...The tug-of-war between the two sides continued for nearly two hours.
The Sangu Regiment, the Japanese field regiment stationed in Shexian County, which had received the order two hours ago to immediately rush to Licheng for reinforcements, was blocked at the door of the house and could not cross the defense line of the Independent Regiment.
.
In two hours, the Japanese commander Mitani launched as many as nine charges in a row, but all ended in failure and paid a heavy price of casualties.
On the other hand, the independent group, with the help of solid concrete defenses, suffered basically negligible casualties during the two-hour confrontation.
The Eighth Route Army's defensive position cannot be attacked by force.
Colonel Mitani was in a panic at the headquarters. Licheng was an important transportation hub for the Japanese army's southeastern Shanxi defense zone.
Once Licheng is lost, it will inevitably affect the Japanese army's logistics deployment in the entire southeastern Shanxi region during the next large-scale raids on the Eighth Route Army base areas.
The headquarters is constantly urging reinforcements to go to Licheng.
But it happened that his Sangu Regiment was blocked by a regiment of the Eighth Route Army at the door of his home with the help of fortifications, unable to move even half a step.
When the tenth attack was repulsed again.
The Japanese officer commanding at the front made a despondent phone call and said on the phone: "The attack failed again and failed to break through the enemy's position. Our attacking troops suffered more than 200 casualties."
Colonel Mitani was completely crazy. During the ten fierce attacks, he almost racked his brains, trying to break through the defense of the enemy Eighth Route Army troops in one fell swoop, eliminate this hateful Eighth Route Army, and reinforce Licheng in time.
It was initially a common-sense infantry charge. After realizing that the opponent's Eighth Route Army's firepower configuration was quite powerful, Laoji Sangu immediately adjusted his tactics and mobilized a large number of artillery to bombard the Eighth Route Army's defenses.
He extravagantly hoped that these artillery pieces could knock through those difficult fortifications such as bunkers, gun towers, trenches, and bunkers.
As an elite Japanese field company stationed throughout the Shexian area, the Sangu Regiment has a truly powerful firepower configuration.
Type 92 infantry artillery and Type 41 mountain artillery pulled out more than a dozen guns at once and launched a fierce bombardment at the defense fortifications of the Independent Regiment.
The kid's artillery shells were thrown down as if they were free of charge. The whole bombardment lasted for nearly 15 minutes before gradually coming to an end.
After the bombardment ended, Colonel Mitani, who was full of expectations, waited for news. As a result, news came from the forward observation post, saying that a new round of infantry charges still encountered a fierce counterattack by the enemy's Eighth Route Army troops. The previous bombardment did not
Caused excessive losses to the Eighth Route Army.
The forward observation posts saw with their own eyes that the various fortifications relied on by the Eighth Route Army are still in place.
Those sturdy fortifications withstood the fierce artillery bombardment for a full 15 minutes and were still not destroyed.
"Baga, these bastards!"
Mitani's face was livid, and he didn't know whether he was scolding the Eighth Route Army behind the fortifications or the construction soldiers who had built the fortifications extremely strong and even used reinforced concrete structures to build more than a dozen bunkers in one go. "Originally, these extremely strong fortifications were prepared for our Imperial Japanese troops. Now, those who are attacking with sacrifice under the cover of artillery fire should be those damn Eighth Route Army!"
Looking at the angry subject, the Japanese adjutant on the side said something helplessly.
The strength of these concrete and even reinforced concrete fortifications far exceeded the expectations of the Japanese army.
After all, on the entire battlefield behind enemy lines, most of the Eighth Route Army troops they faced were short of ammunition and had backward equipment. Not to mention artillery that could blow up concrete structures, even small-caliber artillery that could deal with masonry structures were very few.
The Japanese army did not even consider using concrete structures for defense.
This time, in order to cope with the substantial improvement in the equipment level of the Eighth Route Army, many concrete structure fortifications were built.
As for how strong these fortifications can be, it is impossible for the Japanese army to test the artillery themselves after repairing these fortifications.
Now the test results have come out, it is indeed extremely strong.
What a pity!
The battle has officially begun.
Twenty minutes ago, in Shexian County, two kilometers away from the main city gate defended by the Japanese army, soldiers of the First Independent Regiment of the Eighth Route Army's Northwest Shanxi Anti-Japanese Independent Detachment were stationed in a certain air defense headquarters at the main position.
"Commander, the Japanese bombardment has ended. It is estimated that infantry will be sent to launch a new round of attack next!"
The first battalion commander rushed into the headquarters covered with dust and brought the latest battle news to the first regiment commander Lei Dasheng.
