Chapter 109: Republic of China: Starting from the First Class of Whampoa Chapter 109 Model Regiment

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Protagonist:

Lv Muzhi

Lv Muzhi returned from an inspection tour of the Hans State, bringing back the Hans advisor William to facilitate his own military reforms.

As for the little devils entering the Northeast, what they naturally obtained was an empty Fengtian Arsenal, and a Fengtian City with virtually zero industrial foundation.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye it was already the spring of the third year of the San San era.

East Sichuan, Ganshui Town by the Qijiang River; on what was once barren river beach land, after more than two years of development, factory buildings now stood in rows, chimneys towered high, and the roar of machines never ceased day or night.

After more than two years of tense construction and commissioning, the Qijiang Iron and Steel Works had officially begun production, with molten iron and steel ingots flowing out, injecting industrial lifeblood into this land.

Supporting it was a large-scale arsenal with increasingly complete equipment, hidden in the folds of the mountains around Chongqing City.

Hans Military Chief Advisor William, personally accompanied by Lv Muzhi, went deep into the factory area for inspection.

Inside the tall factory buildings, brand-new machines were operating, and workers were busy on the production lines.

Advisor William was also a regular visitor here at Lv Muzhi's place; besides guiding Principal's German equipment adjustment masters, he spent half his time at Lv Muzhi's place.

William first visited the rifle production line, watching one fine rifle after another being assembled.

The first Zhongzheng-made rifle domestically produced was made at the Qijiang Iron and Steel Works, and even its name was proposed by Lv Muzhi, which made Principal very happy.

William picked up a finished rifle, skillfully pulled the bolt, inspected it, and nodded in praise: "Zhongzheng Rifle, based on our country's Mauser Standard Model design, reliable performance, and good craftsmanship. General Lu, I believe Sichuan Province will soon become an arsenal."

Lv Muzhi introduced: "This is currently the main model of our army's standard rifle, being produced at full capacity, prioritizing equipping my Mining Police General Corps and several adjustment divisions soon to be reorganized."

Afterwards, they came to the Machine Gun Production Area. Here there were several different production lines. William noticed that one production line was producing a machine gun with a larger body and a much thicker barrel, which turned out to be the United States' M2 Browning Heavy Machine Gun.

William sighed: "General Lu, why bother? The Hans State has already cooperated with Xia Guo to develop a General Purpose Machine Gun. Believe me, our General Purpose Machine Gun can be used as both a light machine gun and a heavy machine gun. This excellent General Purpose Machine Gun is sufficient to undertake fire support tasks at the battalion and company level. Why waste resources producing this cumbersome American heavy machine gun? Its weight and logistical pressure are problems."

Lv Muzhi smiled and explained: "General William, times have changed."

"The General Purpose Machine Gun (MG34 General Purpose Machine Gun) you pioneered has an advanced concept and good sustained firepower; I value it highly and want to use it as a light machine gun."

"But a heavy machine gun should have the appearance and responsibility of a heavy machine gun. I think the American devils' Browning M2 is quite good. After improvements by American engineers, it added a heavy air-cooled barrel, good sustained firepower, and a 12.7mm caliber with great power. That's what a heavy machine gun should look like."

Lv Muzhi walked up to a sample M2 gun and patted its thick gun body: "What I value is its 12.7mm large caliber! Bullets of this caliber have far greater power than 7.92mm light machine guns."

"Not only can they effectively suppress enemy cluster targets beyond one kilometer, but more importantly, they can easily tear through the armor of the thin-skinned tanks and armored vehicles commonly equipped by the Japanese army, and even pose a considerable threat to low-flying aircraft."

William nodded thoughtfully: "From the perspectives of anti-armor and air defense, this is indeed a powerful supplement. Of course, the customer is God; as long as you are happy."

Afterwards, the two also visited the submachine gun and pistol production lines that had not yet officially begun production.

The submachine gun adopted the German MP28, with a mature structure and stable performance, suitable for equipping Squad Leaders, non-commissioned officers, and reconnaissance forces.

