Chapter 432: Army Aviation are Maru

"Pass on my order!" Lin Zhizhong shouted, "We will let the Japanese Army's motorcycle convoy pass first."

"When the time comes, focus on hitting the Japanese Army's trucks. Everyone, listen for my signal; no one is allowed to fire without my command."

Following this, Lin Zhizhong's order began to spread through the Sichuan Army ranks, and everyone strictly followed the Regimental Commander's order as they waited.

On the road, after the Japanese Army column had traveled for a while, Lin Zhizhong issued the order to attack.

First, the landmines on the road were detonated by the Sichuan Army; the little devils' trucks were blown upside down, and many devil soldiers began to scream.

"Enemy attack... Enemy attack..."

The little devils also began to jump off their trucks, establish defensive positions, and prepare to counterattack the Sichuan Army.

"Well fought!" Yu Hua stepped forward, "The 18th Group Army ambushed the 6th Division's Supply Troops, causing six or seven hundred casualties."

Commanding the 6th Division to fight southward this time, he never expected a unit to sneak attack his rear; he decided to thoroughly sweep the mountainous areas around the airport.

After the artillery unit received the Regimental Commander's order, they began to bombard the Japanese Army's artillery. After a few rounds of fire, the little devils' artillery was blown away by the Sichuan Army before they could even set up their guns.

"Yu Dazhu!"

When Inaba Shiro arrived at the airport, he discovered that the airport had already turned into a scorched earth, and furthermore, the fuel depot was still burning with a great fire.

Zhang Yungang calculated in his heart that the Japanese Army rifles captured this time could fully equip his own unit, allowing him to phase out the old Hanyang Rifles and Old Sleeves.

"Of course we must do it! But not now. Although this 6th Division has lost a portion of its strength, they are still strong and well-equipped."

At the Independent Brigade's command post!

After finishing his cigarette, Lin Zhizhong threw the butt on the ground and said, "As for the weapons on this battlefield, the Japanese Army's artillery, we Sichuan Army will take two-thirds; how about we split the light and heavy machine guns and rifles equally?"

At this moment, the soldiers of Zhang Yungang Regiment saw the Japanese Army motorcycle convoy arriving and had also made combat preparations.

"Our Brigade Commander was previously a Regimental Commander in Yang Hucheng's Small Northwest Army and is also a Whampoa graduate, but after fighting a few battles against our Sichuan Army at Niangziguan, he stayed."

The soldiers of Zhang Yungang Regiment, after being baptized by blood and fire once, had a relatively good fighting spirit.

Anyway, Adjutant Yu once said that our Sichuan Army is lacking talent; if talent is discovered outside, one must think of every possible way to get them into the Sichuan Army.

Zhang Yungang saw these weapons falling into his regiment and was overjoyed; this Sichuan Army is truly reliable, they really give away good weapons.

In this way, his regiment's combat effectiveness should improve significantly. Plus, the Sichuan Army is even sharing artillery with his unit, especially that Type 92 Infantry Gun, which Zhang Yungang is very greedy for!

This Type 92 Infantry Gun is light and easy to carry; in terms of siege warfare, it is even more powerful than a Mortar. This thing is great and quite likable.

His intuition told him that the Republic of China Army was hiding in the mountainous area he had designated. When Inaba Shiro went to request Hata Shunroku again, he was rejected by Hata Shunroku this time.

Lin Zhizhong came to report: "Report, Brigade Commander, Adjutant Yu."

Inaba Shiro had no choice but to order the fire at the airport to be extinguished first, while also letting the soldiers collect the corpses.

"According to the Imperial Army's search, an artillery position set up by the Republic of China Army was discovered on the reverse slope of a hillside four kilometers away."

At this time, the Japanese Army's motorcycle convoy, seeing the main force in the rear being attacked by the Sichuan Army, did not go back to rescue the main force, but instead continued forward.

The last thing is to send some irreparable Japanese-style weapons into the furnace to be melted down and remade.