There was no sadness on his face, on the contrary, it was full of smiles.
"Speaking of which, this little devil is indeed very meticulous in his work. This specially built concrete fortification has taken all aspects into consideration, including anti-gun and anti-aircraft fortifications.
The Japanese pulled out more than a dozen artillery pieces at once. I was still worried when they attacked!
But halfway through the bombardment, I realized that our worries were unnecessary.
Those fortifications made of concrete are really not built. If the enemy's artillery shells hit them, as long as they are not unlucky, they can just fall in along the muzzle of our machine guns. Basically, they will scratch the itch, at most on the concrete wall.
Make a small hole.
With this level of fortification, let alone the little devils, we will probably have a headache if we want to defeat it."
The first regiment leader Lei Dasheng nodded. The solidity of the concrete structure built by the little devil made him more and more confident.
Everything was as expected by the detachment leader.
Kong Jie naturally knows a lot about the solidity of concrete after the thickness is particularly strengthened, prestressed steel bars are even added, and the strength is completely increased.
On the Pacific battlefield, even with the equipment level of the US military, such fortifications cannot be easily destroyed, let alone the current Japanese security forces, which are considered second-rate troops at best.
After thinking for a while, Lei Dasheng said in a deep voice:
"With this bastard shell given to us by the little devil, I want to see what other ways the devil can think of to get in.
Hum hum, all the ways that the little devil can think of are all left over from our play. Now that our positions have completely established a foothold, tell the soldiers that while fighting, let me continue to overhaul the fortifications.
In addition, while the Japs have not yet fully recovered, we will continue to hoard spare food and water sources. We are prepared to rely on these fortifications to fight the Japs for a long time!"
"Yes!" The orderly soldier responded at any time.
Lei Dasheng looked at the first battalion commander again and said: "According to my estimation, after the Japanese's new round of attack is repelled again, I'm afraid they won't attack blindly again for a long time.
Our first battalion must seize the time to prepare.
It is expected that tonight, I will lead all the main forces of the second, third and fourth battalions to withdraw to the next battlefield."
Having said this, Lei Dasheng patted the first battalion commander on the shoulder, looked at this old subordinate who had been with him for many years, and said earnestly: "First battalion commander, after I leave, this place will be all handed over to you!" According to Kong Jie's battle plan, the regiment successfully captured the concrete defenses outside Shexian County.
In fact, we no longer need too many troops to defend with these fortifications.
This is also part of the plan.
Leaving behind a certain number of elites, with the help of extremely abundant firepower configuration, extremely stable defenses, and at the same time reducing logistics consumption, we can withstand the Japanese attack with the minimum number of troops.
Build a special slaughterhouse to continuously consume the vitality of the Japanese army.
The main force of the regiment needs to evacuate and rush to the next scheduled battlefield to carry out subsequent combat plans.
After the soldiers of the first battalion stayed behind, they not only had to use fewer troops to block the subsequent crazy Japanese attack, but also created the illusion that the main force of the regiment was still there, so as to completely paralyze the Japanese army's judgment.
The task is very difficult.
There are only more than 500 soldiers in the first battalion, and what they have to withstand is the Japanese attack that continues to pour out from Shexian County.
Even with solid concrete defenses, powerful firepower, and ample logistical support, this is still a fierce battle.
We defended day and night and did not dare to close our eyes. We might face crazy Japanese attacks and various means of surprise attacks at any time.
This is a huge drain on the soldiers' physical fitness and an extremely severe test on their willpower.
Faced with such challenges and pressure, the first battalion commander responded fearlessly:
"Yes, commander, please rest assured, all the soldiers of our first battalion will fight to the death to complete the mission!"
"Nonsense, if the mission must be completed, our comrades must also live a good life. Don't forget the principle of our old independent regiment, which is to exchange for the greatest victory with the smallest sacrifice!"
"Hehe, yes! Captain, don't worry. Even though we have a small number of people, with the equipment and fortifications we have on hand, there is no problem in supporting him for ten days and a half!"
The battalion commander assured with a smile.
"Don't be careless, this battle must be fought for me!" Lei Dasheng explained.
"On the premise of holding the position, just kill him as fast as you can. This time the old regiment leader proposed a plan to build a slaughterhouse and kill the Japanese invaders at the headquarters. Damn, just thinking about it makes people's blood boil.
First Battalion Commander, if you command this battle well and do well, hehe, after the battle is over, I’m afraid the boss will have to personally treat you to a drink!
Are you still afraid that you won’t be famous by then?
You can’t escape this title of battle hero!”
After finishing drawing the pie, leaving behind the battalion commander who looked excited with a bit of a silly smile, Lei Dasheng immediately went to prepare.