The MP28 has a well-known nickname in Xia Guo, called Flower Mechanism. The production technology of this submachine gun is already quite mature in Xia Guo, with various warlords domestically producing imitations. Lv Muzhi introduced the blueprints from the Hans State, but changed the caliber to 7.63, making it compatible with the large number of Bolt-action Pistol bullets domestically, reducing logistical pressure.

As for pistols, they directly used the default classic Bolt-action Pistol. As for high-ranking officers' pistols, there were no special restrictions.

William looked at these dazzling production lines and couldn't help but sigh: "General Lu, your Mining Police General Corps' equipment system combines American and German styles; it is truly... unique, and can even be said to be somewhat luxurious."

"Light weapons are almost entirely Germanized, yet an American heavy firepower core has been added."

"This differs greatly from the German Equipment Adjustment Division standard being planned by the Ministry of Military Administration. They plan to adopt the Czech ZB-26 for light machine guns, continue using the mature Water-cooled Maxim Heavy Machine Gun for heavy machine guns, and as for submachine guns... they seem not very interested."

Lv Muzhi said calmly: "The Ministry of Military Administration's choice is based on the overall industrial foundation, fiscal condition, and existing equipment system of the whole country. It is steady and realistic."

"As for me here, I am fortunate to have Qijiang's steel, precision machine tools and some key technologies introduced from the United States, and close cooperation with your esteemed country, so naturally I can try to build an equipment system closer to the ideal state in my heart."

"To put it bluntly, I have this industrial foundation, so I want to do things a bit better."

William expressed understanding: "Strength determines choice. General Lu has such foresight and strength, which is admirable."

Leaving the light weapons factory area, the two came to the artillery factory under preparation.

The artillery factory was expected to begin production at the end of the year, but some machine tools had already been transported into place. Here too was a scene of busyness.

The first thing seen was the 37mm Anti-tank Gun production line not yet in production, with a sample gun placed beside it.

This production line was based on the Solothurn 37mm Anti-tank Gun. The gun body was compact and very light; infantry could pull it and run. Against Japanese tanks, it was like chopsticks piercing tofu. Suitable for accompanying infantry operations, it was the first-line firepower for dealing with Japanese tanks and fortifications.

In addition, Lv Muzhi, targeting the Japanese Type 92 Infantry Gun, introduced the Haierha 75mm Infantry Gun. The Haierha 75mm Infantry Gun had a longer range and larger caliber than the Japanese Type 92 Infantry Gun.

And importantly, the gun carriage of the Solothurn 37mm Anti-tank Gun and the gun carriage of the Haierha 75mm Infantry Gun were interchangeable.

After looking at the infantry guns, naturally came the mountain guns.

The mountain guns directly adopted the Bofors full set, introducing two types of mountain guns: one was a 75mm caliber Bofors mountain gun, and the other was a 105mm caliber heavy mountain gun. Both shared the same gun carriage.

William knew of Lv Muzhi's artillery plan.

"General Lu, with these things, one can barely fight, but it's still not enough. We can also contact to provide production technology for 120mm Mortars, 105mm Howitzers, 150mm Howitzers..."

Lv Muzhi smiled: "Of course, the more the better. But I still want to take you to visit my model regiment of the Mining Police General Corps."

"Has it already been organized?" William asked in surprise.

"Of course. The weapons of my model regiment are all imported, but some weapons have not yet arrived. For example, the Zhongzheng-made rifles have not arrived yet, nor the General Purpose Machine Guns you promised."

Leaving the noisy factory area, Lv Muzhi and William took a car to a military camp located on the outskirts of Chongqing City, backed by mountains and facing water, with strict defenses.

This was the model regiment of the Central Mining Police Corps that Lv Muzhi had poured his heart and soul into building, and also the model and seed for future regiment-level units under his planned Type A Divisions.

Of course, this was not yet the complete form.

The motorcade drove into the camp. William looked through the car window, his gaze sweeping over the troops drilling.

The ranks were neat, the soldiers were spirited, their equipment was wiped bright, and a vigorous air came rushing at them.

When William learned this was merely the station of a regiment, he couldn't help but show a surprised expression. His first impression was that there were many people, far more than a regular infantry regiment.

"General Lu, please forgive my frankness," William couldn't help but speak up. "Based on the barracks and training personnel I see, the establishment of your regiment seems to far exceed the scale of a regular regiment-level unit. This is almost equivalent to the manpower of two regiments of friendly forces."

