Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 199 Shelling the Japanese

"Reporting to the two colonels, the troops' advance is progressing smoothly, and they have now captured about two-thirds of Tangjia Town."

"Yoshi, it seems we'll be able to completely take over Tangjia Town before sunset," Aoki Kuroto said with a smile.

"Staff Officer Yasi, how's the tunnel digging going?"

"Reporting to Colonel Matsukawa, the engineers have discovered several tunnels, but have not found any trace of the enemy."

"Not only that, I sent soldiers down to scout, and the tunnel ahead has been blown up by the enemy. It seems that the enemy did this before they retreated to prevent us from continuing to pursue them," Staff Officer Yasi continued to report.

"Order the engineers to keep digging. Dig them out no matter how deep you have to go," Aoki Kuroto said coldly.

"Hay."

"Aoki-kun, don't rush. We'll dig slowly once we've completely taken over Tangjia Town. As long as they're still underground in Tangjia Town, we'll definitely be able to dig them out."

"That's right, we'll dig these rats out sooner or later."

"Staff Officer Yaxi and the squads should speed up the attack and try to capture Tangjia Town before nightfall."

"Hay."

Meanwhile, in Tang Xiaohu's underground command post, intelligence messages kept coming in from various companies.

"Battalion Commander, I'm back." Shen Lei came to the command room and wiped the sweat from his brow.

"What did you find?" Tang Xiaohu asked.

"Battalion Commander, these Japanese devils are digging our tunnels. Before I retreat, I ordered the soldiers to blow up the tunnels they discovered."

"Otherwise, just as we expected, let them dig."

"Yao Xing, notify all units to move to the second level of the tunnels." Tang Xiaohu shouted to Yao Xing.

"Yes, I'll go and inform them right now."

"Shen Lei, come and take a look," Tang Xiaohu said, pointing to the map.

"Battalion Commander, the Japanese have almost occupied the entire town now. Our plan to lure them in has been very successful."

"Yes, that's the effect we wanted. Moreover, according to reports from various units, Japanese troops are currently gathered at the locations of each artillery point. We've been bombed for so long now, it's time to let our artillerymen put their skills to use."

"Yes, blow them up, those little devils."

"Shen Lei, once the shelling is over, immediately organize your troops for a counterattack. Remember to be quick, and withdraw as soon as you're done. Don't let the Japanese bombard you any further."

"Yes, Battalion Commander, I will organize the troops right away."

"Okay, go and get ready. Remember to clear out the collapsed tunnel exit beforehand."

"Okay, leave this to me." After saying that, Shen Lei hurriedly walked out of the command post again.

After Shen Lei left, Tang Xiaohu picked up the phone on the table.

"Hey, Xiaolong, this is Tang Xiaohu."

"Commander Tang, are you telling me to prepare for artillery fire?"

"Yes, there are Japanese soldiers stationed at most of the shelling points. You should shell from back to front according to their positions."

"Okay, no problem. It's finally time for our artillery to show its combat power."

"Xiao Long, how much time do you have to prepare for the artillery barrage?"

"Five minutes is enough."

"Okay, fire in 5 minutes sharp."

"Yes."

"All companies, get moving! In five minutes, fire in sequence from back to front according to the designated artillery positions!" Tang Xiaohu shouted as he hung up the phone.

"Yes."

The two Type 92 infantry gun companies left in Tangjia Town by the artillery battalion immediately began to move. They removed the coverings from the Type 92 infantry guns and immediately displayed the six Type 92 infantry guns.

"Hurry, hurry, hurry! Be quick!" the two company commanders shouted frantically.

"Yes."

The artillerymen of the first battalion operated with lightning speed.

"First round of artillery fire points: Zhenbei-1 (first company), Zhenbei-2 (second company)."

"Each gun should quickly adjust its bearing according to the predetermined mortar point and prepare to fire."

Tang Xiaohu gave orders to the two artillery company commanders.

"Yes."

While the artillery battalion was preparing for the attack, in the distant Japanese command post, Staff Officer Yashi was reporting on the battle situation.

"Reporting to Colonel Aoki and Colonel Matsukawa, our attacking forces have basically captured Tangjia Town."

"Yoshi, that's great news!" Aoki Kuroto said with a smile.

"But according to reports from the troops at the front, I've discovered something very strange about this attack," Staff Officer Yasi said, sharing his thoughts.

"Oh? What's so strange about this place?" Matsukawa Maki asked.

"Well, we didn't encounter any decent resistance from the enemy during this attack. They retreated as soon as we made a slight move, so I suspect this unit has some kind of conspiracy."

"Your words remind me that things are indeed going a little too smoothly right now," Aoki Kuroto said, deep in thought.

“Aoki-kun, according to intelligence, this militia unit has an artillery battalion.”

"Damn it, I forgot about such important information." Aoki Kuroto suddenly realized.

"The enemy is trying to lure us in deeper. Notify all units to retreat immediately!" Matsukawa Maki shouted, realizing what was happening.

"Hay."

Staff Officer Yasi hurriedly issued the order.

Meanwhile, the artillery battalion had completed its bombardment preparations.

"Reporting to the battalion commander, the first company is ready."

"The Second Company is ready."

"Alright, fire."

"Yes."

"Bang, bang, bang..."

With a command from the company commanders, the six Type 6 infantry guns of the artillery battalion stationed in Tangji Town unleashed a barrage of fire at the pre-marked firing points.

"Boom, boom, boom..."

The sound of artillery shells exploding rang out again in Tangjia Town.

"Damn it, artillery fire! Take cover!" Before the Japanese squad leader could finish speaking, he was taken away by a shell.

For a time, the Japanese soldiers in Tangjia Town were being blown around by artillery fire.

"First Company Zhenbei-3, Second Company Zhenbei-4, continue shelling."

"Yes."

The operator of the Type 92 infantry gun cranked the cylinder rapidly, adjusting the firing angle.

"All preparations are complete."

"The Second Company is ready."

"fire."

A new volley of shells flew toward the new location.

"Boom, boom, boom, boom."

Each bombing raid resulted in a continuous harvest of Japanese soldiers.

"Not good." Upon hearing the explosion in Tangji Town, Aoki Kuroto and Matsukawa Maki's expressions changed drastically. The order to retreat had come too late.

"I was careless!" Matsukawa Maki slammed his fist on the table.

"Hey, artillery? This is Aoki. Can you suppress the enemy's artillery fire immediately?"

"Reporting to Colonel Aoki, based on the enemy's ballistics, the enemy's artillery positions are far behind Tangjia Town, and our artillery cannot attack the enemy's artillery positions."

"Baka yarou!" Aoki Kuroto angrily slammed the phone down.

"Alas, now it all depends on how much of our troops can be withdrawn. May His Majesty the Heavenly Locust protect us," said Matsukawa Maki.

"This unit is too cunning; we've fallen for their trap again! If they're so capable, let's have a real, fair fight on the battlefield!" Aoki Kuroto said angrily.

"Sigh." Matsukawa Maki sighed again as he listened to the sounds of gunfire from Tangjia Town.

For a moment, an unsettling silence fell over the Japanese command post, while at the same time, artillery fire roared outside.