After defeating the bandits and cleaning up the battlefield, Zhang Liechen also ordered the kitchen to prepare some food and wine for Yang Ling and others to help them cleanse themselves from the dust.
However, we had just fought a battle, and the brothers suffered a lot of casualties. There were many things that needed to be done, such as the treatment of the wounded and the reconstruction of houses, so the meal was eaten quickly and did not waste too much time.
After the meal, Yang Ling summoned all the officers and staff officers at the company level and above to hold the first meeting after the troops were reunited to arrange the next work.
Yang Ling and the others led the little Japs east and west, and fought several battles with the Japs. After a long journey, they rushed into the mountain to join Zhang Liechen and the others. Now they finally settled down after entering the mountain.
However, no one knew whether the Japs would follow him into the mountains, so the first thing Yang Ling arranged was to have the Intelligence Department send agents and intelligence personnel out to the mountains to find out about the Japs.
"When we broke out from Huaiyin this time, many brothers were scattered in the melee. The intelligence personnel who came out must rely on the cover of the local people to establish some reception points to take back our scattered brothers."
Yang Ling's defeat in Huaiyin this time can be said to have caused heavy losses. Several combat battalions under his command suffered heavy losses. Now they only have six or seven hundred fighting brothers left, and they also lost their foothold in Huaiyin.
"Of course, for the brothers who have been taken in, don't bring them directly to our base area first. We will inspect them for a period of time and carefully screen them to prevent those who surrender to the enemy from mixing into our team."
Everyone agreed with Yang Ling's words. After all, if the brothers who were left alone had been out for so long, there was no guarantee that some of them would be captured and surrender to the enemy. It was also necessary to screen them.
"We lost most of the heavy machine guns and artillery in this breakout. After several battles, the ammunition was exhausted. The radio station was also lost and we lost contact with the theater headquarters. Therefore, your intelligence department needs to send a few more people this time.
The liaison officer rushed to the theater headquarters and tried to contact the theater headquarters to report our situation and obtain a batch of supplies."
"Sir, we suffered heavy losses this time. If the theater headquarters knew about it, I'm afraid...should we wait for a while to win the battle before contacting them?"
When they heard that Yang Ling was going to send a liaison officer to contact the theater headquarters, everyone looked at each other, and some had different opinions.
"Ugly daughters-in-law always want to see their parents-in-law. We have lost this time. Covering it up is not an option. Why don't we take the initiative to report it so that the theater headquarters knows our situation and feel at ease."
Seeing everyone's worried faces, Yang Ling added with a smile: "Besides, we have won so many battles before. Victory and defeat are commonplace for military strategists. We fought thousands of little devils alone,
I think the theater command also understands our difficulties."
"Sir, even if you say that, we have lost the battle after all. If we go to the top to investigate, we..."
"You don't have to worry. If anyone is held accountable, I will be responsible for everything." Yang Ling said.
"How can this be done?" Everyone waved their hands hurriedly.
"If the theater headquarters really wants to be held responsible for the defeat, let's all shoulder it together!" Deputy Captain Zhang Liechen said.
"Yes, at worst, we will be dismissed together and become the top soldiers! We will also fight the Japanese together." Battalion Commander Wu Changqing also said proudly.
"As the saying goes, we share blessings and hardships together. Let's advance and retreat together!"
Seeing everyone talking about taking the responsibility together, Yang Ling was also very moved: "This matter of contacting the theater headquarters has been settled. Whether the theater headquarters will hold the responsibility at that time will be discussed at that time."
"Sir, we have a lot of wounded, but we are in dire need of medicines. Can we get some medicines into the mountains by the way?"
"You guys from the Quartermaster Department should handle this matter. No matter what, make sure the injured brothers have enough medicine for treatment." Yang Ling turned to the Quartermaster Officer Sun Zhong and ordered.
Sun Jian nodded and said: "I will ask them to do their best to get medicines, but the Japs have a tight blockade. If they can't get it locally, they can only spend a lot of money to buy it on the black market in Lianyungang."
After everyone discussed the enemy situation investigation, material procurement and contact with the theater headquarters, the topic finally returned to the security of the new base area.
After all, the bandits' attack this time caused them a lot of losses, so Yang Ling and the others couldn't help but ignore it.
"A total of 637 bandits were killed in the battle, 560 were captured, and countless guns and ammunition were seized..."
The combat staff first introduced the casualties of this battle. Although many bandits were killed and captured, the brothers were still not happy because all in all, it was just a tragic victory.
The sudden appearance of Yang Ling and others made the bandits who had joined forces lose everything. Instead of getting the loot they wanted, they were severely weakened.
Although Yang Ling and the others won the victory, Zhang Liechen and the others suffered considerable losses. The remaining platoon suffered almost all casualties, and the two civilian camps were burned to ashes.
Now more than 600 officers and soldiers have entered the mountain to join together, which makes everyone feel more confident. After all, they have suffered a big loss. They are clamoring for revenge and wipe out these bandits in one fell swoop.
Although everyone was filled with righteous indignation and wanted to send troops to eliminate these bandits, Yang Ling held back the impulsive staff and officers.
"Although the bandits are severely injured this time, they should not be underestimated. If we pursue them fiercely and they are trapped and still fighting, we will probably suffer heavy casualties."
"Besides, our officers and soldiers have suffered serious losses in weapons and equipment during these days of fierce battles with the Japs, and our officers and soldiers are exhausted. If we continue to fight continuously, our combat effectiveness will be greatly reduced."
"Now that the common people's camps have been burned down by bandits, they are in urgent need of everyone's help in rebuilding. This is the time when manpower is needed, and we should send people to assist. If they all go to fight the bandits, then there will be no one to help the common people.
.”
Everyone was filled with indignation and wanted to seek revenge against the bandits, but after hearing what Yang Ling said, they all fell into deep thought. After all, what Yang Ling said was true, and it was difficult for them to refute it.
"But we suffered a big loss this time, and I can't bear to swallow it." Battalion Commander Zheng Gang said with a look of reluctance.
He was ordered to take a company of brothers to rescue the farthest camp No. 7. On the way, he was ambushed by bandits and lost a platoon of brothers. It can be said that he hated the bandits to the bone.
"It is not a gentleman not to avenge a grudge, but how to take revenge and when to take revenge are important. Go back and tell the brothers to rest and train well. When the time is up, I will naturally take everyone to take revenge. Don't even think about these bandits.
escape."
Seeing that Yang Ling had spoken, everyone knew that Yang Ling must have his own plan. Although they couldn't wait to get back the situation, they still knew that it was the duty of soldiers to obey orders, so they no longer focused on revenge.
"Although we will not fight the bandits for the time being, we must prevent the bandits from coming back. All camps must strengthen their vigilance and strengthen their sentries. The militia teams in the civilian camps must immediately start military training and use them as our supplementary troops to strictly control the situation.
Require."
"The people in the intelligence department are selecting some reliable people to see if they can penetrate into the bandits. Then we will be able to suppress the bandits more easily."