For the whole regiment of soldiers to ambush one company of devils, that was simply a clean sweep.

The Japanese Army publicly claimed that this southward operation by the Imperial Army was only to take Anqing City and incidentally control the airport, with no other demands.

"This army has very strong artillery strike capabilities; judging from the scale of the artillery position, the number of artillery pieces is over thirty."

Because the Japanese Army aircraft took off in large numbers to search for the Sichuan Army, it delayed operations elsewhere, yielding no results while consuming fuel, which was very uneconomical for the Japanese Army, which had always lacked resources.

The Independent Brigade's Lin Zhizhong Regiment possesses a direct-subordinate artillery company, overseeing twelve Type 92 Infantry Guns and twelve 82mm Mortars.

"If your Independent Brigade goes head-to-head with the 6th Division, we will suffer a great loss; I won't do this losing business."

"Huff, huff..." After Lin Zhizhong took the cigarette and puffed a few times, he said to Zhang Yungang: "If you envy our weapons, you kid should just come join the Sichuan Army."

Last time, the Shandong Province Sichuan Army annihilated the Chongteng Detachment and killed tens of thousands of little devils in Teng County; more than half of the captured weapons were sealed in Shandong Province, allowing the three remaining divisions to have weapons available when recruiting soldiers.

"Your Excellency, Division Commander!" At this time, a Staff Officer of the 6th Division stepped forward and came before Inaba Shiro.

As for the Japanese-style weapons allocated to the Sichuan Army, Lin Zhizhong ordered them to be sealed first, to be dragged back to Sichuan Province when there is time.

"Baka!"

"Notify the troops, wait until the little devils are close, then hit them hard for me."

If you want people to do things, you must give them some benefits; otherwise, how could others cooperate with the Sichuan Army wholeheartedly!

Therefore, Lin Zhizhong did not feel pained about splitting half of the light and heavy machine guns and rifles from this batch of Japanese-style weapons to Zhang Yungang Regiment; in the upcoming battles, the Sichuan Army would still need the assistance of Zhang Yungang Regiment.

The Sichuan Army currently looks down on the light and heavy machine guns and rifles among the Japanese-style weapons; only the little devils' artillery is valued by the Sichuan Army.

"Old Lin... I am doing quite well in the 26th Group Army, and my old superior treats me very well; one must have a conscience."

Deep in the mountains, Japanese Army aircraft roared, and the soldiers all hid themselves well.

"Baka!" Inaba Shiro roared; he knew the two battalions that went to reinforce the airport were already finished.

"Maru... The Army Aviation are all Maru."

Hearing this, Liu Zhangqing widened his eyes: "Old Yu, it seems we have hurt the little devils; this kid Inaba Shiro has actually led the entire division to charge over."

Since the opponent possesses four 105mm Howitzers, which require trucks and trains to tow, their movement speed is naturally very slow. By daytime, the Imperial Army searching along the road will certainly be able to find some clues.

Airport! Inaba Shiro received the telegram and smashed his fist onto the table in anger.

"This is preparing to break through our ambush circle, using a point to break the surface, and seeking a way to survive."

"You have hidden the artillery well, right?"

Seeing Zhang Yungang grinning foolishly, Lin Zhizhong patted his shoulder, "Alright, it's time for us to withdraw our troops too."

In this ambush, Zhang Yungang also learned a lot from the Sichuan Army. First, the terrain chosen by the Sichuan Army was good, and coupled with Landmine Warfare, they wiped out many Japanese soldiers at once, and the Sichuan Army artillery destroyed the devils' artillery at the first opportunity.

Four 105mm Howitzers; this Republic of China Army is actually so strong, possessing such siege weapons.

After the Japanese Army aircraft circled the mountainous area a few times and still found no traces, they replied to the 6th Division, indicating that Inaba Shiro's guess must be wrong.

