Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 190 Post-War Discussions

"How are the communications of the various units?" Tang Weiguo continued to ask.

"Currently, the telephone line has been laid. In order to prevent the telephone line from being destroyed in the battle, the communications department is laying a second telephone line."

"In addition, the radio stations of all units remain operational, which is sufficient to guarantee communications for this defensive battle," Zhang Haoshan reported in detail.

"Yes, we must ensure good communication between all units and make sure that the regimental headquarters' orders can be delivered to each unit as soon as possible. Our militia has suffered from poor communication before, and we must not make the same mistake again this time."

"Yes."

"In addition, how is the gas mask equipment for the troops defending the mountain road into Wolong Mountain? I am worried that the Japanese will resort to desperate measures and use poison gas against our troops."

"The Japanese have already used poison gas on other Chinese battlefields, poisoning large numbers of defending troops, so we have to be careful." Tang Weiguo suddenly thought of the Japanese poison gas.

"Commander, we have already distributed all the gas masks in the regiment to the troops, but it is still not enough. Each unit can only get a portion of the gas masks," Long Wenying said.

"Distribute them to the frontline troops as much as possible first, then notify Bi Shouchai to see if we can procure another batch of gas masks," Tang Weiguo said after a moment's thought.

"Yes."

"How's the reconnaissance battalion's supply problem being resolved?" Tang Weiguo continued to ask.

"Currently, in order to prevent the reconnaissance battalion's location from being exposed, the logistics support battalion is transporting the various supplies needed by the reconnaissance battalion little by little in small groups."

"Okay, we must maintain covert operations and absolutely not reveal the location of the reconnaissance battalion. The reconnaissance battalion is our trump card, and we must not let the Japanese find out!"

"Yes."

"Alright, I've finished asking my questions. Does anyone have anything to add?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Nothing."

"Alright, everyone remember, this is the biggest challenge our militia has faced since its establishment. I hope everyone can cooperate sincerely to defend our homeland and defeat the Japanese invaders."

"Yes, we will live up to the commander's expectations!" The staff officers attending the meeting stood up in unison and shouted.

"Alright, morale is high. Now, everyone, the meeting is adjourned, and everyone should remain at their posts."

"Yes."

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, please stay behind," Tang Weiguo said.

"Commander, what can I do for you?" Zhang Haoshan asked as he walked over.

"Come on, let's talk in my office."

"Yes." After saying that, Zhang Haoshan followed Tang Weiguo and the two walked side by side toward Tang Weiguo's office.

"Please sit down. Cheng Shanshan, serve tea to Deputy Commander Zhang. Use the Maojian tea that Bi Shoucai brought yesterday," Tang Weiguo called out to Cheng Shanshan at the door.

"Yes, I'll go right away."

"Commander, what's the matter this time?" Zhang Haoshan then asked.

"Well, I mainly want to ask about the defense of Tangjia Town. You participated in the construction of the underground tunnel complex in Tangjia Town. Do you think the First Battalion can stop the attack of a Japanese regiment?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"With the artillery battalion added, I think we can hold them off," Zhang Haoshan said after a moment's thought.

"Tell me more about it."

"Commander, firstly, Tangjia Town is surrounded by mountains on three sides, so the Japanese can only attack Tangjia Town from the front and cannot form a four-sided encirclement. Although the Japanese have more troops, they cannot launch a large-scale attack. At most, they can send a battalion to attack. This puts a lot of pressure on Battalion Commander Tang."

"Furthermore, after a month of intensive construction, Tangjia Town has formed a much larger network of tunnels on the basis of the original tunnels, with the entire tunnel network divided into four levels."

“At the beginning of construction, we excavated according to the plan of preventing smoke, water, digging, and counter-attack.”

"In addition, we have set up many traps in the tunnels. If the Japanese dare to enter the tunnels, we will definitely teach them a lesson."

"Not only that, we also modified the above-ground buildings. Many of them have been fitted with mezzanine walls to create a connection between the underground and above-ground structures, which allows us to strike the Japanese from all directions."

"Moreover, we have already stored a large amount of weapons, ammunition, and food supplies in the tunnels. Even if Battalion Commander Tang is surrounded by the Japanese, he can hold out for a long time. Not to mention, we have already dug a passage from Tangjia Town to Wolong Mountain!"

"Furthermore, the Tangjia Town Guard Team remained in Tangjia Town to cooperate with the First Battalion in combat, which made up for the First Battalion's lack of familiarity with the tunnel complex."

"Moreover, the lightly wounded soldiers of the First Battalion, after receiving treatment in the hospital, were able to return to combat in a short period of time, which could completely make up for the losses of the First Battalion."

"Finally, and most importantly, Tang Xiaohu personally commanded the battle. Xiaohu's fighting style is very flexible, and he has a strong sense of the overall situation. He is a rare commander."

"Under his command, the First Battalion can unleash 120% of its fighting power. Therefore, I believe the First Battalion is capable of holding Tangjia Town."

"Haha, great minds think alike," Tang Weiguo said with a laugh.

"Come, come, please have some tea." Tang Weiguo warmly invited Zhang Haoshan to drink tea when Cheng Shanshan brought it over.

"Thank you." After saying that, Zhang Haoshan picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"Excellent, this is truly fine tea," Zhang Haoshan remarked after tasting it.

"Haha, since Deputy Commander Zhang likes it, Cheng Shanshan, go and pack half a catty of tea for him to take back."

"Commander, you're too kind," Deputy Commander Zhang repeatedly declined.

"Not much, and besides, how much more can I drink by myself?" Tang Weiguo said with a smile.

"Commander, there's something I feel I should say," Zhang Haoshan continued.

"Oh, what is it? Tell me about it."

"Commander, we've moved almost all of our artillery to Tangjia Town. Isn't that too risky? So I suggest we move the three mortar companies of the First Battalion to Wolong Mountain Road for defense."

“I think the three mortar companies will be ineffective in Tangjia Town, while the artillery battalion, with the range of the Type 92 infantry gun, can provide fire support for the First Battalion behind Tangjia Town,” Zhang Haoshan said, expressing his thoughts.

Tang Weiguo listened without speaking, lost in thought. After a while, Tang Weiguo spoke:

"Okay, let's do it your way. Also, we'll use the Flying Thunder God Company, along with a company from the air defense battalion, to defend the entrance to Wolong Mountain."

"Commander, this troop deployment is more effective, providing anti-aircraft firepower on both sides."

"Sigh, it's just that we don't have many air defense weapons. Otherwise, if we formed two air defense battalions, this defensive battle would be much more secure," Tang Weiguo said with some regret.

"After this battle is over, I need to find a way to get more anti-aircraft weapons," Tang Weiguo thought to himself.

"Commander, this place is enough to threaten the Japanese planes and stop them from attacking us with impunity!"

"Well, I hope so."

After chatting with Zhang Haoshan for a while, Tang Weiguo, seeing that it was getting late, told Zhang Haoshan to go back and rest early.