Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 60 Deployment Mission

That evening, Tang Weiguo and his two companions stayed at home and had a good dinner with Uncle Tang. The next morning, the three of them returned to their camp at Wolong Mountain as soon as it was light.

Upon returning to the mountain, Tang Weiguo immediately ordered his messengers to notify the military commanders at all levels of the militia to come to the regimental headquarters for a meeting.

Before long, Tang Dazhuang, Li Debao, and others arrived at the regimental headquarters. Seeing that everyone was there, Tang Weiguo began to speak:

"The original plan was to let everyone rest for a while, but plans can't keep up with changes, and now we have new combat missions."

"Commander, just assign the mission. I've been feeling really restless lately since there haven't been any battles," Tang Dazhuang said loudly.

"That's right, Commander, just give the order. Our Fourth Battalion just got new equipment, we can't just leave it at home to burn." Zhou Liansheng was overjoyed at the thought of his 200-plus Sichuan soldiers being equipped with the Japanese.

"It's delicious."

"Commander, you can assign the mission now," Niu Dali shouted directly.

"It seems everyone is quite looking forward to fighting the Japanese devils. I won't waste any more words. Our mission this time is to attack the Japanese ammunition transport trains." Tang Weiguo stated the mission directly.

"Arms?" Upon hearing Tang Weiguo's words, the eyes of the various military officers listening below immediately turned green.

"A good saddle is for a good horse, and a good gun is for a good soldier."

"Yes, our target this time is the Japanese military supplies. And this operation is different from our previous ones. This time we are going to conduct a joint operation with the Eighth Route Army Independent Regiment stationed on the other side of the county town," Tang Weiguo continued.

"According to intelligence from the Eighth Route Army, the Japanese will be sending a munitions train to Taiyuan next week. We are still waiting for further information regarding the exact delivery time."

"What are everyone's thoughts on this joint operation?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Commander, there's strength in numbers. As long as we fight the Japanese devils, I support you," Tang Dazhuang said, standing up.

"Although the Eighth Route Army is poorly equipped, they have a strong fighting spirit. I agree with fighting alongside them." Zhou Liansheng had previously fought alongside the Eighth Route Army in a battle, and he highly regarded the Eighth Route Army.

"Alright, since everyone agrees, let's begin the battle mobilization now and prepare for battle, ready to depart at any time," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"Yes, Commander," the group replied.

"This is a map of the combat area. Everyone come and take a look. This is our combat area, this three-kilometer section of railway line," Tang Weiguo said, pointing to a marked section of railway on the map spread on the table as the crowd gathered around.

"At each end of this three-kilometer-long railway line, a company of Japanese soldiers was stationed, with this bridge and this small station serving as their respective outposts," Tang Weiguo remarked these two important locations on the map.

"In addition, there is a hidden mountain pass near this railway, known only to the locals. So we can use this mountain pass to transport supplies and evacuate in a timely manner."

"The Eighth Route Army's Independent Regiment was mainly responsible for attacking the Japanese stronghold at this station. Our mission was to block Japanese reinforcements coming from the bridge direction and to block Japanese reinforcements coming from the small station when the Japanese ammunition trains crossed the bridge."

"In addition, when attacking the Japanese military train, the Eighth Route Army Independent Regiment will send a company of soldiers to accompany us in the attack."

"Does everyone understand the battle plan?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Understood, Commander."

"Alright, I'll now assign the combat mission. Tang Xiaohu, Zhou Liansheng."

"arrive."

"Your battalion and the fourth battalion are responsible for the Japanese reinforcements on one side of the bridge."

To be on the safe side, Tang Weiguo thought for a moment and then continued, "The mountain artillery battalion will send a flying thunder artillery company to support the First Battalion and the Fourth Battalion."

"Yes, Commander," Zhao Zhu replied. He was temporarily acting as the battalion commander of the mountain artillery battalion.

"Niu Dali, send a company from your unit to harass the Japanese garrison across the bridge and reduce the number of Japanese reinforcements."

"Yes, Captain."

"Tang Dazhuang".

"arrive."

"Your Second Battalion is responsible for defending the Japanese forces in the direction of the railway station stronghold. The Eighth Route Army's Independent Regiment is responsible for a feint attack on the station stronghold, and the number of Japanese troops that can provide support is limited. Are you confident that your battalion can hold it?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Commander, I have confidence."

"it is good."

"Li Debao".

"arrive."

"You will lead two companies of the Third Battalion to attack the Japanese army train, leaving the machine gun company and a combat company as reserves."

"Yes, Captain, I promise to complete the mission."

"Commander, what other missions does our special reconnaissance battalion have?" Niu Dali became anxious when he saw that everyone else's combat missions had been assigned, but he was given a small mission instead.

"Don't worry, you'll get your share," Tang Weiguo said with a smile.

"Since we've already attacked the military trains, why don't we take advantage of the situation and tamper with this bridge as well?" Tang Weiguo emphasized the location of the bridge on the map.

"Is the commander planning to blow up the bridge?" Niu Dali asked.

"That's right. This bridge is about 100 meters long and is the most important bridge in this area. Otherwise, the Japanese wouldn't have sent a company of Japanese soldiers to defend it."

"Now that the Japanese have occupied this railway, let's blow up this bridge so that the Japanese can't use this railway to transport supplies for the time being. This way, we can also support the anti-Japanese war in other places."

"Commander, the reconnaissance battalion has taken on the task of blowing up the bridge," Niu Dali said, patting his chest.

"Alright, my plan is for you to carry out the operation. In addition, the remaining personnel of the mountain artillery battalion will carry explosives to support you."

"Bi Shoucai".

"Here, Commander."

“We’re not going to live a normal life this time. Take out all the explosives from the warehouse and make sure the bridge collapses no matter what.”

"Yes, Commander," Bi Shoucai said with a hint of reluctance.

"Niu Dali" (牛大力).

"Here, now I have another important task for you. You will set off immediately to conduct a comprehensive reconnaissance of our combat area, and thoroughly investigate the Japanese personnel and equipment. Also, regarding this bridge, you will work together to figure out how to blow it up."

"Yes, Captain, I promise to complete the mission."

"Bi Shoucai, your logistics department should prepare to move the supplies."

"Yes, Captain."

"Furthermore, this matter is top secret and is only known to those present at our meeting," Tang Weiguo said cautiously.

"Yes, Captain."

"From now on, everyone prepare yourselves. Niu Dali, go back and prepare, and immediately lead the reconnaissance battalion into action," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"Yes, Captain."

"Alright, meeting adjourned. Director Li, please stay behind."

"Yes, Captain."