Hearing this, Zhang Yungang was stunned. Although he had seen various methods of recruiting talent, the Sichuan Army poaching people so blatantly really surprised Zhang Yungang a bit.

"My unit has successfully annihilated the two battalions of the Japanese Army that were reinforcing the airport, and captured many Weaponry as well as provisions."

"Good, good, good..." Liu Zhangqing smiled happily: "How are the unit's casualties?"

Inaba Shiro sat inside the Armored Vehicle, his eyes gloomy.

Otherwise, how could there be no trace at all? Inaba Shiro would not give up; he had the Army Aviation search once more, after the Japanese Army Aviation Commander reported to Hata Shunroku.

"Immediately send a telegram to the Commander of the Central China Area Army, and have the Commander dispatch planes early in the morning to search for the enemy in this area."

"Old Lin, the weaponry of your Sichuan Army makes even me envious!"

This caused the Japanese Army to lose its artillery advantage, and the Sichuan Army, occupying the terrain advantage and equipped with a series of fine weapons—such as the M2 Heavy Machine Gun, the Type 26 General Purpose Machine Gun, and so on—simply beat the Japanese Army to death.

After the battle ended, Zhang Yungang was quite shocked; two battalions of the Japanese Army had now been dealt with by them so easily.

In this Ambush, the 1st Regiment of the Sichuan Army Independent Brigade had been the main force, with the Zhang Yungang Regiment assisting from the side. Since the Sichuan Army had put in the great effort, and he himself could eat some meat now, Zhang Yungang was overjoyed.

For Inaba Shiro, even if the opponent possessed three Divisions, he would not fear them; according to the comparison of the two sides' combat strength, three Divisions of the Republic of China Army could just barely be on par with his own Division.

"In the establishment of the Republic of China Army, a standard infantry Division only has twelve 75mm Mountain Guns under its Artillery Battalion, so I infer that this is an Artillery Regiment of the Republic of China Army."

Let these Republic of China Army troops, who only know how to harass and fight from behind, lose the soil for their survival; these troops, who are like rats, dare not fight the Imperial Army head-on in a dignified manner.

"Our regiment has over three hundred casualties, and the Zhang Yungang Regiment has even more, around six hundred."

At the same time, the Japanese Army battalion's Type 92 Infantry Gun and Mortar, under the command of the artillery commander, also began to look for suitable locations to set up artillery positions.

"Fine, I'll listen to you!" Liu Zhangqing nodded, then called over the Communications Soldier and issued the order to retreat.

Just as Yu Hua finished speaking, a Communications Soldier suddenly came before Yu Hua, "Report to Adjutant Yu, the forward reconnaissance unit has sent a telegram: the Japanese 6th Division is currently rushing to reinforce the airport, and their marching speed is very fast."

Zhang Yungang himself put down his Telescope and said, "Did you see that? The Japanese company commander's command ability is not bad; when the main force was attacked, they charged forward instead."

Nowadays, Sichuan Province is filled with factories; steel mills, oil refineries, Weaponry manufacturing plants, and so on are already able to satisfy the manufacturing of the Sichuan Army's Weaponry.

"Hai!"

A portion of the weapons produced in Sichuan Province was also sold to the National Government, allowing some Central Army units to also use weapons such as the M2 Heavy Machine Gun and the Type 26 General Purpose Machine Gun.

"No... no..." Zhang Yungang hurriedly waved his hands, "Just do as you say, Regiment Commander Lin, I have no objections."

"Ah... you bucket of slop!" Inaba Shiro yelled, and kicked the office desk flying with one foot.

"We fought the field troops of the 6th Division this time, so these casualties are still acceptable; you don't need to blame yourself."

Lin Zhizhong's expression was somewhat poor: "Brigade Commander, I commanded incorrectly this time, and the unit's casualties were a bit high."

"Nani?!" Inaba Shiro widened his eyes.

"Your Excellency Division Commander, a large number of Imperial Army corpses have been discovered ahead; these Imperial Warriors have all Jade Shattered."

