Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 133 The Last Line of Defense

"Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, we're here."

When Tang Xiaohu saw Zhang Haoshan, he took the initiative to greet him, while Tang Dazhuang and Li Debao, who were standing behind Tang Xiaohu, barely paid any attention to Zhang Haoshan.

However, Zhou Liansheng, standing behind Tang Xiaohu, cast a supportive glance at Zhang Haoshan, but because of Tang Dazhuang and the other two, Zhou Liansheng did not say it directly.

When they learned that Zhang Haoshan was the front-line commander-in-chief and Tang Xiaohu was the deputy front-line commander-in-chief, the two looked resentful.

"Why did the regimental commander appoint Zhang Haoshan, who was suddenly parachuted into the militia, as the commander-in-chief when Tang Xiaohu could have been the one?"

"You've come all this way, you must be tired from your journey." Seeing the expressions on Tang Dazhuang and the other man's faces, Zhang Haoshan didn't hold it against them and instead gave them a warm welcome.

"Xiao Hu, you've come at just the right time. I can return the entire battalion I brought to you now," Zhang Haoshan said.

"I feel deeply apprehensive about being the frontline commander this time, but I am also deeply grateful for the confidence the regimental commander has in me. As a result, I was able to successfully block the Japanese and ensure that the regimental commander and his party could pass through the Sanjiaji stronghold smoothly. I feel a great responsibility and I need everyone's sincere cooperation."

"I haven't been with the militia for very long, and you all don't know me yet. I think it would be better if Deputy Commander-in-Chief Tang Xiaohu personally took charge of this operation."

Seeing Tang Dazhuang's demeanor, Zhang Haoshan decided to retreat in order to advance, and took the initiative to return command to Tang Xiaohu.

“We brothers have no objections.” Upon hearing Zhang Haoshan say this, Tang Dazhuang and the others nodded in satisfaction, indicating their agreement.

"Dazhuang, shut up." Tang Xiaohu glared at Tang Dazhuang.

"We will still follow the regimental commander's orders, and Deputy Regimental Commander Zhang will still be in charge of the overall command. On behalf of our five battalions, I would like to say that we will definitely obey Deputy Regimental Commander Zhang's command."

"Don't you think so?" Xiao Hu turned to look at Tang Dazhuang and the others.

Seeing this, Tang Dazhuang and the others reluctantly said:

"I guarantee to obey orders!"

"Thank you everyone." Zhang Haoshan cast a grateful glance at Tang Xiaohu. Seeing that everyone promised to obey orders, Zhang Haoshan breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhang Haoshan knew these people were arrogant; he was certain that they would keep any promises they made.

"Time is tight and the task is heavy, so let me arrange everyone's positions first."

"Now that the road to Sanjiaji is open, I have had my soldiers dig several barriers. If the Japanese want to pass through this road, they must clear the guards on both sides of the hillside."

"Deputy Commander Tang led the 1st Battalion to be responsible for the defense of the right-hand hillside. The right-hand hillside is gentler than the left-hand hillside, making it easier for the enemy to attack but more difficult to defend. This arduous task was assigned to my 1st Battalion."

"Yes, Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang."

"Battalion Commander Tang, Battalion Commander Li, Battalion Commander Zhou, the left flank defense line is now in your hands."

"Yes."

"Artillery battalion, your unit is ready to fire at any time," Zhang Haoshan said to Tang Xiaolong.

"Yes, Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang."

"Commander Tang, how many Japanese soldiers do you estimate there are left?" Zhang Haoshan asked.

"I estimate that this Japanese force has at least 800 men, plus about 1500 puppet troops," Tang Xiaohu estimated, based on the information sent back by the Independent Regiment.

"Moreover, the combat strength of this puppet army is much stronger than that of the puppet army we have encountered before, so don't underestimate them," Tang Xiaohu reminded again.