……
While the battle between the First Regiment and the Sangu Regiment in Shexian County was in full swing, battles in several other directions in Licheng also started one after another.
After the main forces of the Eighth Route Army besieged Licheng, the battle began, Liao County to the north, Xiangyuan to the west, and Lucheng to the south.
Halfway through the mountain road leading to Licheng, all of them, without exception, were ambushed by the Eighth Route Army.
As a result, the Japanese and puppet defenders in Licheng struggled to hold on, even though they constantly requested reinforcements from the headquarters and fought for nearly four hours at a stretch, they still did not see any reinforcements.
The battle around Licheng has completely turned into a pot of porridge.
In addition to Licheng itself being besieged by the main force of the Eighth Route Army, the confrontation between the Japanese army and the Eighth Route Army intensified near Liao County, near Xiangyuan, near Lucheng, and near Shexian County.
The commanders leading the team this time are all elite generals of the Eighth Route Army. Each of them flexibly applied various tactics on the battlefield. It was like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each showing their magical powers.
Lei Dasheng, the leader of the regiment in charge of blocking the attack in Shexian County, took the opportunity to sneak attack and capture the Japanese concrete fortifications, and then blocked the city gate of Shexian County in an ingenious way, catching the Japanese by surprise.
The Japanese were so stunned that they blocked the door of the house. They were so anxious that they couldn't even get out even half a step.
Wang Leihu, leader of the Second Independent Regiment, led the main force and launched an ambush on the steep mountain road from Xiangyuan to Licheng, almost wiping out a Japanese reinforcements brigade.
Commander Wang of the 769th Regiment led the main force of the regiment to directly set up a battle formation to block the Japanese troops who were reinforcing Licheng from Lucheng.
That is, the Japanese Third Mixed Brigade, a team led by the escaped general Ishikawa.
As soon as the battle between the two sides started, Ishikawa realized that the blocking Eighth Route Army was by no means an ordinary team. It was extremely cautious and was completely frightened by the Eighth Route Army. Sure enough, Ishikawa quickly ordered all troops to withdraw to Lucheng, and then closed the city gate tightly.
Can't get out.
No matter how Licheng asks for help, nothing will come out.
He has recognized his opponent, who is definitely the elite main force of the 386th and 385th brigades of the Eighth Route Army.
That's not a joke, it could kill you if you go out.
As for the Japanese reinforcements heading south from Liao County, they were stopped by the main force sent by Ding Wei.
Therefore, around Licheng, with Licheng as the center point, and the battles started at four points: Shexian to the north, Xiangyuan to the west, Lucheng to the south, and Shexian to the east, the battles gradually emerged between the Japanese army and the Eighth Route Army.
On the combat map of the general headquarters of both sides.
The Japanese army then discovered during subsequent investigations that the main force of the Eighth Route Army was rapidly approaching five points including Lucheng, Shexian, Xiangyuan and Licheng.
One wave after another, they kept coming together, and it seemed that they were going to repeat the battle where the Eighth Route Army heavily troops besieged Licheng not long ago.
At the same time, it seems to be coordinating the five-point attack of Licheng and others.
In the Taihang Base Area, including the Taiyue Base Area and the Zhongtiao Mountain Base Area, the Eighth Route Army troops began to try to attack the blockade built by the Japanese army.
The Japanese Army's North China Dispatch Army Headquarters and the Japanese Commander-in-Chief Okamura Neiji pointed out after thoroughly understanding all the battle situations:
"The Eighth Route Army suddenly attacked Licheng, and various base areas began to attack our army's blockade. It seems that the Eighth Route Army realized something and did not want to sit still and prepare to try to break through the blockade."
A staff officer pointed out: "Your Excellency, Commander-in-Chief, the Eighth Route Army used false news about collective military weddings and celebrations from the base area to suddenly attack Licheng, which really caught us off guard."
Okamura nodded, this is a fact.
Then the Japanese Chief of Staff pointed out:
"However, there is an old saying in China that says misfortune lies where blessings depend, and misfortune lies where misfortune lies. Although the Eighth Route Army's attack on our army in Li City was an accident, it seems that this bad thing may not be turned into a good thing at the moment.
”
Okamura smiled and said: "Oh, what do you think Tanabe-kun has to say?"
A truly capable person is not someone who can easily distinguish good things from bad things, but the ability to turn bad things into good things.
Turning decay into magic is the style of a general.
Tanabe, the chief of staff of the Japanese dispatched army in North China, pondered for a moment and replied: "General, I think it is better to use the strategy to avoid the weak and take the heavy, and then defeat it with one blow..."