...The Japanese army launched the Changsha Operation three times, using a total of nearly 400,000 troops. Although they all ended in failure, they have never given up their evil intentions.
All the officers and soldiers of the Ninth War Zone fought hard and repelled the Japanese attacks on Changsha three times in a row. Considering the Japanese army's determination to invade Changsha, after winning three battles, the Chiang Kai-shek headquarters was still preparing at all times to deal with the fourth possible Japanese attack.
Battle in Changsha.
At that time, in response to the fierce Japanese offensive, Chiang Kai-shek had three voices.
The first voice believed that instead of holding on to Changsha under huge combat pressure, it was better to strategically abandon Changsha, lure the enemy deep into the Hengyang area, and then fight the Japanese army.
The second voice also believed that Changsha could be strategically abandoned, and then the battle could be fought in the Huangsha River area on the border of Hunan and Guangxi, taking advantage of the advantageous terrain.
The third voice was the opinion of General Xue Boling. He believed that Changsha should continue to be defended and fight the enemy with the help of solid fortifications that were easy to defend but difficult to attack and had been in operation for many years.
Xue Boling was the commander-in-chief of the Ninth War Zone of the Chiang Army. He had many achievements in dealing with the Japanese army and had a high prestige. Especially in the previous battles to defend Changsha, he led troops well and mastered the tactics of luring the enemy and annihilating them.
-Tianlu tactics, the Japanese army lost their helmets and armor and peeed in the urine. It was like a nightmare for the Japanese army.
There was even a nursery rhyme circulated in the Japanese-occupied areas called:
"There is Xue Huhu in the south and Kong Shao in the north. Although the Japanese invaders are rampant, sin and blood flow from both sides!"
What does it mean?
It means that on the frontal battlefield in the south, there was a man named Xue Boling, nicknamed Xue Laotou, in the Chiang Kai-shek Army, and in the north, on the battlefield behind enemy lines, there was a man named Kong Jie, nicknamed Kong Shatou, in the Eighth Route Army.
These two people are amazing!
They are all the nemesis of the Japanese, the ruthless people who kill the Japanese. Under the attack from the north and the south, the little Japanese will lose their armor and lose their armor, and they will lose their shit.
Every time some ordinary people in the Japanese war zone chatted in private and talked about the Chinese army's fight against the Japanese invaders, they would always mention Kong Shatou and Xue Laohu, and they would all give thumbs up and praise them endlessly.
When it comes to how to defend Changsha, there is probably no general with more experience than Xue Laohu.
In this way, facing Xue Boling's vow, the Chairman finally decided to hand over the heavy responsibility of Changsha's defense to Xue Boling, and implemented the third strategy to continue to hold on to Changsha, fight the Japanese army in the Changsha area, and prevent the Japanese army from advancing southward.
During the period when he was stationed in Changsha, Xue Boling did indeed perform well. He did his best in all aspects of defense and did not give the Japanese army any loopholes.
So much so that after the Japanese army failed in the Third Battle of Changsha at the end of 1941 and the beginning of 1942, more than a year has passed, and the Japanese still have not dared to invade Changsha.
Chiang Kai-shek also made a big propaganda about this, saying that there was a fierce tiger guarding Changsha, so the Japanese army naturally did not dare to approach lightly.
Xue Boling had actually been psychologically prepared for the possible fourth Changsha Operation launched by the Japanese army.
However, out of absolute confidence in the defense of Changsha that he had built himself, Xue Boling believed that if the Japanese army wanted to launch the fourth Changsha operation, it must make sufficient preparations in advance, whether it was the gathering of troops, the rest and reorganization of the troops, or the accumulation of logistics supplies.
It all takes time.
In addition, he firmly believed: "If the Japanese army wants to plot Changsha City, they must first capture Changde. If there is no movement in Changde, the Japanese will never dare to rush into Changsha!"
In fact, there is not much problem with Xue Boling's inference. As a springboard for attacking Changsha City, Changde's military value is too important.
If the Japanese army abandons this springboard and directly attacks Changsha, it will inevitably be greatly hindered. Logistics will also be cut off by the garrison in Changde, or even attacked from two sides. This is a taboo for military strategists from all aspects.
This is indeed what happened originally.
Including the Japanese military headquarters that was confronting the Ninth War Zone, the Japanese officers also believed that before going to Changsha, they must first go to Changde to make sufficient preparations.
Until the Japanese Sixth Front Army was formally established, Okamura Neiji, as the commander-in-chief of the Sixth Front Army, once again returned to the stage of Sino-Japanese war.
When the combat staff analyzed the important military value of Changde as a springboard for the attack on Changsha, Okamura and a group of Japanese officers had completely opposite analyses, and pointed out in a different way:
"Although what you said is good, if the battle is carried out step by step, as soon as the battle to attack Changde begins, the Chinese troops in Changsha will definitely receive the news and take adequate precautions in advance.
