Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 305 Attack on the Railway Line

in the afternoon.

The meeting room of the 186th Regiment headquarters was full of people.

"Old Zhao, the regiment has summoned us here for a major battle. I think almost all the county brigades from the surrounding areas have arrived," Yang Xiangqian, the captain of the Fen County Brigade, guessed.

"I think so too, otherwise the regimental headquarters wouldn't have made such a big fuss."

"Damn it, the Japanese devils have been suffocating us lately, and we finally have a chance to give them a big one."

"Let those little devils know that their ancestors weren't to be trifled with either," Yang Xiangqian said with a murderous glint in his eyes.

"Alright, calm down. Let's see what Commander Meng decides."

As they were talking, Meng Hong led the rest of the regiment into the room.

One of the men, a middle-aged man dressed in a Nationalist military uniform, attracted everyone's attention.

"Damn it, how come there are still Nationalist Army soldiers here?" the crowd asked in confusion.

Meng Hong walked in, looked around, and seeing that everyone was there, he spoke.

"It seems everyone has arrived, so I won't call out names."

"Enough with the small talk. The reason we've gathered everyone here is for the upcoming battle. The regimental headquarters needs the cooperation of the county brigades, district squads, and village guerrilla units."

“Commander Meng, just give us the mission. Our county brigade will obey without question,” Yang Xiangqian said, standing up.

"Captain Yang, please sit down."

"Before issuing the combat mission, let me introduce the person next to me."

"This is Staff Officer Chen from the Wolong Mountain Independent Brigade."

"You're the independent brigade that fought off the Japanese?" Old Zhao asked in surprise.

"Oh, you know us?"

"I heard from people over there that the Wolong Mountain Independent Regiment was a fighting force against the Japanese, unlike other Nationalist government troops," Old Zhao explained.

"Since some people already know about them, I won't say any more."

"Our mission this time is to support independent troop movements."

"Commander, are they the Nationalist Army?" someone whispered.

"So what if the Nationalist army is genuinely fighting the Japanese? As long as they are truly committed to resisting Japan, they are our allies, and we will help them no matter what." Meng Hong glared at the person who had just spoken.

"Commander, I might hesitate if it were any other Nationalist army, but our county brigade must lend a hand to your Independent Brigade at Wolong Mountain."

"Commander, just give the order," Old Zhao said, standing up on his own initiative.

Hearing what Lao Zhao said, the other team leaders who had been hesitant no longer hesitated and all agreed with Lao Zhao's opinion.

As long as it's about fighting the Japanese, we have to help them.

"Alright, in that case, let Brigade Commander Chen explain our mission."

"Thank you to the 186th Regiment and everyone here for your trust in our Independent Brigade."

"This time, the main task of the crew is to sabotage the railway line in the area north of Hongxian and south of Xiangxian."

"We must make a big commotion so that the Japanese know that the Eighth Route Army is on a large-scale operation."

"Our independent brigade plans to target the Japanese in the vicinity of Youzhen in Xiang County and Cuiling Village in Hong County."

"Your goal is the same: to lure the Japanese out."

Chen Chengming explained everyone's tasks.

"Since the troops have made the arrangements, we'll leave it to Regiment Commander Meng."

"Yes, does everyone understand the mission now?"

"Listen clearly."

"Now I give the order."

"The First Battalion and the Xiangxian County Brigade have jointly launched an operation to sabotage the railway line near Xiangxian County."

"Yes."

"The Second Battalion and the Hongxian County Brigade sabotaged the railway lines around Hongxian County."

"The Third Battalion and the Fenxian County Brigade, centered on Fenxian County, sabotaged the nearby railway lines on both sides."

The district squads and village guerrilla teams in each county were responsible for transporting the steel rails.

"In addition to supporting the independent brigade's operations, this time we aim to completely paralyze the railway lines in this area."

"Yes."

"This operation must be kept secret. Do not tell the soldiers below before the operation begins."

"Yes."

Following Meng Hong's order, the Eighth Route Army troops outside Fen County began a covert mobilization, stealthily advancing towards the target railway line.

