian is now the commander of an army. If his head gets hot, it is really possible to allocate a large amount of equipment to him.
Zhang Tianhai can still tell the difference between what is light and what is serious. He is not stupid!
"If you think so, the use of cavalry battalions can indeed improve the combat effectiveness of the troops. Your idea is very good. If you can really win one or two battles with confidence, I will immediately grant your little wish." Song Xilian smiled, he really has this ability...
"Yes, your humble position will definitely live up to the high expectations of the military. When the Japanese army comes, they must be killed and thrown away." Zhang Tianhai promised, with a smile on his face.
After all, Song Xilian still regarded the officers from their 36th Division as his own.
As for why he didn't agree directly, it must be to stop everyone in the 71st Army from talking...
In general, Song Xilian's visit to Lanfeng and his party not only gained a lot for Song Xilian, but also for Zhang Tianhai?
Early the next morning, Song Xilian left Lanfeng County with his two entourages and driver.
Zhang Tianhai proposed to send a cavalry company to escort the commander to Kaifeng, but Song Xilian refused. The reason for the refusal was also very modest: he said that the army was too large and he was afraid of being "taken care of" by the Japanese aircraft.
In fact, Zhang Tianhai also knew why Commander Song rejected his request.
With Song Xilian's ability, there is no need to rely on the power of the Zhiyi Regiment to take power, and it is not necessarily a good thing to let the Zhiyi Regiment send troops.
As for Song Xilian's ability, there is no doubt - how can an incompetent person lead the 36th Division in Shanghai for three months?
Besides, in history, Song Xilian took over as the commander of the 71st Army on the battlefield on May 1st. He took office only twenty days ago and already commanded the 71st Army in continuous fierce battles with the Japanese army.
However, the only fly in the ointment is that the introduction of Gui Yongqing, a very deceptive leader of the friendly forces, and the very deceptive Long Muhan, brought Song Xilian's record to shame.
By the way, as for why Song Xilian didn’t need to go to Luoyang, but returned directly to Kaifeng again?
The reason is that after the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of the First Theater Division moved to Zhengzhou, the Military Commission of the Nationalist Government also made a decision: to establish the First Corps of the First Theater Division, which was under the jurisdiction of the Huang Jie Eighth Army and the Gui Yongqing Army. The 27th Army, Song Xilian's 71st Army, Yu Jishi's 74th Army, and Wang Jinzai's newly formed 35th Division, with Xue Yue as the commander-in-chief, are stationed in Kaifeng, Henan!
In addition to the establishment of the First Corps of the First Theater Zone, the Military Command Department of the Military Commission of the National Government also issued an order, that is: all armies and departments under the jurisdiction of the First Corps of the First Theater Zone should immediately advance to Kaifeng. No delays!
Since the main force of the 71st Army is already moving towards Kaifeng, there is no need for Song Xilian to go to Luoyang to perform his duties. He can just wait quietly in Kaifeng.
Zhang Tianhai also received this order, but he was ordered to stay in Lanfeng and wait for the main force of the First Corps to assemble before making a decision.
Zhang Tianhai knew about the establishment of the First Corps: the curtain of the Battle of Lanfeng was gradually opening!
Whether this battle can save Lan Feng's defeat depends on what happens next. They are not the only ones in the Xue Yue Corps who are directly under the First Regiment of the Third War Zone. We can only see if Song Xilian can help here. Other than that, what else can he do? He doesn't have much choice!
He is just a small regiment commander, and in the First Corps where more than a dozen armies gather, he is just an inconspicuous small unit!
Gui Yongqing's 27th Army, Huang Jie's 8th Army, Yu Jishi's 74th Army, and Song Xilian's 71st Army. These troops are the real protagonists of this Lanfeng battle!
Although the first regiment directly under their third theater is part of the battle order of Song Xilian's 71st Army, that does not change the established fact that they are a small force in comparison!
…
ps: The second update is here!
There will be another chapter soon!
Thanks to .asxs. Book friends beiqiang1976, Ronina, and QQ reading friends Beiqiang1976 and Xiaolou Tingfeng for two monthly passes each!
