Comrade, Your Ingredients Are Too Complicated

As we all know, the Eighth Route Army has three main divisions.

Among them, the main tasks of the 115th Division and the 129th Division are to fight against the enemy. These two divisions fought against the Japanese while opening up base areas. The strength they have grown over the years is completely different from the original.

However, the situation of the 120th Division is quite special. They do not take the initiative to attack many times. It is mainly responsible for guarding the border areas and keeping all enemies east of the Yellow River.

In addition, the base areas in northwestern Shanxi are mostly mountainous and have the most difficult living conditions among the three base areas.

In the original timeline, at the end of 1940, the main force and local armed forces of the 120th Division totaled only 51,000 people. When the 359th Brigade returned to the border area, its apparent combat effectiveness dropped even further.

However, after the intrusion of the Yellow River, the base area in northwestern Shanxi underwent earth-shaking changes. The most direct manifestation of this is that there is no longer a shortage of supplies such as weapons, ammunition, and food.

With strong logistical support, the 120th Division expanded its base area while focusing on development.

Although it experienced three sweeps last year and responded to the headquarters' call to participate in the Hundred Regiment War. But now the main force and local armed forces total more than 80,000 people.

Even the scope of influence of the base area has spread to Suiyuan, and it has achieved both defense and development in a true sense. Even the army's morale wizards praised it.

In this battle of Zhongtiao Mountain, due to the geographical location of the 120th Division, it was closest to Yuncheng.

After careful consideration, the deputy commander-in-chief handed over the task of supporting the Western Front battlefield to Commander Hu.

However, the hundreds of kilometers of road are not easy to walk. The main reason is that the army is now larger. Unlike the infantry before, it is easier to march.

In order to take care of three artillery regiments, what originally took one and a half days by bicycle now took more than five days.

But all the efforts are worth it. The current situation of the 36th Division and the 37th Division of the North China Front shows everything.

After rigorous test firing, the three artillery regiments obtained relatively accurate results.

In the middle and rear of the position, there is a temporary high platform. This is the artillery command post of the 120th Division. The artillery commander holding a portable communicator took a deep breath and prepared to issue an attack order.

Beside him, a group of artillery staff officers were nervously calculating data.

This is the brain of the three artillery regiments, and large-scale artillery battles place very high demands on command. The trinity of artillery observation posts, command posts and positions is needed to achieve perfect coordination with each other.

All the information transmitted from the observation post is summarized by the staff and then transmitted back to the artillery position. The entire closed loop is indispensable.

After making all preparations, the artillery commander issued the final order to the three regiments.

"put!"

Before the Japanese could react, the first 144 rounds of artillery shells, with a scream that ripped through the air, landed behind the two Japanese divisions at three different angles.

Although the caliber is only 75 mm, the performance of the large medicine chamber's strong charge is still so stable.

In the eyes of the parties involved and the forward observation posts of the Guo Preserved Guards, this was the effect of several 105-heavy howitzer groups plowing the ground.

Although the barrel gun has high requirements for artillerymen, they must not only understand mathematics but also be able to draw.

But after nearly eight months of practice, the old and new artillerymen had almost touched Miss 75 from the inside out, and everyone was as familiar with her as they were with their own wives.

A single gun fired at a rate of more than 15 rounds per minute, plunging the rear of the two divisions into smoke, dust and explosions.

The entire west side of Zhongtiao Mountain was shaking, as if the rocks on the mountain would shake down in the next second.

The soil was blown away by the cannonballs again and again, and then poured down. The power of modern weapons was fully demonstrated.

Even the Japanese who attacked the Third Army and the Eightyth Army frequently turned back, and the earth-shattering artillery strikes scared the infantrymen of the island nation who had never seen the world.

Under constant fire regardless of consumption, lucky enemies were constantly being shot.

Blood, ashes and stumps have irrigated the land of Shannan again and again, and the vegetation will definitely be more lush next year.

In the observation post of the 120th Division, Commander Beard raised the telescope on his chest, and he had a panoramic view of the magnificent scene of shell explosions.

The political commissar of the military region on the side shook his head helplessly. His old partner felt that the view inside the advanced command post was not enough, so he insisted on dragging him here to observe.