Lv Muzhi smiled slightly and said frankly: "Not bad. The establishment of my model regiment is indeed larger than a regular infantry regiment."

"Its design target is not the usual domestic infantry regiment, but the Japanese Infantry Group."

"Japanese Infantry Group?" William raised an eyebrow and immediately understood Lv Muzhi's intention.

A Japanese fully equipped Type A infantry regiment of a division had a strength of around 3,800 men, strong firepower, and considerable independent combat capability.

A Japanese infantry regiment had far more personnel than a Xia Guo infantry regiment.

Lv Muzhi intended to establish a basic tactical unit at the regimental level capable of directly matching a Japanese regiment.

"Exactly," Lv Muzhi affirmed, "know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be imperiled in a hundred battles. We all know who our main future opponent is."

"Since we are building an army, we must construct our tactical units from the start with the potential hypothetical enemy in mind. This regiment has a full establishment of 3,860 men, so that in both manpower and firepower, we are not inferior to a Japanese Type A regiment."

By now, the two had arrived before the reviewing stand. A young, dashing, steady-looking lieutenant colonel officer ran forward and gave a standard military salute to Lv Muzhi and William, his voice loud: "Report to the Commander-in-Chief! Chu Yunfei, Regimental Commander of the First Regiment of the Mining Police General Corps, leads all officers and men of the entire regiment; the entire regiment is ready for inspection, please inspect us!"

Lv Muzhi returned the salute and introduced him to William: "General William, this is Chu Yunfei, Regimental Commander of the First Regiment, a graduate of the fifth class of Whampoa, a talent I discovered on the battlefield."

William looked at Chu Yunfei wearing the German helmet, his eyes firm, and couldn't help but nod, his expectations for this force increasing somewhat in his heart.

Under Chu Yunfei's guidance, William learned in detail about the organizational structure of this model infantry regiment of the Mining Police General Corps:

The regimental headquarters and its directly subordinate detachments numbered about 50 men, responsible for command, communications, and duties for the entire regiment.

The core combat force was three fully equipped infantry battalions, each with an establishment of up to 960 men.

The regiment's directly subordinate units included:

An infantry gun company, 120 men, equipped with 6 Haidaha 75mm infantry guns, providing direct and precise fire support for the entire regiment.

A heavy mortar company, 120 men, planned to be equipped with 6 120mm heavy mortars, (currently bidding for research and development with Hans State and the United States, planning to introduce technology for production), providing more intense indirect fire coverage.

A machine cannon company, 120 men, equipped with 6 Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft machine cannons, (planning to introduce technology for production), possessing both low-altitude air defense and the ability to strike light armor and earth-and-wood fortifications.

A supply company, 200 men, ensuring logistical supply for the entire regiment.

A reconnaissance company, 120 men, serving as the eyes and ears of the entire regiment.

In addition, there were engineer platoons, communications platoons, medical platoons, and other specialized detachments, all complete.

William then carefully examined the composition of the infantry battalion:

Battalion headquarters 30 men; under its command were three huge infantry companies,

each company with an establishment of 217 men, ensuring enough riflemen for assault and position defense;

Other battalion-direct units included:

A heavy machine gun company, establishment 109 men, equipped with 6 Browning M2 heavy machine guns, providing battalion-level sustained suppressive fire;

An anti-tank gun platoon, 30 men, equipped with 3 Solothurn 37mm anti-tank guns, used to deal with enemy armor targets and strong firepower points;

A mortar platoon, 30 men, equipped with 3 82mm mortars, providing battalion-level indirect fire support.

"A single battalion has nearly a thousand men, and is equipped with heavy machine guns, anti-tank guns, and mortars..." William sighed, "This firepower configuration and manpower already rival, and even exceed, the regimental units of many armies."

While listening to Chu Yunfei's introduction, William quickly calculated the regiment's firepower projection capability in his heart.

Furthermore, within the infantry companies, Lv Muzhi also planned to add an anti-tank squad, paired with two 13.2mm anti-tank rifles.

Within the infantry platoons, a grenade launcher squad would be established, imitating the Japanese grenade launchers, equipped with two grenade launchers.