It is said that water has no permanent potential and soldiers have no permanent shape.
If we follow traditional analysis and traditional fighting methods, the enemy has already understood everything and has lost the opportunity. Is there any advantage in such a battle?"
Speaking of which, in the first battle of Changsha, the commander of the Japanese army was Okamura Neiji. As a result, he took advantage of the opportunity and came with more than 100,000 troops, but Xue Boling used the Tianlu strategy to gather more than 400,000 troops.
With his strength, he killed more than 30,000 people and finally escaped in embarrassment. It can be said that Xue Boling's men were defeated.
Therefore, even Oka Cun did not dare to be careless about the fierce tiger Xue Boling.
He believed that conventional tactics could never defeat Xue Laohu.
The Japanese Chief of Staff Miyazaki on the side asked: "Your Excellency, Commander, what do you mean?"
"Pretend to attack Changde, and the main force will take the opportunity to advance and take Changsha directly!" Okamura said in a surprising tone.
"However, Your Excellency, Commander, if Changde is not taken first, it will be extremely detrimental to the smooth flow of our army's logistics transportation lines, and may even put our army in a situation where it is attacked from both sides." An officer immediately raised his concerns.
Okamura said indifferently: "The main force of the Chinese army in the ninth theater is in the Changsha area, and that is the focus of their defense.
As for Changde, it is just an auxiliary defense zone that is at odds with Changsha.
With strong city walls and abundant artillery, it is naturally unrealistic for our army to quickly capture Changde. However, if we just besiege without attacking and completely encircle this city into a dead city, will the Chinese army in this city
Do you still dare to take the initiative to go out of the city to fight without fear of sacrifice?"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Chief of Staff Miyazaki on the side admired: "So this is what the general planned. I understand. Our army is just besieging but not attacking, and there is no need to pay any effort."
Too much cost, and then use the feint to attack Changde to attract the attention of the Chinese army in Changsha, and take the opportunity to attack Changsha, and we will definitely catch the Changsha defenders off guard!"
As if remembering something from the past, Okamura said with some regret:
"Speaking of which, this is a tactic taught to us by the cunning Eighth Route Army! The Eighth Route Army often uses siege instead of attack, and encircles the point to provide reinforcements.
Although the garrison in Changsha is a regular Chinese army, in many cases, their fighting courage may not be as good as those in the occupied area who were originally beggars.
In recent years, facing the increasingly growing Eighth Route Army, when fighting against it, the heroic combat troops of our Empire of Japan could only huddle within the city, being besieged by a small number of Eighth Route Army and not dare to go out to fight.
Naturally, I do not believe that these Central Army troops besieged in Changde can surpass our Imperial Japanese warriors in terms of fighting will and courage."
With that said, Okamura added: "In addition, in the siege of Changde, we must learn to create suspicions. At first, we can use large-scale troops to form a black cloud over the city. We must make a big enough noise so that all the Chinese troops can attack."
I believe our army is going to concentrate its forces to capture Changde in one fell swoop.
In Chinese terms, the thunder is loud and the raindrops are light.
We even only need to leave a small number of troops behind to continue to create noise, thereby covering the main force of our army to bypass Changde and go straight to Changsha!"
"Hi!" Miyazaki responded with admiration.
…
Xue Laohu, who was stationed in Changsha, believed that the Japanese army would not be able to capture Changsha without attacking Changde first, so he continued to garrison Changsha City with full confidence.
The newly formed Sixth Front Army of the Japanese army was secretly deployed under the secret command of the old Japanese soldier Okamura, preparing to feign an attack on Changde and advance towards Changsha.
Kong Jie was not idle at all.
During this period, all parties were at loggerheads, and the war between China and Japan became fierce again.
Various elite units of the Japanese army appeared one after another. From the rapid rise of the Jihadi Army formed by the Kwantung Army and headed south, to the Japanese Inoue Armored Division's devastation in western Ingo and eastern Hebei, they were invincible.
The military might and momentum of the Japanese army seemed to have returned to what they were in the early days of the War of Resistance.
Even many Japanese officers thought blindly:
Could it be that there is hope for jihad again?
Faced with such a severe combat situation, Kong Jie, who was in charge of the Eighth Route Army's Special Experimental Military Region Headquarters, smiled happily.
Kong Jie believes: "Rabbits bite when they are anxious. The more hastily the little devil launches an offensive, the more it shows that the devil is weak in the follow-up and will soon be at the end of his game."
Moreover, the fact that the Japanese have made such a big noise this time may not necessarily be a bad thing for us."
"Lao Kong, what do you say?" Li Yunlong couldn't turn around for a while.
