Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 223 The Situation of the Japanese

"Commander, good news! Battalion Commander Niu has captured the county town, and they are now transferring the Japanese supplies," Zhang Haoshan said as he ran over.

"Niu Dali and his men acted quickly; it's only been an hour since they started the battle," Tang Weiguo said, checking the time.

"Commander, it's half as much as we expected, which is two hours. We now have more time to transport supplies to the Japanese."

"Where is the Japanese regiment located now?" Tang Weiguo then asked.

"Because the Fifth and Sixth Battalions are continuously harassing the Japanese troops, the Japanese are currently marching slowly and have just passed through Sanjiaji."

"According to intelligence reports from the front lines, the Japanese will arrive at Lijiapo in about an hour."

"How is Tang Xiaohu?"

"The First Battalion has completed the repair of the previous defensive positions and is now ready for battle."

"Okay. Also, send a telegram to Bi Shoucai, ordering them to speed up the transportation."

"Yes."

......

Meanwhile, Sakai Rai also received intelligence about the prefectural city.

"Commander, we have received urgent military intelligence. The county town has fallen," Staff Officer Andao said in a heavy tone.

"What? How could the county town be reached so quickly?" Sakai Raida exclaimed in surprise.

"What are those guys on the defense doing?!" Sakai Yori shouted angrily.

"Commander, intelligence indicates that an Eighth Route Army unit is also attacking the county town. It seems they have joined forces with the Eighth Route Army!" Staff Officer Andao continued.

"Damn it! These Eighth Route Army guerrillas are everywhere!" Sakai Rai slammed his fist hard on the door of the military vehicle next to him, making a loud noise. Sakai Rai shook his reddened fist and then asked.

"At our current marching speed, how long will it take us to reach the county town?"

"Expected to take four hours."

"too slow!"

"Commander, the militia forces are continuously harassing us, and we have no way to speed up our march."

"Staff Officer Andao, you lead a company to provide cover for the main force. I will lead the remaining troops toward the county town. If I'm not mistaken, the enemy is currently moving our military supplies. There's enough weaponry and ammunition stored there to support us for half a month."

"Commander, we're requesting headquarters to send planes to bomb this batch of weapons and ammunition. We can't let it fall into enemy hands!" Staff Officer Andao said solemnly.

"Can you guarantee that the enemy hasn't deployed any anti-aircraft defenses?" Sakai asked rhetorically.

"I cannot guarantee that," Staff Officer Andao hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"In that case, do you think the command will send more fighter jets over?" Sakai Rai continued to ask.

"uncertain."

"The command will definitely not send fighter jets over. In their eyes, if we cannot guarantee that there are no enemy air defenses in the county, they will think that this is the enemy setting bait again, and the target is still our fighter jets."

"After all, we lost five fighter jets in one day during this battle! Currently, most of our Empire's fighter jets are engaged in operations in the south, and our fighter jet strength here is insufficient. Command will not easily send fighter jets to support us."

"Now we can only rely on ourselves to reach the county town before the enemy retreats and annihilate the enemy troops occupying the town!" Sakai said in a heavy tone.

"Hay, Commander, I will immediately lead my troops to contain the enemy's pursuing forces," Staff Officer Andao replied decisively upon hearing this.

"Commander, please be careful on your journey. The enemy knows we are returning to Yuan County, and they will definitely have countermeasures," Staff Officer Andao reminded him before leaving.

“Yes, I’m ready.” Sakai nodded, indicating that he understood.

"Have a safe journey." With that, Staff Officer Andao left, preparing to lead his troops to intercept the enemy.

"Colonel Ikeda!" Sakai shouted.

"What are your orders, Commander?"

"You shall immediately lead your squadron forward to scout the enemy situation on the front line. Pay close attention to the direction of Lijia Gou, where the enemy has already ambushed and blocked several times."

"I will lead the rest of my troops to keep their distance from your unit and be ready to provide support at any time."

"Hai." After saying that, Masato Ikeda, who was waiting on the side, immediately led his remaining troops to the front of the army to conduct reconnaissance.

"The rest of the troops, speed up the march." Sakai Rai finished speaking and got into the vehicle to continue the journey.