Within the infantry squads, naturally there was a 4-man machine gun team, using Hans State general purpose machine guns (once the MG34 is developed), the squad leader equipped with an MP28 submachine gun, and others using Zhongzheng-made rifles.

"General Lu," William said after looking at the establishment table, taking a deep breath, looking at Lv Muzhi with a complex gaze, "I must say, the firepower of your regiment, especially the support firepower, even exceeds some Japanese Type A regiments that I know of."

"Especially your deployment of M2 heavy machine guns and 20mm machine cannons down to the battalion and company levels, and the regiment's 105mm mortars and 75mm infantry guns—this is an extremely rare luxurious configuration among units of the same level."

"Plus your planned general purpose machine guns and submachine guns... God, the logistical pressure your soldiers need to bear, you will need many mules and horses, and also more excellent instructors; at the same time, the Japanese will face a terrifying opponent."

"Directly matching a Japanese Type A regiment? I doubt it. The Japanese regiments will be equipped with mountain guns; by the time war breaks out, I will assign mountain guns down to the regimental level, and infantry guns down to the battalion level."

Lv Muzhi's expression remained unchanged as he continued to answer calmly: "Regarding logistics, I have already assigned commissioners to purchase mules and horses. Full mechanization is unrealistic for us, but achieving full mule-and-horse transport is already enough to match the Japanese, after all, the Japanese themselves are not wealthy either."

"Furthermore, I need more Hans State instructors to come to our country for training. Excellent soldiers deserve the best equipment, and strict training can overcome logistical complexity."

"My goal is that when this regiment encounters a Japanese regiment on the future battlefield, it can completely suppress the enemy in firepower, not lag behind in technology, and surpass them in morale! Only then can we grasp the initiative on the battlefield."

William thought for a moment: "Mule-and-horse transport is already completely sufficient. Priority gasoline should be used on the blade's edge. General Lu, your previous communication about blitzkrieg—our army is very interested. Can you explain it in detail?"

Lv Muzhi nodded: "Of course. However, my Mining Police General Corps also needs an armored force. I strongly promote mule-and-horse transport precisely so that limited gasoline can be applied to armored vehicles and tanks. Besides, let's go inside the headquarters to talk in detail!"

"Please!" William extended his hand, already impatient to hear specifically how to implement blitzkrieg, especially on the European continent, adapting to local conditions!

Only Chu Yunfei remained at the scene. Chu Yunfei looked at the super infantry regiment before him with great joy, feeling infinite emotion in his heart. Two years ago he was still a captain company commander; although he was currently only a lieutenant colonel regimental commander, his current treatment was simply not exchangeable even for a brigade commander!

"I sing wildly and pass the days in empty flight, soaring and domineering—for whom am I heroic!"

"All present, dismissed!"

Lv Muzhi not only talked tanks with Advisor William; ultimately, of course, he also had to organize his own armored force.

Regarding tanks, Lv Muzhi believed that given domestic road conditions, light tanks should be the mainstay, with a certain number of medium tanks assigned.

Regarding light tanks, Lv Muzhi especially valued them; he thought of a light tank most suitable for the domestic environment: the T Light Tank.

This light tank was very suitable for running on the muddy roads at home, cheaper than other tanks, and had great modification potential.

Using the T tank chassis, many tank vehicles of various uses could be magically modified,

using a 37mm gun made it the most basic light tank;

adopting a low fixed fighting compartment, equipped with a long-barreled 75mm gun, it became the Tank Destroyer;

installing a 105mm howitzer, the T became a self-propelled gun;

removing the turret, adding observation equipment and communications gear, used for battlefield reconnaissance, it became an armored reconnaissance vehicle......

This tank originated from Czechoslovakia; it had not even been developed yet. Fortunately, taking advantage of purchasing a large number of Czech-style light machine guns from Czechoslovakia with fruit preserves, Lv Muzhi decided to make contact with Czechoslovakia, invest funds, and jointly promote the development of the T tank, with the goal of introducing the production line.

With tanks, aircraft were naturally indispensable as well.

Lv Muzhi turned his gaze to the not-yet-formed BF-109 Fighter of Messerschmitt Company in Hans State.