The door of the Armored Vehicle opened, and Inaba Shiro said coldly: "What is the situation?"

Hearing this, Lin Zhizhong nodded slightly and looked at Zhang Yungang, "It's fine. Whenever you think it through, you can come to our Sichuan Army; our Sichuan Army's ranks are open anytime, anywhere."

Just at this moment, a Japanese Major rode a horse to the front of the Armored Vehicle: "Your Excellency Division Commander."

After the men of the two regiments returned to a safe zone, Lin Zhizhong had people distribute weapons to Zhang Yungang.

Now that the unit was cleaning up the battlefield, Zhang Yungang came to Lin Zhizhong's side, took out the Cigarette from his own pocket, and handed it to Lin Zhizhong.

The two battalions of Japanese, with the cooperation of the Lin Zhizhong Regiment and the Zhang Yungang Regiment, were gradually annihilated.

He hadn't expected the Sichuan Army to be so generous, willing to split half of the Light and Heavy Machine Gun and Rifle count, and even willing to give up one-third of the artillery; this was simply a windfall from heaven.

Hata Shunroku also ordered another search, but this time it was the same; the Japanese planes found nothing.

After dawn!

The Commander of the Central China Area Army, Hata Shunroku, dispatched thirty planes and began to search for the Sichuan Army units according to Inaba Shiro's request.

"Among them, the Imperial artillery detected traces of four mm Howitzer setups from the site's positions."

"Brigade Commander, Adjutant Yu, don't worry, I have hidden the artillery well, and the trucks are covered with wood ash. I also cleared the traces of the trucks towing the artillery on the road last night, ensuring that our artillery has not suffered the slightest loss."

When the time comes, he will lead a large army to encircle and suppress them, annihilating this army in one fell swoop.

"Dispatch a battalion to collect the corpses of the Imperial Warriors, and the rest of the troops will immediately rush to the airport."

"Ah?" Liu Zhangqing was stunned, "Retreat? We aren't going to have a go with the 6th Division?"

Meanwhile, in Shanghai, at the Japanese Central China Area Army press conference.

"Remember, when fighting the little devils, try your best to aim carefully for me. I have taken a liking to this motorcycle; it is our vehicle now, so don't break the vehicle."

"Is there a problem?" Lin Zhizhong asked in return.

There was also a small portion that the Sichuan Army gifted to the 18th Group Army of the Hutou Mountain Base, and the rest were hauled back to Sichuan Province.

Zhang Yungang nodded: "No problem!"

"Ah!" Zhang Yungang widened his eyes; the Sichuan Army was actually splitting the weapons with him equally, which truly caught Zhang Yungang off guard. He had thought the Sichuan Army would just toss him a few weapons to dismiss him.

However, once Inaba Shiro determined the opponent's location, as long as he held onto this army, under the Three-Board Axe firepower of the Imperial Army, he would certainly be able to deal them a devastating blow.

Seeing this, Lin Zhizhong immediately called the regimental artillery company, "Artillery, blow up the Japanese Army's Type 92 Infantry Gun and Mortar for me."

"We will split these weapons after we haul them back."

Lin Zhizhong still admired Zhang Yungang quite a bit, because this kid's command ability was not bad.

The Japanese-style weapons transported back to Sichuan Province had three uses: the first was to be issued to local Police Force and Security Regiment units, and the second was for Deng Xihou and Pan Wenhua to transport these weapons to Yanan to support the 18th Group Army.

"Old Liu, notify the troops, we are retreating."

As for whether to expand the scale of the war and further move south to Wuhan, Japanese spokesperson Iguchi Kazuo stated that the next attack target of the Imperial Army is Ningbo in the Jiangzhe area.

Iguchi Kazuo said that attacking Ningbo was requested by the Commander of the Central China Area Army, and they must have a big fight here to destroy the resistance will of the Chinese command headquarters.

(End of this chapter)