If he hadn't stopped him, the other party might have slipped into the frontline artillery observation post.

Fortunately, portable communicators have been popularized to the regiment level, and the phone lines have been set up long ago, otherwise he would never let a division commander leave his post.

Mr. Huzi also became more and more excited as he watched, fully explaining what it means to gradually increase the firepower, and the corners of his mouth began to rise.

He pulled out his beloved revolver with his right hand and pointed the muzzle in the air. He picked up the phone with his left hand and gave orders to the artillery regiment commander one by one, as if he had returned to the days when he started his business with two kitchen knives.

"It's the gun that almost killed Zhang."

"You can't see the point of impact. It's a depression! Two artillery groups in the east and west! Concentrate your firepower on me! Hit his command post and logistics support center!"

"Push all the cannons forward! Push them as close as you can! Even if it's on the shoulders of the commando!"

"Do you know what it means to mount a cannon with a bayonet and beat a drowned dog? Aim straight and shoot! Beat these little sons of bitches for me!"

After hanging up the phone, Mr. Huzi took out his pipe and took a long puff.

After seeing the expression on his political commissar's face, he touched his beard with some embarrassment.

However, Political Commissar Guan also understood the other party. After all, no matter what period of time, the army did not have such powerful firepower. The scene just now was something that even he, a person who had drank foreign ink, had never seen before.

"Haha, there are three artillery regiments. If we calculate it according to Guo Preserved's organization, it is a Category A artillery brigade!"

"I never dared to think about this kind of rich battle before. Last year, our division's record in the Hundred Regiment Battle was at the bottom. Although we are specialized in the art, I just don't feel happy!"

"It's okay now, we fired the first shot in support of the battle! It's so fun! It's so fun!"

It is a pity that the current artillery regiment of the Eighth Route Army is somewhat monolithic and is only equipped with the M1897 75mm cannon.

Although the number is no less than that of the Japanese A Division's guns, it lacks the larger caliber 105 or even 155 guns, and there is still a gap in power compared with European military powers.

However, it can only be used at the moment. After all, the weight of more than 1 ton has reached the carrying limit of the Eighth Route Army.

Even if Huanghe uses scientific research slots to point out 105 and 155, the troops can only watch with envy. What's more, the power of the current artillery is very good, and it is definitely enough as long as Taiyuan is not attacked.

Judging from the current road conditions in Shanxi, it is almost impossible without a tractor like Shandong Kongfuzi. If you really want the Eighth Route Army's field troops to use heavy artillery, you have to wait until more roads are built after the liberation of Shanxi Province.

Political Commissar Guan looked at the watch on his hand. From the beginning of the battle to now, artillery fire had lasted for two minutes.

The smoke and fire ahead made it impossible for him to even see the enemy's position clearly.

"Beard, the three regiments fired at least 4,300 rounds of artillery shells. Calculated by weight, it is almost 26 tons."

"Why don't you let the artillery take a moment and stop being so wasteful? After all, our opponent this time has two divisions."

This is not because the political commissar is stingy, but mainly because it takes some time to change his mentality.

Just like when the warriors first came into contact with magic weapons, they got used to it after using it frequently.

However, the Japanese were originally the attackers, and there were no trenches or artillery holes beneath them. All the fortifications on the first position of the Third Army were destroyed in previous battles.

In addition, the 120th Division was a surprise attack, unprepared and super dense. The enemy would definitely not get any good results from such an artillery bombardment.

What's more, it's not just the army that's attacking now.

Above the heads of the 36th Division and the 37th Division, a hundred fighters of the Kongyi Division were still licking the ground in immersion.

"Why are you in a hurry? You can't keep your word. If you say you can hit one-third, you have to do it. Let the artillerymen practice their skills. Such opportunities are rare."

"This is my first time fighting with the Air Force, and I feel very comfortable. In just one and a half years, we have surpassed the Japanese army in terms of firepower. I have to thank Huang He when I go back."

"I even doubt one thing. If the Battle of Zhongtiao Mountain had been delayed two years. Maybe there would have been destroyers of our Eighth Route Army on the Mother River to provide artillery support, and the army, navy and air force would have attacked together."