Through Advisor William's channels, he proposed to Hans State the idea of cooperating on fighter research; he could provide funds for the later development and initial production of fighters, in exchange for priority procurement rights and a certain degree of technology transfer.

If that really didn't work, Hans could also get a share of the mineral resources in the southwest region!

After several rounds of negotiation, the agreement was finally reached.

Hans guaranteed that after the new fighter went into production, they would provide Lv Muzhi with no fewer than 100 aircraft on a priority basis, and dispatch flight instructors and technical advisors to assist with training.

Lv Muzhi immediately ordered the selection of a site in the mountainous area at the border of Sichuan and Yunnan to build several standard reinforced airports and concealed hangars, and began large-scale recruitment and training of ground personnel.

Meanwhile, preparations for the "Southwest Air Force" accelerated.

Lv Muzhi used the Pacific Foundation's connections to recruit a group of experienced overseas Chinese pilots as seed pilots.

Active-duty pilots domestically were won over wherever possible.

Hundreds of youths were also strictly selected from domestic middle schools, universities, and existing troops, divided into flight, mechanics, communications, and other majors, and began high-intensity basic training.

Among them, the most outstanding group of cadets was secretly dispatched to Hans State to prepare for direct modification training on new fighter planes.

Having guns and cannons, logistics was equally important.

Speaking of light weapons, the most mainstream rifles domestically at present were the Old Sleeve and the Hanyang 88.

Banning all Hanyang 88s nationwide at once was obviously unrealistic, but the Hanyang 88 used round-nose bullets, while the Zhongzheng Rifle used spitzer bullets.

According to domestic conditions, all should switch to spitzer bullets, because the mainstream Czech Light Machine Gun and Maxim Heavy Machine Gun domestically both used spitzer bullets.

Rifles and machine gun bullets being interchangeable was more scientific; switching all to spitzer bullets could reduce logistics pressure.

Based on this, Lv Muzhi submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Military Administration, suggesting that future production of Hanyang 88 rifles be improved to be compatible with firing 7.92 spitzer bullets, consistent with the Zhongzheng Rifle, and compatible with machine gun fire.

Furthermore, in the Southwest region, universal conscription needed to be vigorously promoted.

Even the most advanced weapons needed people to operate them, and a protracted war needed deep manpower support even more.

As the Central Army entered the Southwest next year and Liu Xiang annexed other small warlords, Lv Muzhi would gradually roll out the conscription plan; currently, this plan was only implemented in Chongqing.

The universal militia system was the foundation; according to the promulgated Militia Training Regulations, all healthy males aged 18 to 35 must participate in no less than 30 days of concentrated military training annually.

Training was conducted by non-commissioned officers of the Mining Police General Corps or outstanding veterans as instructors, focusing on shooting, grenade throwing, earthworks, and bayonet fighting.

Training time was mainly concentrated during the farming off-season, and food and lodging were provided, along with subsidies.

Special Militia Bureaus were established at the county and township levels, responsible for organization management and equipment storage.

Besides training the militia as reserves, all local soldiers who had completed their service terms and retired from the Mining Police General Corps and the army were registered and incorporated into the reserves.

They had to return to their units annually for no less than 15 days of refresher training to maintain combat skills, serving as the backbone of non-commissioned officers and squad leaders for future troop expansion.

Thus, when war came, Sichuan's mobilization capacity would be greatly enhanced.

At the same time, Lv Muzhi decided to establish his own "Whampoa Military Academy" to provide reserves for grassroots officers.

Just like the Whampoa Military Academy of old, Lv Muzhi planned to hold entrance examinations across the Southwest provinces, for those coming to study at the military school he founded—the Southwest Military Academy!

The Southwest Military Academy was used by Lv Muzhi to cultivate grassroots company and platoon officers; the school system was one year, with a new batch of students recruited every half year, graduates were all assigned, and all were assigned to the Central Mining Police Corps with preferential treatment.

If there were outstanding graduates, Lv Muzhi would use his connections to recommend them to the Central Army War College for further studies, facilitating future promotion.

Thus, within a few years, as the principal of the Southwest Military Academy, Lv Muzhi would soon have students all over the world!