However, can things really go as Zhang Tianhai expected? We can only wait and see.
On September 25, 1939, on the battlefield on the south bank of the Xinqiang River, Cao Xie Ridge fell, and the entire front line of the Xinqiang River battlefield was shaken.
To this end, Zhang Tianhai held a special meeting on changes in the frontline situation.
The battle situation on the frontline changed so fast that Zhang Tianhai felt caught off guard - he had a hunch that the 15th Army was about to withdraw!
"My colleagues, because the situation on the front line has changed so fast, although our troops have not yet received the order from the top to retreat, we should take contingency measures." Zhang Tianhai's tone was cold. Liang, he was indeed a little confused: just yesterday, he was happily setting up frontline positions in order to support the 15th Army's frontline operations.
But things were different now. Before the Shangcun detachment could fight over, the position on the south bank of the Xinqiang River was forcibly broken by the "Beast Division" on the north bank.
"Commander, I'm afraid it's too early to say this at this time, right?" Li Yinglun's face was a little uncertain. He was originally a political cadre, and he understood these principles very clearly.
"The battlefield situation is changing rapidly. If the 15th Group Army retreats immediately and we are not prepared at all, the losses of our theater security forces will be very heavy, especially our supply troops and artillery battalions." Zhang Tianhai His face darkened, and he didn't want to see this kind of result, but in the final analysis, it was his lack of familiarity with this period of history that led to this situation.
"I understand." Li Yinglun nodded. He had worked with Zhang Tianhai for so long, so he knew this guy's bad temper. It was only him who warned him.
"Our first priority now is to ensure the safety of the artillery battalion. This thing is a valuable asset of our army. If it is lost, it will really be gone." Zhang Tianhai said to the people in front of him.
Since this was a very urgent and extremely important meeting, only the three giants of the security force and the deputy commanders and commanders who were in charge of the main work of each regiment attended the meeting.
It was impossible for them not to pay attention to what Zhang Tianhai mentioned so solemnly. They had already taken pens to record the most critical information.
"I hope everyone can understand this. Also, if other troops on the battlefield are defeated, our troops are allowed to take in the troops. The number of people taken in is up to you. But what we want are elite soldiers. As long as they are The more veterans with battlefield experience we have in the war zone security forces, the better." Zhang Tianhai's face was still heavy, but he revealed the essence of his plan to "take advantage of the situation" this time.
Yes, Zhang Tianhai's entire army was almost wiped out due to the Second Battalion of the Third Guard Regiment. In addition, the losses of the Second Guard Regiment in the Hukou battle were not small. He was desperate to make up for the losses, and there was , I don’t know how many people will be sacrificed in the next battle.
Under this situation, Zhang Tianhai came up with a "crooked idea", which was to contain the defeated troops of the 15th Army! Especially veterans!
Don't underestimate this item. The troops of the Fifteenth Group Army are all serious Central Army troops. Their combat effectiveness is much stronger than that of other local army troops, and they also have certain guarantees in terms of discipline.
Based on this, how can you not tempt Zhang Tianhai, a guy who is almost comparable to Shanxi's wealthy landlords? After all, they are all Central Army troops. Where should we fight? Your unit's combat effectiveness is not good, right? Our Ninth Theater District Guard Unit is famous for being a victorious unit... Come on, young man~
Fortunately, Guan Linzhengyuan was commanding the retreat of the troops on the south bank of the Xinqiang River. If he knew about Zhang Tianhai's "wolfish ambition", he would probably kick his butt with his leather shoes.
"Yes! Sir!!" The three regiment leaders (deputy leaders) responded at the same time.
"Do you have any better suggestions about where our artillery battalion should be withdrawn?" Zhang Tianhai put his hands on the table and leaned forward slightly, as if he really wanted to get the right answer.
As the deputy commander and acting commander of the First Guard Regiment, Guo Qiliang was the first to speak out: "Report to the commander-in-chief. I believe that we should evacuate to the south of Laodao River."
"Oh? Tell me your reasons." Zhang Tianhai was a little surprised. After all, Guo Qiliang rarely expressed his opinions, especially in this situation.
"Actually, the Miluo River is not something that can be defended against natural dangers, and the south bank of the Miluo River is also a plain. If the 15th Group Army really retreats, the Japanese army is very likely to follow and directly confront the 10th Group Army, which has an unstable foothold. The Fifth Army Group carried out a follow-up attack. As the saying goes, the defeat was overwhelming. Even if the main force of the Fifteenth Group Army did not reach this level, then none of us can guarantee their other units. Therefore, south of the Laodao River , I think it is the best." Guo Qiliang talked eloquently. It is obvious that his confidence and ability have been greatly improved by presiding over the comprehensive work during this period.
"I agree with Deputy Commander Guo. After all, this artillery battalion is the treasure of our entire theater security force. Any losses are not worth it. Although our artillery battalion bears the title of artillery battalion, it is not worth it. The actual combat capability is indeed comparable to that of the artillery regiment. In this case, it is safest to withdraw to the south of Laodao River." Zhou Fangjie said.
Li Yinglun also spoke up: "I agree with the two comrades that our artillery battalion must not be lost in a place like this."
"Okay, let's make this decision! If the artillery battalion retreats, I suggest that the cavalry battalion, the first guard regiment and the second guard regiment each retreat at the same time, and the main force of the third guard regiment withdraws to the direction of Jukou Town. The other troops will retreat after receiving the order from the commander and completing the task of containing the broken troops." Zhang Tianhai immediately made the decision, and his two battalions and the main force have completed their arrangements. It is quite a kind of Sun Yuanliang's "Sun Pao" "Run" style is in it.
"Yes! Sir!!" The three captains and deputy captains stood up at the same time and saluted.
Of course, Zhang Tianhai's arrangement was not as stupid as having no other arrangement except running. He sent the main force of the third guard regiment to retreat towards Wukou Town, which was actually to lay an ambush - in his impression, The first battle of Changsha was victorious, and the situation before the war was restored, so the Japanese army would definitely retreat! It is absolutely correct to ambush the next obstacle here!
In Zhang Tianhai's plan, in addition to withdrawing all the third guard regiment in that direction, he also wanted to place the guard battalion directly under the general headquarters there in order to delay the retreat of the Japanese army and achieve maximum results. !
Once it comes, make peace with it, this is what Zhang Tianhai wants to do.
However, the purpose of Anzhi here is to prevent the Japanese army from running away when they come, not to allow the Japanese army to set up camp here and occupy Chinese land!
Looking at the resolute and unyielding faces in front of him, Zhang Tianhai felt a little comfort in his heart - at least there were this group of people going to the national disaster with him, and even if he died in battle, he would not be alone on the road to hell!
…
PS: Updates are coming! I originally wanted to write another update, but I found that my brain was not big enough anymore and I was quite tired. Good night!
(End of chapter)