It's a pity that Commander Beard's idea will come to nothing. Considering the water level of the Yellow River, the destroyer is definitely out of business. The width is indeed enough, but the depth is far behind.

If it were replaced by a small gunboat with a very shallow draft, it might even be able to help with a couple of cannon fires.

From the beginning of the test firing to the end of the shelling, the three artillery regiments were busy for four minutes.

Troops at all levels of the 120th Division looked at the hail-like shells with shocked expressions, not to mention how high their morale was.

Even veterans who have walked through grass and climbed snowy mountains have never seen such a scene.

After the last round of artillery fire stopped, the 36th Division and the 37th Division seemed to be divided into two sections. One side is where the living people stay, and the other half is where the ashes are buried.

It's a pity that the soldiers don't know how many Japanese officers died under the shelling of their own homes.

In the observation post, Commander Huzi picked up the phone on the table and began to issue attack orders to the brigades and regiments.

"Everyone starts attacking as planned, but remember not to rush!"

"We have plenty of time this time. Wait for the friendly forces on the opposite side and try to double-team the Japanese!"

As soon as the order was given, several red flares rose into the sky.

Rushing horns also sounded from various positions. The familiar sounds made the soldiers' blood boil. They picked up their weapons and attacked the enemy.

"kill!"

······

Time goes back to ten minutes before the 120th Division attacked, inside the Japanese Western Front Joint Command Post.

At this time, the atmosphere in the shed was very harmonious. Lieutenant General Iseki Ren of the 36th Division, Lieutenant General Adachi 23 of the 37th Division, and Major General Heiji Wakamatsu of the independent 16th Brigade gathered together.

In order to deal with the third army that looked like brown sugar, their two divisions and one brigade assembled a total of 25,000 people.

When the previous attack was not going well, Okamura Neiji would send a telegram every half hour to inquire about the battle situation, which was really a torture for the three of them.

Now that the first defensive position on the western front has been breached, the pressure from superiors is finally lessened.

Although the casualties of soldiers were serious, the 16th independent mixed brigade with the smallest number had suffered more than half of its casualties.

But what does the life and death of his subordinates have to do with these officials? Anyway, there will be more troops after victory, and the contributions of the three of them will not be less at all.

After discussing the next offensive tactics, Anda Twenty-three looked at the two colleagues in front of him, and he said somewhat depressedly:

"I don't know what happened in Taiyuan. Why hasn't the new batch of supplies arrived yet? It's a full hour late."

"Our division has consumed a lot of money, with only one day's worth of ammunition left, and we have also lost a lot of weapons. The food is not bad, it can barely last two days. The situation of medicines is far worse, and even bandages are not enough. Run out."

"The new Yoshio Iwamatsu, doesn't he want to get kickbacks?"

The two ignored each other's last complaint and nodded in agreement.

Since the First Air Division of the Eighth Route Army frequently visited the battlefield, the three field units without maintenance companies suffered serious equipment losses, and there was even a lack of heavy machine guns on the front line.

It makes sense to have more food reserves, after all, the dead don't need to eat.

The situation of the 36th Division and the Independent 16th Brigade is not much better. If the supplies are not in place tonight, they will have to stop the attack.

Jingguan Ren waved to the staff officer on standby, and then said casually:

"I'll send a telegram to the rear shortly to urge you. I don't want to spit out the defense line that I finally broke through."

"By the way, are there any changes between the Eighth Route Army and the Jinsui Army? This battle has been going on for five days, and so far they are still fighting one on one, which really makes me a little uncomfortable."

"By the way, I would like to ask how many Yellow River crossings the 41st Division has occupied. This is related to how many prisoners we can capture."

In fact, the three of them could no longer wait for the so-called supplies. When the deputy commander-in-chief decided to attack the North China Front, he sent a reconnaissance force in advance to find out the enemy's supply lines and supply time.

An hour and a half ago, five transportation lines, namely Zhengtai, Tongpu, Baijin, Pinghan and Pingsui, were attacked simultaneously.

It was still a familiar raiding battle. The local armed forces of the Palu Army, together with the militia and civilians, had destroyed or captured all the supplies transported by the First Army to Zhongtiao Mountain.