Meanwhile, Tang Weiguo was closely monitoring the Fenxian battle from the division headquarters.

"Commander, according to Staff Officer Chen's telegram, the 186th Regiment of the Eighth Route Army is ready for battle and is currently planning to assemble at the target location." Zhang Haoshan rushed to the operations room as soon as he received Chen Chengming's telegram.

Tang Weiguo was standing next to the sand table in the operations room, closely monitoring the movements of the various units.

"it is good."

"Return the telegram to Chen Chengming and ask him to tell the Eighth Route Army troops to be cautious in their actions and not let the Japanese discover the Eighth Route Army's situation in advance."

"Yes."

Where is Tang Xiaohu's brigade now?

"Just after passing Wolong Mountain, they deliberately chose to travel along mountain paths in order to advance covertly."

"Notify Tang Xiaohu that all units must arrive at their destinations on time."

"Yes."

"What's the Japanese doing in Wolongshan County?"

"According to the intelligence department, it's the same as usual."

"Alright, have the intelligence department keep a close watch on the Japanese troops in Wolongshan County."

"In addition, the division's general staff should prepare a contingency plan for the worst-case scenario."

"Commander, what is this?"

"It's better to be safe than sorry. Let's be fully prepared," Tang Weiguo said solemnly.

"I understand, I'll go now."

"it is good."

......

Meanwhile, Tang Xiaohu led his troops along the mountain road towards Fen County. Despite thorough preparations, unexpected events still occurred along the way.

"Commander, it just rained. The mountain roads are slippery and difficult to traverse, making it hard for the artillery regiment to keep up with the main force. I'm afraid the artillery regiment won't be able to reach Fen County on time," Tang Xiaolong said with a worried expression.

Before setting off, he had made a solemn promise to Tang Xiaohu, but unexpectedly, problems arose right away.

"Commander Tang, no matter what, the artillery regiment must be in place on time. This siege depends on your artillery regiment."

"Yes, our artillery regiment will resolutely complete the mission," Tang Xiaolong replied through gritted teeth.

"I will have a regiment assist you in following the unit's itinerary as quickly as possible."

"Yes."

"Communicator, order all units to expedite their actions and reach the target location by 5 p.m. tomorrow!"

Time passed by second by second. A day may seem short, but it's actually not long at all.

The next day afternoon arrived quickly.

At this moment, the Independent Division headquarters is on high alert, ready to respond to the upcoming battle at any time.

"Deputy Division Commander Zhang, what is the current position of each unit?"

"Report, Division Commander, all units have reached their designated targets and are ready to launch an attack at any time."

"Order Tang Xiaohu to act at an opportune moment and decide the timing of the attack on Fen County."

"I have only one request: take over Fenxian County as soon as possible."

"Yes."

Chen Chengming was lying in ambush near the railway line with Meng Hong in Fen County.

"Staff Officer Chen, the Japanese are really arrogant these days. They only sent a small squad to patrol. That gives me even more confidence in this operation."

"The Japanese patrol cars are a bit of a problem. But with the landmines you provided, the Japanese will be in for a rough time."

"Alright, Staff Officer Chen, take another nap. We'll start our operation around 8 p.m. when it gets dark."

"it is good."

Seeing Meng Hong lie down, Chen Chengming got up and went to the telegraph operator to report the 186th Regiment's final attack time to the command post.

Summer days are exceptionally long, and finally, darkness fell.

Meng Hong checked the time; there were still 5 minutes until 8 o'clock.

"Communicator, order all units to prepare for attack on my command."

"Yes."

Meng Hong looked at his watch and shouted as soon as it was 8 o'clock.

"attack."

In an instant, the Eighth Route Army troops, hidden in the bushes, rushed toward the railway line.

"Fight, fight."

To ensure that the Japanese could send back information in a timely manner, Meng Hong thoughtfully allowed them time to request reinforcements.

Due to the large disparity in numbers, Meng Hong led his three battalions to a swift end to the battle.

"That was a great fight," Meng Hong said excitedly, holding the newly captured Type 38 rifle.

"Communicator, order the troops to sabotage the railway."

"Yes."