"Yes." Since Tang Xiaohu said this to everyone, Tang Dazhuang and the others couldn't help but straighten their expressions. They knew that the First Battalion was second only to the militia's strongest main force, the reconnaissance battalion.

"Based on the current situation, the Japanese must have anticipated that this is our last line of defense. So, according to their previous habits, they will definitely send puppet troops to wear down our strength first. 1500 puppet troops are no small number," Zhang Haoshan said.

“Deputy Regiment Commander Zhang, I suggest that this time the entire mountain artillery battalion come, but when attacking the Sanjiaji stronghold, we only send one mountain artillery company. The Japanese, based on their current intelligence, speculate that we only have one mountain artillery company.”

"When the puppet troops attack, we'll do what we always do: hide the two mountain artillery companies first, and wait for an opportunity to give the Japanese a big surprise," Tang Xiaohu said.

"I agree." Tang Dazhuang hurriedly agreed as soon as Tang Xiaohu finished speaking.

"That's a good idea. Let's keep a trump card up our sleeve so the Japanese can't figure out our strength," Zhang Haoshan agreed after thinking for a moment. Originally, he planned to use the firepower of a mountain artillery battalion to give the Japanese a direct barrage.

"The hills on both sides of this valley in Sanjiaji are not very high, so when deploying troops, you must deploy them in a tiered manner. When setting up heavy firepower points, you must avoid the threat of Japanese grenade launchers," Zhang Haoshan reminded.

"Yes."

"Furthermore, we received a message from Battalion Commander Niu that he has led two combat companies and two artillery companies to the Sanjiaji stronghold. Currently, according to the regimental commander's orders, they are preparing to launch a surprise attack on the Japanese from behind."

"So the harder we fight the Japanese, the more opportunities Niu Dali's side will have to launch a sneak attack," Tang Xiaohu said.

"That's really good news." Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed slightly.

"Basket commanders, the Japanese are about to arrive. Please go to the positions and prepare as soon as possible." After giving instructions, Zhang Haoshan ended the combat meeting.

"Yes."

After saying that, the group walked together toward their respective positions.

After Tang Xiaohu arrived at the position, he called over all the company commanders.

"The main force in this defensive battle is the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Companies. The Second and Ninth Companies are integrated into one company to serve as reserves. The Third Artillery Company provides fire support."

"Yes, battalion commander."

"Everyone, get ready immediately."

"Yes, it's the battalion commander."

On the other side, after crossing the Juma River, the Japanese soldiers quickly arrived at the valley in front of Sanjiaji.

"Reporting to the Commander, when the previous Commander Fujino sent me to support the Sanjiaji garrison, I was ambushed by the enemy here."

"Commander, I can guarantee that there is this unit on the mountain right now," Gou Dongxi assured, patting his chest.

"Gou-san, you are extremely loyal to the Imperial Army." Ikeda Maken gave a fitting compliment.

"Thank you, Commander."

"Your troops will now launch an attack from the mountains on both sides, with the Imperial Army providing fire support," Ikeda Masaki ordered.

"Yes."

"Correspondent, inquire about the whereabouts of the 2nd Regiment of the Imperial Army," Ikeda Masaki asked.

In order to ensure sufficient troop superiority, Masatoshi Ikeda ordered the 2nd Regiment of the Imperial Army stationed in the county town to set off.

"Yes."

Ten minutes later, the once quiet valley was filled with the sound of exploding shells, and the Japanese artillery, which had just been prepared, once again fired at the target.

"Take cover, take cover." The militia soldiers were safely hiding in the already repaired artillery shelters.

After the Japanese artillery bombardment ended, Gou Dongxi immediately divided the puppet army into two parts and launched an attack on the two sides of the hillside.

"As expected, it's the puppet troops leading the charge. I'll have this appetizer," Tang Xiaohu muttered.

"Put it in for me."

"Yes, battalion commander."

Seeing the puppet troops about to charge onto the position, Tang Xiaohu immediately ordered an attack.

"Da, da, da, da."

Gunfire erupted once again in the valley!