Suddenly, the sound of air defense sirens rang over the joint command post.

The three old Japanese soldiers picked up their belongings like a reflex and ran towards the nearby bomb shelter. With such skillful movements, one can tell at a glance that he has been bombed.

"Baga! Didn't the people at the headquarters say they could buy half a day?"

"Why are these damn planes back after only four hours!? When will the incompetent Army Aviation regain air supremacy? Do we have to be bullied by others all the time?"

"Go, go, go!"

When the three of them arrived at the entrance of the anti-gun cave, several artillery shells fell one after another.

Some artillery shells hit the position, and some even landed on the resting place of the reserve team. The troops that were originally in turmoil because of the air defense siren immediately became chaotic.

They stopped and looked at each other, a strong sense of fear still arising.

Seeing his parents standing in a daze at the door, the staff officer who was afraid of death pushed the old Japanese into the cave on the pretext of safety first.

"Gentlemen, if I read it correctly just now, it seems that some enemy artillery is testing fire."

"Based on the trajectory of the artillery shells, the opponent's artillery position seems to be far away from us. I don't know if it's my imagination, but those shells seem to be coming from the north of us."

As soon as Anda Twenty-Three opened his mouth, the atmosphere in the bomb cave suddenly dropped to freezing point.

The one with the lowest rank among everyone here is Colonel. Judging from their combat experience, if an enemy really appears in the rear, the opponent will have at least three artillery groups.

Not to mention how terrifying it is to be touched behind the back silently, the unknown number of cannons alone is enough for them to drink.

Sure enough, a few seconds later, there was an incessant and violent explosion above the cannon hole, and the originally solid roof of the hole began to fall away.

Boom boom boom!

Reason gradually disappeared from the eyes of the Japanese, leaving only a deep sense of powerlessness and fear.

Just listening to the sound of the explosion, Anda Twenty-three was sure that the opponent's artillery used at least a 105 mm large-caliber heavy artillery. That thing is no joke, one cannonball can kill a squad of soldiers.

Two minutes later, the bombardment still had not ended.

At this moment, the Japanese all began to wonder if the furry bears from the north had gone south.

······

In addition to the Third Army, there is also the 80th Army to assist in the defense of the Nakajo Shanxi line position.

Although this unit is the Central Army, its combat effectiveness is very poor and can only be regarded as a third-rate unit.

The 27th and 165th divisions under the army are both new units that were established recently. Whether they are officers or soldiers, they have almost no combat experience, and a conservative estimate of the new recruits is more than 70%.

Such troops are not only distrusted by friendly forces, but also looked down upon by enemies. .

When the 36th Division and the 37th Division were attacking the Third Army with heavy troops, the only enemy that attacked the 80th Army was the independent 16th Brigade.

This independent mixed brigade was originally a local garrison. Although artillery, heavy equipment and other units were urgently assigned before the war, its combat effectiveness was not very strong.

However, Wakamatsu Heiji is good at attacking people's minds. He specially obtained the intelligence of the 27th Division from Tekko and mastered the personal information of all the officers in the entire division.

When attacking the first position, the Japanese troops attacked fiercely while allowing the puppet troops to persuade them to surrender.

Fortunately, the top brass refused to retreat, and a group of officers led the recruits to resist desperately. However, its own strength is weak and cannot block the enemy's advance for a long time.

In the end, the division commander, deputy division commander and chief of staff were all killed in action. Without effective command, the regiment commanders could only lead their soldiers to retreat from the first line of defense to the second line of defense.

However, the 16th Independent Mixed Brigade was not doing well either. They suffered nearly 3,000 casualties and were seriously injured.

On the 27th Division’s position, several regiment commanders were gathering together to discuss whether to flee or fight.

But at this moment, the Japanese position was attacked by fierce artillery fire. They saw many Japanese being executed by artillery with their own eyes, and their originally low morale was instantly restored.

Red supplies, small grass flowers, and bald heads had to praise them. The enemy’s weakness gave the remnants of the 27th Division the courage to break through to the Third Army.

It’s still very dark, my speed is really slow...