Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 134 Fierce Battle Against Puppet Troops

"Damn it, these puppet troops are like they've been injected with chicken blood, charging forward recklessly." As he spoke, Tang Dazhuang, holding a machine gun, mowed down several approaching puppet troops.

"I don't know what kind of spell the Japanese devils cast on them, but now I miss the puppet troops who would fall at the first shot," Zhou Liansheng added from the side.

"These sons who have no anus have actually recognized the Japanese devils as their fathers."

"Let's quickly organize our defenses. We can't afford to be caught off guard and suffer losses against these puppet troops," Li Debao said.

"However, simply defending isn't a solution, as they outnumber us."

"Li Debao, what do you suggest we do? Among us, besides Tang Xiaohu, you're the one with the most ideas. What do you suggest we do?" Tang Dazhuang asked.

“I’m planning to lead a unit to flank the puppet troops and give them a taste of their own medicine,” Li Debao said after a moment’s thought.

"Our operation alone won't be effective. How about we contact Tang Xiaohu and work together?" Tang Dazhuang asked rhetorically.

"That's fine. Also, let's inform Zhang Haoshan. After all, he's our commander-in-chief. It wouldn't be good if the regimental commander found out we were bypassing him."

"Alright then, I'll leave the matter of Zhou Liansheng's contacts to you." Tang Dazhuang looked reluctant.

“Now that it’s decided, I’ll take on the task of leading the raid,” Tang Dazhuang hurriedly said.

“I have no objection,” Li Debao said.

Of the three, Tang Dazhuang is the best at offense, Li Debao is better at defense, and Zhou Liansheng is more balanced, with no outstanding strengths or weaknesses.

"Report, Deputy Regiment Commander, Company Commander Zhou from the left flank has sent a telegram requesting a flanking maneuver to attack the puppet troops from the rear," Staff Officer Sun read aloud.

"Okay, order them to fight and retreat quickly to avoid being caught by the puppet troops," Zhang Haoshan said after observing the battle situation.

"Also, inform Tang Xiaohu and request that he cooperate with the left flank troops to attack the puppet army from the side."

"Yes."

Just as Staff Officer Sun was about to turn and leave, a communications officer ran over and handed him the telegram.

“Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, great minds think alike! Battalion Commander Tang Xiaohu just sent a telegram requesting a flank attack as well,” Staff Officer Sun said after reading the telegram.

"It seems everyone thinks the same way."

"Staff Officer Sun, send them a message back: we'll act in 10 minutes after the signal flare."

"Yes, Vice Captain."

In Tang Xiaohu's command post, Tang Weiguo called over the fifth company commander.

"Fifth Company Commander, you will lead your troops to flank and attack the puppet troops from the middle, trying to cut them off in half and disrupt their offensive rhythm."

"However, do not linger in battle; retreat immediately after completing the mission."

"Yes, battalion commander."

"Get ready quickly. We'll see the command post's signal flare in 10 minutes."

"Yes, Battalion Commander." After saying that, the Fifth Company Commander immediately ran out and led his troops to quietly outflank the puppet army.

Just as Tang Xiaohu and his men were preparing to take action, the Japanese side also launched a new operation.

"Communicator, send an order to Gou Dongxi to intensify the attack. It's been so long, and the enemy's artillery hasn't made a move yet," Ikeda Maken said.

According to intelligence previously relayed by the Japanese troops at the Sanjiaji stronghold, the enemy deployed at least three Type 92 infantry guns this time. However, as the battle progresses, this unit has not used any Type 92 infantry guns to provide fire support, indicating that Gou Dongxi's offensive intensity is insufficient.

At this moment, Masato Ikeda did not want to send Imperial soldiers into battle. In the flanking battles, they had already lost nearly 400 soldiers, more than a third of the total number of troops. He wanted to use this elite Japanese force in the final battle.

Therefore, at this time he preferred to use the puppet army. In his eyes, the puppet army was just a expendable resource for them, since there were plenty of puppet troops anyway.

"Commander, that Japanese devil Ikeda has ordered us to intensify our attack," Gou Dongxi's adjutant ran over and said.

"Damn it, that son of a bitch Ikeda is even more ruthless than that old devil Fujino." Gou Dongxi shuddered as he thought of the threats Ikeda Masaki had made against him.

"Commander, what should we do? The brothers have suffered heavy losses!"

"What else can we do? We can only obey that bastard Ikeda's orders, or we'll both lose our heads," Gou Dongxi said helplessly to his adjutant.

"Order the Third Battalion to advance and attack to the right." At this point, Gou Dongxi had gone too far and committed all the troops of the entire regiment to the attack.

"Brothers, charge! Whoever is the first to reach the enemy's position will be rewarded with 10 gold bars." At this moment, Gou Dongxi was going all out.

"Charge!" Spurred on by the gold bars, the puppet troops charged toward the militia's position.

"Da, da, da, da."

The militia fighters on both sides unleashed a barrage of artillery fire at the puppet troops:

"Staff Officer Sun, it's time to fire the signal flare." Zhang Haoshan, who was observing the battlefield, keenly noticed the changes on the battlefield.

The vanguard of the puppet army had become somewhat separated from the troops behind them, so he immediately issued an order.

"Yes, Vice Captain."

Subsequently, three red signal flares were launched from the command post.

"Soldiers, follow me and attack!" Upon seeing the signal flare launch into the sky, Tang Dazhuang immediately led his ready-to-go soldiers to charge towards the puppet troops.

The attacking puppet troops had no idea that such a force would suddenly appear from their flank.

The puppet troops' attack formation was disrupted, and they quickly regrouped towards the position.

The flanking forces on both sides continuously compressed the operational space of the vanguard, causing the puppet troops in the middle of the battlefield to gather more and more.

"Oh, I didn't expect such a pleasant surprise." Zhang Haoshan was overjoyed at the sight before him.

"Staff Officer Sun, immediately notify Tang Xiaolong to aim at the puppet troops in the middle and fire, so they'll regret being puppet troops!" Zhang Haoshan said menacingly.

"Yes, Vice Captain."

"Ready, corrective fire!" Tang Xiaolong immediately directed the artillery attack after receiving the order.

"Reporting to the battalion commander, the shell's orientation has been corrected."

"Alright, fire immediately."

In an instant, the sound of artillery shells exploding echoed among the puppet troops.

"Well done," Tang Xiaohu couldn't help but exclaim.

"Order the troops to prepare to annihilate the puppet troops in front of the position."

"Yes, battalion commander."