Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 262 Pre-war Plans

"The brigade commander had already decided on the operational direction for attacking Lingshui County three months ago."

"Therefore, in recent months, the brigade's intelligence department and the brigade's reconnaissance battalion have been conducting continuous reconnaissance and surveillance of the area around Wolong Mountain and Lingshui County."

"We originally planned to launch another offensive in September, but after the last exercise between our brigade and the independent regiment, the training results of our soldiers far exceeded our expectations."

"Our brigade headquarters unanimously believes that our independent brigade is currently fully capable of handling a brigade-level battle," Zhang Haoshan said.

"Based on our analysis of the surrounding Japanese garrisons, we have decided to launch an attack on Lingshui County a month earlier, which is this month."

"A real army needs to be tested on the battlefield. Attacking Lingshui County a month ahead of schedule is a recognition of everyone's recent troop training!"

"I hope everyone will demonstrate the fighting spirit and determination of our Independent Brigade in this battle," Tang Weiguo said solemnly as he stood up.

"Yes, we will complete the mission to the death!" Upon hearing Tang Weiguo's words, everyone stood up instantly and shouted loudly.

The conference room was immediately filled with a somber atmosphere.

"Good, seeing everyone's attitude, we will definitely win this battle." Tang Weiguo nodded in satisfaction upon seeing everyone's fighting spirit.

"Please sit down, everyone. Deputy Brigade Commander Zhang, please continue," Tang Weiguo gestured for Zhang Haoshan to continue.

"Okay, then I'll continue."

"Now, let me first introduce the situation of the Japanese forces in the surrounding area."

"Currently, due to the fierce fighting between the Japanese and the Nationalist army in the Central China battlefield, the Nationalist army has deployed a large number of combat troops to participate in the defense of the Central China region in order to protect it."

"According to intelligence gathered from various sources, the Japanese are currently facing extremely difficult fighting in Central China, and they have begun to continuously reinforce their troops on the Central China battlefield."

"Therefore, the number of Japanese soldiers stationed around our brigade headquarters has also decreased significantly."

"That's why we decided to launch an attack on Lingshui County ahead of schedule."

"Currently, the situation of the Japanese troops around us is as follows." Zhang Haoshan drew on the map with his baton.

"The closest and most threatening force to us is the two battalions of Japanese troops stationed in Wolongshan County."

"According to reliable intelligence, in order to ensure the safety of the railway line, the Japanese have reinforced their troops by two more battalions and stationed them in Wolongshan County."

"In addition, there are Japanese troops stationed in Yangshou County and Shanghu County near Lingshui County, with a battalion of Japanese troops stationed in each county."

"In addition, we also need to be wary of the Japanese regiments stationed in Zhongjin City and Quanyang County. If we cannot take Lingshui County in a short time, we will inevitably have to fight against the Japanese troops from Zhongjin City and Quanyang County."

"However, the Japanese troops sent to support us from these two places will inevitably have to pass through the Eighth Route Army's sphere of influence. At present, we have secured support from the Eighth Route Army."

“Once the Japanese troops from these two directions reinforce Lingshui County, they will help us delay for a while.”

"But we shouldn't be too optimistic. Due to the problems with the Eighth Route Army's equipment, even if we provide them with a batch of weapons and ammunition in advance, it won't hold out for very long."

"The core of this operation is still our independent brigade," Tang Weiguo added at this point.

"Brigade Commander, you're right. We are the main force in this operation."

"Having discussed the situation of the Japanese troops in the surrounding areas, I will now focus on introducing the enemy situation in Lingshui County," Zhang Haoshan continued.

"It seems that the Japanese had planned to launch an attack on our occupied area from Lingshui County, so they stationed a reinforced battalion of troops in Lingshui County."

"Not only that, the Japanese troops stationed in Lingshui County are also constantly training puppet troops. Currently, there are more than 2000 Japanese troops in Lingshui County."

"According to the feedback from the intelligence personnel who were lurking in Lingshui County, this puppet army has a certain combat capability."

"This puppet army played a very important role in the battle between the Japanese and the Eighth Route Army last month, so we cannot ignore this puppet army unit when attacking Lingshui County."

"Considering the surrounding situation, this battle will see us directly facing five battalions of Japanese troops and a certain number of puppet troops!"

"So this battle is also a huge challenge for our Independent Brigade!" Zhang Haoshan said solemnly.

Upon hearing Zhang Haoshan's introduction, the expressions of everyone in the audience became increasingly serious.

"However, there is good news: the Japanese in Lingshan County seem to think that we will never attack them, so they have done almost nothing in terms of defensive fortifications, and have only built firing points on the city walls."

"Our intelligence personnel have now recorded all the Japanese firing positions in Lingshui County, and the information will be distributed to the participating commanders." After Zhang Haoshan finished speaking, he could be heard letting out sighs of relief from the crowd below the stage.

"After introducing the enemy situation, I will now issue orders to each unit."

Hearing that the main event was about to begin, all the commanders below the stage looked up, eagerly watching Zhang Haoshan. They hoped their troops would be able to secure the mission to attack Lingshui County.

From Zhang Haoshan's introduction, they understood that there must be troops blocking enemy reinforcements.

"Tang Xiaohu, Niu Dali, Wu Bai, Tang Xiaolong!" Zhang Haoshan shouted loudly.

"Here!" The four people whose names were called stood up at the same time and answered loudly.

"Tang Xiaohu, you will lead the reinforced regiment and be responsible for the feint attack on Lingshui County. Remember to treat the feint attack as the main attack."

"Yes."

"Niu Dali, your reconnaissance regiment is responsible for launching a strong attack. You need to find a way to break through the enemy's city walls as soon as possible."

"Yes, I promise to complete the mission."

"Tang Xiaolong, you lead the artillery regiment to provide artillery support. Take out the Japanese strongpoints as soon as possible."

"Yes."

"Wu Bai, do a good job of air defense. Once you spot any Japanese enemy planes coming from the Taiyuan direction, take them out immediately to prevent them from causing damage to our artillery positions and attacking troops."

"Yes."

"Zhou Liansheng".

"arrive."

"You will lead your troops to assemble in the Sanjiaji area and keep a close watch on the Japanese troops coming from Wolongshan County. Together with the guard regiment stationed at the brigade headquarters, you will block the Japanese troops in Wolongshan County."

"Yes."

"Tang Dazhuang".

"arrive."

"Your unit will circle around to Lingshan County and be responsible for blocking the Japanese troops coming from Yangshou County."

"yes.""

"Li Debao".

"arrive."

"Your unit will also detour to Lingshan County and be responsible for blocking the Japanese troops coming from Shanghu County."

"Yes."

"Tang Dazhuang, Li Debao, you may also face Japanese troops from the Zhongjin direction, so your mission is arduous."

"Deputy Brigade Commander Zhang, we are determined to complete the blocking mission."

"Liu Hao, you will lead the rapid support team as a reserve force, ready to support the battle in Lingshan County at any time."

"Yes."

"As for the defense of Qingshan County and dealing with the Japanese in the Quanyang area, the Eighth Route Army Independent Regiment will be responsible for it."

"Bi Shoucai, order the logistics regiment to prepare for logistical support."

"Yes."

"The battle plan is now complete. Does everyone understand?"

"understood."

"After the meeting, we will each make our own preparations, and a week later, at dawn on July 21, we will launch an attack on Lingshui County on time."

"Yes!"

"The specific operational plan will be distributed to everyone by the staff office after the meeting."

"Yes."