Chapter 327: Republic of China: Starting from the First Class of Whampoa Chapter 337 Bo Tian Zhi Detachment

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Protagonist:

Lv Muzhi

Anqing, temporary base of the Japanese Navy Third Fleet.

Detachment Commander Hatada Jūichi stood with his hands on his hips, watching his soldiers board the navy's warships one by one.

Major General Kondo Eijiro, commander of the Japanese Navy 11th Squadron, looked at Army Major General Hatada and asked, "Have you decided? Shall we sortie now?"

Detachment Commander Hatada nodded: "That's right! My Bo Tian Zhi Detachment's ten thousand soldiers are all ready, just waiting for the navy to transport us to Ma Dang Fortress!"

Kondo Eijiro crossed his arms and said, "Ma Dang Fortress is extremely strong. Are you confident?"

Detachment Commander Hatada sneered: "The 16th Army garrisoning Ma Dang Fortress will hold a graduation ceremony inside Maguan Town tonight, preparing a graduation banquet for that ridiculous Anti-Japanese Military and Political University;

This is a great opportunity! I've racked my brains and can't think of a better time to attack!

It's tonight! As long as our navy and army work together, we will definitely take Ma Dang Fortress!"

Kondo Eijiro placed his hand on Major General Hatada's shoulder and said in a rather smug tone, "Don't worry, our navy is your best big brother.

Charge ahead with peace of mind, this big brother of yours will provide fire support from the rear!"

Major General Hatada was quite dissatisfied in his heart, but he only smiled. As long as they could capture Ma Dang Fortress, it would be a great feat; at this time, letting the navy idiots take some advantage was nothing.

The two Japanese Infantry Groups under Detachment Commander Hatada, one Mountain Artillery Regiment, and other attached units, totaling around ten thousand men, headed for Ma Dang Fortress upstream on the Yangtze River under the transport of the Japanese Navy 11th Squadron's ships.

The magnificent Ma Dang Fortress defense battle was about to begin.

In Maguan Town, the National Primary School was decorated with lanterns and streamers, the whole town very bright, clearly holding some major celebration.

But in reality, there was not a single person at the celebration site, and the residents of Maguan Town had left a month ago;

Instead, within the three defensive lines of the Ma Dang Garrison District, the soldiers were standing ready.

Ma Dang Fortress had three layers of defense: the first layer was at the frontline, called Xiangshan Position, garrisoned by a regiment of the 16th Army, responsible for warning and appropriate blocking;

The second layer, called Changshan Position, was defended by the Marine Corps Second Battalion of the Central Government, and was the main defensive line of the Ma Dang Fortress District;

The third layer was Ma Dang Battery itself, surrounding Maguan Mountain, garrisoned by An Bang's Jiang Defense Marine Corps.

Since the width of the battlefield available for attack on land was very small, the Xia Guo defending troops could not deploy too many forces, so the main forces of the 16th Army temporarily stayed in the rear, ready to advance and support at any time, replacing units that could not hold the frontline, implementing wheel tactics.

The second defensive line of the Ma Dang Fortress District, Changshan Position, was in an extremely key location, bordering the Yangtze River to the west and Taihu Lake to the east. If the Japanese army landed to attack, the attack width would be less than one kilometer, and the battery's heavy artillery could also provide direct support.

Li Yunhang said to An Bang beside him in the empty Maguan Town: "According to what you said, two days ago the sentries of the Ma Dang Fortress District were all taken over by your Marine Corps, allowing entry but no exit, and the deployment plan was also readjusted;

The town was turned upside down by the Central Government's Military Police, and indeed an unknown radio was found. It seems my previous deployment has already been known by the enemy."

An Bang said: "But now it's different. We have already made adjustments. Tonight we must be extra careful. According to Lu Commander's speculation, the Japanese army is very likely to attack tonight."

Li Yunhang looked at his wristwatch and said: "That's it. I will command the remaining troops as a reserve force in the rear, and the front will be under your command;

If reinforcements are needed for rotation duty, I will immediately send people to support;

I will also send people to assist in defending that path east of Taihu Lake."

Without waiting for An Bang's reply, a messenger ran over: "The reconnaissance post along the river reports that the Japanese fleet has set sail from Anqing, a total of forty-seven ships, heading straight for Ma Dang!"

Li Yunhang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. If Lu Commander hadn't sent An Bang, he might be attending a graduation ceremony with the officers right now!

The little devils indeed seized this opportunity to launch an attack. It was too dangerous!

Coming back to his senses, An Bang had already gone to Ma Dang Battery, and Li Yunhang also hurried to find his troops so he could support them at any time and prevent any mishaps.

The news soon reached Wuhan. The old man said to Lv Muzhi: "Indeed, the Japanese army indeed seized the opportunity to launch an attack. Fortunately, we were prepared early!"

Lv Muzhi said: "The one coming to attack is the Japanese army's Bo Tian Zhi Detachment. The Japanese army uses Anqing as an attack base, and the navy, army, and air force will all transfer there. Subsequently, reinforcements will continuously come from Anqing."

General Shanov of the Soviet Air Force Volunteer Group was also at the side. Understanding Lv Muzhi's meaning, he asked: "Anqing has a Japanese air force base. Should we launch a strike on their air force base?"

Lv Muzhi said: "Of course, General Shanov. I think our air force can join hands this time and launch a large-scale attack on Anqing Airport!"

General Shanov was very pleased: "Very good. In that case, the Japanese army's air support will be greatly weakened. When should we choose the timing for the sortie?"

Lv Muzhi said: "No need to rush on that for now. We can first see the Japanese army's reaction. Anqing Airport will eventually be destroyed by our artillery fire."

General Shanov knew Lv Muzhi's Youth Corps was formidable, so he said: "The Youth Corps not only has a powerful air force, but also a very strong army, with considerable influence in North China. Why not make some big moves in North China to deter the Japanese army?"

Lv Muzhi smiled and replied: "What's in it for me? My Youth Corps hasn't completed reorganization yet. Recklessly taking the initiative will only disrupt my deployment;

Instead, it would benefit the Soviet Union greatly. Once I take large-scale action, the Japanese army will probably mobilize more Kwantung Army to suppress me, and even the Garrison Mongolia Army might be sent over;

This could greatly reduce the Soviet Union's pressure in Northeast China. General Shanov, why not be more frank? Are you hoping I will ease your country's pressure in the Far East Frontier?"

The old man stood to the side watching General Shanov and Lv Muzhi converse, and also looked at Ambassador A Leisi beside him who remained silent.

As an ambassador, A Leisi had originally come to thank Lv Muzhi for sending planes to rescue the Soviet Air Volunteer Group, but now the conversation had reached this point.

Ambassador A Leisi said: "General Lu is indeed straightforward."

Lv Muzhi said: "If my Youth Corps completes reorganization, then I can confidently make a big move in North China without fearing the Kwantung Army moving south;

But the problem is, I also lack sufficient strength right now..."

Ambassador A Leisi asked cheerfully: "Lack strength? Perhaps I can provide some help!"