Kong Jie said with a smile: "Think about it, the little devils have spent a lot of money this time, including the Jihad Army, the southward chariot division formed by the Kwantung Army, plus the battle in western Hubei, and transportation to all major continents.
The main force of the front-line advancement, as well as the possibility of launching a battle against Changsha at any time.
What a huge military force this is!
Now this military force is rampant in China, but what will happen if we fail to block the Japanese attack and are defeated by the Japanese?
I think this military force is likely to appear again in the Pacific battlefield and the Southeast Asian battlefield.
The battlefields in the Pacific and Southeast Asia have now reached a critical moment.
Do you think that at this juncture, the British, American, Soviet and other congresses are sitting back and watching our Chinese army become weak and ignoring it?"
Ding Wei on the side was still thinking about Kong Jie's words, while Li Yunlong, whose mind was spinning rapidly, was already slapping the table and exclaiming:
"Haha, Lao Kong, Lao Kong, you are such a talent, this business has really made a difference for you.
We understand what you mean. You are saying that at this juncture, we should just complain about poverty and suffering, and ask for assistance, resources, and technical support from allied countries.
If they don't give it, hey, let's just give up and say that this battle can't be fought. The Japs are well-equipped and have huge troops. You just wait for these little Japs to reinforce you on the battlefield where you are fighting the Japanese army!"
"That's what I mean!" Kong Jie said with a smile: "In addition, in order to enhance our persuasiveness, we can use some of the new Japanese equipment captured on the front line, including the newly developed Type 3 modified medium-sized tanks by the Japanese army, as well as the Japanese artillery fire on the front line positions.
Some images of the rapid defeat of the tank attack were given to Allied reporters for a good look.
Again, this is the time when the Allied countries need us. After this period, it may no longer be possible for us to ask for assistance and support from others!"
As for what reinforcements are needed, Kong Jie has already thought about it and even made a list.
The British man quickly provided some artillery processing equipment and cannon production technology to manufacture long-barreled cannons and tank guns. He also provided more support for artillery barrel self-tightening equipment, improved artillery special steel technology, and barrel grinding and forging equipment.
The Americans rushed to assist more steel mills, machine tool factories, aviation manufacturing factories, radio factories, etc.
The Soviet army provided assistance to some tank production lines and heavy factory equipment production lines, etc.
In short, it’s just one sentence:
"If you want our Eighth Route Army to stop or even eliminate the elite Japs, that's easy to say."
Kong Jie stretched out his hand: "Make money!"
Li Yunlong was stunned at first, and then said happily: "Haha, damn, these two words of making money are really amazing, thousands of words are all integrated into these two words.
You're right. If the Allies don't provide money, equipment, or technology, we won't do it. We want the horses to run but don't let them eat grass. We, the Eighth Route Army, are not being taken advantage of.
As long as we defend passively, once the Japanese rear is stabilized, a steady stream of troops will continue to be deployed to the Pacific and Southeast Asian battlefields, which will cause headaches for all the Allied countries.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! So what?
Lao Kong, I think it’s best to let Lao Du help us intercede for this matter. This old boy is real, and with his help, this matter can definitely be done.”
"Well, can we let the Americans help us deceive the Americans?" Ding Wei expressed hesitation.
Li Yunlong smiled and said: "Forget it, this old Du is going crazy if he wants to be the father of our Chinese aviation. Some time ago, he said that our Eighth Route Army's aircraft production line was not enough, and he even took the initiative to apply for assistance from the United States, but was rejected. He
Very angry.
Lao Du will definitely help this time!"
The three of them hit it off immediately and immediately implemented the plan.
Of course, paper could not stop the fire. In addition, Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union and other parties intentionally disclosed relevant information to Chiang's military government. Soon after, the Chairman learned that the Eighth Route Army was requesting assistance from allied countries and strengthening cooperation in all aspects.
.
The Chairman was very dissatisfied with this. He has always regarded himself as the master of China.
It is obvious that he is the boss and the head of the family, but the Eighth Route Army actually reached over him to cooperate with the Allies. Is this okay?
In the end, in order to cut off the business of the Eighth Route Army, the Chairman of the Generalissimo patted his chest and said to the Allies: "The Central Army will definitely defeat the Japanese army in the battle, hold back the Japanese army in the Chinese battlefield, and assist the battlefields in the Pacific and Southeast Asia."
Of course, besides patting his chest, the Chairman said that he also needs some assistance from allied countries.
Countries such as Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union were also happy to see this. The Eighth Route Army and the Central Army were competing to deal with the Japanese invaders, so let them go. As long as they could hold back the Japanese troops on the Chinese battlefield, they could say anything.
It was at this juncture that under the secret command of the old Japanese Okamura, the Japanese Sixth Front Army first feinted to attack Changde, and then bypassed the Changde area and went straight to Changsha.
A war between the two sides is about to break out.
The Fourth Battle of Changsha officially broke out...