jdhmnovel Chapter 477: Contraction of Defense
Chapter 477: Contraction of Defense
Zhang Dabiao's Second Armored Division Tank Regiment, with 81 tanks, raised clouds of dust and chased northward.
The remaining tank regiments advanced rapidly towards Datong in the south, and after preparing supplies, they were immediately deployed to various defense lines.
At this moment, Li Yunlong in Datong was pacing back and forth in the temporary command post. According to the reports from various troops, the Japanese had already started the attack at eight o'clock this morning.
This time the Japanese's attack strategy was completely different. There was no fire reconnaissance, no small-scale exploratory attacks. Instead, they rushed forward all at once, catching the armored divisions that had just gained their footing off guard.
Excluding the tank regiment, each armored division is left with only one armored infantry regiment, two mechanized infantry regiments, one artillery regiment, and other directly affiliated units, totaling less than 10,000 people.
The four divisions of the Kwantung Army's 10th Army were all fully staffed Type A divisions, and each division had at least more than 10,000 Japanese devils.
After taking over a large amount of supplies and military industrial systems from the Northeast Army, the Kwantung Army quickly began the strategy of fighting to support the war.
Plunder resources from the land of China, forge weapons and equipment, and then massacre the Chinese people!
Therefore, the Kwantung Army's equipment was generally better than that of the North China Front Army.
Moreover, the individual quality of the Kwantung Army soldiers was relatively high. They trained in one-on-one combat and often conducted confrontation drills with the weapons of imaginary enemies.
Therefore, the Kwantung Army is also known as the "Flower of the Imperial Army."
The several armored divisions under Li Yunlong's command relied on the advantages of their semi-automatic rifles to repel the enemy's attacks again and again!
"Old Li, what's going on?"
As soon as Li Yunlong saw Wang Meng coming back, he immediately went to meet him.
"Mengzi, you've worked hard! I heard about your news, you fought well! I can still hold on for now, but..."
"Just what? They reported the loss?"
Wang Meng looked at Li Yunlong anxiously.
"It would be great if they reported their losses. I'm just afraid they will fight to the death! We have never fought against the Kwantung Army, but according to intelligence, the number of their machine guns and artillery is not much different from ours!"
Wang Meng looked at the map and said:
"Except for Zhang Dabiao's tank regiment, I have brought back the rest of the tank regiments. After refueling and replenishing ammunition in Datong, we will immediately start construction! Now that our tank troops are back, we can't fight the same way. Let's change our tactics! How about Datong Airport?"
At this time, a staff officer in charge of Datong Airport came running over and began to report:
"The basic facilities have been repaired and it is expected that flights will be able to take off and land normally tomorrow morning, but there are still some requirements for visibility!"
"Okay, let's make do with it for now!"
After Wang Meng ordered the armored forces to arrive, all the troops retreated to the vicinity of Datong. After all, only in the open area around Datong City could the armored forces play their greatest role.
At twelve o'clock in the night, the Japanese and the troops of the independent column were like beasts that had fought all day, and only stopped at night to lick their wounds.
Lieutenant General Shojiro Iida, commander of the 30th Army, felt heartbroken as he looked at the losses reported by various divisions.
Their Kwantung Army had never fought against the Independent Column. Although they had received reports from the North China Front Army during the pre-war preparations, they had no real experience and had no idea of the power of the Independent Column.
Now, Shojiro Iida finally understood how terrifying the independent column was.
He is basically evaluated in the same way as Koji Okita, possessing both the most advanced weapons and the most superb command skills.
After all, all officers of the independent column, whether they are platoon leaders or division commanders, have to go through retraining at the National Defense University. Those who fail the assessment must either leave or continue studying until they pass.
Originally, these officers who came from humble backgrounds had some complaints, but when they found out that their highest commander, Commander Li Yunlong, also studied hard every day, they decided to study hard and practice tactics.
The ratio of the Kwantung Army to the Independent Column was as high as two to one. Although the advances were quite smooth, the losses were also much greater. On average, four Kwantung Army soldiers were needed to exchange for one Independent Column soldier.
"Baga! Stop the attack tonight and let the soldiers recuperate. Launch the attack tomorrow morning! We must advance to Datong before twelve o'clock!"
Without waiting for the Kwantung Army to attack, Wang Meng ordered all the troops to withdraw to Datong overnight. Relying on Datong, he arranged strict defenses all around. Of course, the focus of the defense was on the east and south.
Among them, the eastern part was garrisoned by the 1st Armored Division and the 3rd Armored Division, which built defensive positions in Zhoushizhuang and Beijiazao Town respectively.
The 5th Armored Division was stationed in the southern part of Datong, garrisoned in Fengzhuang and Xiaopu Village.
The 2nd Armored Division (minus the tank regiment) was stationed in a mountain village north of Datong.
The 4th Armored Division was stationed at Guanyintang in the west of Datong as the general reserve.
Wang Meng had originally planned to defend Huairen and ensure that supplies could continue to flow into Datong, but now the situation has changed.
First, a large amount of supplies had been transported to Datong by land in the early stage, which could support at least five days of fighting.
Second, Datong Airport has resumed use, and supplies can be transported continuously by air.
The most important thing is that in hilly and mountainous areas, the armored forces of the independent column can hardly exert their maximum strength.
During this day's battle, the total number of casualties reported by each division was close to eight thousand!
Therefore, Wang Meng decided to retreat and defend.
Fortunately, with the help of engineering equipment, complete fortifications were built around Datong in advance, so the soldiers of the independent column could "move in with their bags".
When withdrawing from the position, the independent column emptied the position. After all, there were so many trucks and armored vehicles, it would be a waste not to move them.
However, not all of them moved away.
There are a lot of good things buried in their store position, including trip mines, land mines, and even a lot of remote-controlled bombs.
In short, they wanted to turn the entire position into a huge powder keg.
After each division entered the position, they began to eat the hot meals prepared by the logistics department.
Li Yunlong and Wang Meng looked at the soldiers' faces filled with unprecedented fatigue. After all, they were facing unprecedented challenges this time.
However, the balance of victory is now gradually tilting towards them.
As long as the airport can be maintained, the independent column will have a steady supply of supplies.
"Comrades, you all fought very hard today. If we hold on until tomorrow night, our Sixth Armored Division, Seventh Armored Division and Chu Yunfei's First Infantry Division will arrive at the designated location. That will be the time for our counterattack!"
"Commander, this is just the beginning! We haven't fought enough yet, let their three divisions rest first!"
Li Yunlong couldn't help feeling distressed when he saw the bloodshot eyes of the soldier who was speaking.
"Stop talking nonsense, eat and rest quickly! Tomorrow is another tough battle!"