Chapter 108: The Focus of Defense
Originally, in Hu Biao's plan, he wanted to wait for the Japanese army to launch an attack on Haiphong City, and then let Nuvic persuade Louis and others to retreat to the rear. The 2nd Division, commanded by Lei Xiong, had already built fortifications behind Haiphong City.
From the beginning, Hu Biao never thought about defending Haiphong City. The reason is simple, without a strong naval and air force, it is simply impossible to hold a coastal port city. Surrender to Haiphong City and block it in the jungle.
With Haiphong City, a landing and supply port, I believe that the reinforcements of the follow-up Japanese army will continue to be transported. The problem was that when the Japanese reinforcements arrived, Hu Biao would be able to engage in jungle warfare with the Japanese army through the long jungle line.
The little devil transferred infantry combat troops by sea, and Hu Biao mobilized more troops by land through the two provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou. Set the battlefield in the Indochina colony, turn it into a death zone for the Japanese army, and try to consume the Japanese army's strength.
If the sacrifice is too great, Hu Biao can also let go of some openings and stretch the supply line of the little devil in the jungle. Once the little devil is recruited, then Indochina, with its long jungle line, will definitely become a nightmare for the Japanese army.
Secondly, when necessary, Hu Biao also needs to let the indigenous people of Indochina feel the murderous side of the Japanese army, so that more indigenous people know that once they are colonized by the Japanese army, the situation will be worse than before.
Under the pretext of attacking the governor, the colonial troops stationed in Haiphong City wantonly captured the Fusang expatriates and traders in the city. In the face of the sudden blockade and arrest, many Fuso expatriates and traders looked extremely panicked and frightened.
Those who dare to resist arrest, those hired Ah San, will also unceremoniously raise their guns and shoot. The French officers and soldiers who were in charge of supervising the war were also happy to let these servants and mercenaries rush to the front line, and they just followed behind to pick up the bargain.
After solving the problem of resisting arrest, the so-called Fuso samurai, the French officer in charge of supervising the war, will say very righteously: "These damned Fuso people dare to assassinate our esteemed Mr. Governor, this is the punishment they deserve."
Even though our country is being invaded by invaders, we still have the right to manage this land. Anyone who wants to rob us of something will be hit. Send these Fuso people to prison and confiscate all the belongings in the store! ”
After conveying such a message to the residents who watched the excitement, the city defense force was in charge of the whole city to arrest the Fuso people. He also took this opportunity to seize a large amount of money from the Fuso expatriates and traders.
As promised earlier by Major Peake, all seized supplies will belong to Novik. As for the money and property that were collected, it will be distributed to all officers and soldiers involved in the mission after it is handed over. Who doesn't like to do things that are rich?
Seeing that the colonial army actually arrested the Fusang people in the whole city, the Chinese living in Haiphong City were also very surprised and excited. It's a pity that soon there was news from the Xilong Chamber of Commerce that Haiphong City was about to become a new battlefield.
If these Chinese and traders do not want to become cannon fodder for the war, then they must be transferred as soon as possible. As for the indigenous people living in the city, many people feel that there is hope. The really smart natives are also trying to get ready to leave.
Soon after the meeting of the Doge's Palace, a notice was posted in the city. Knowing that they needed to be transferred overnight, many foreigners and their families living in Haiphong City became a little panicked and ran to the city defense officer to inquire about the situation.
It was learned that the fleet of the Fuso people was not far from Haiphong City, and it was very likely that it would arrive tomorrow afternoon or evening. This means that there is a good chance that there will be only one night left for them to move.
In such a short period of time, many traders who do business here are unable to sell their goods at all. In the face of the protests of these merchants, the civil affairs officer in charge of the arrangement also said directly: "Sir, then you can choose to stay!" ”
Money or death! Many people, undoubtedly, have chosen the latter. When the horse team, which had already assembled behind the defensive position, entered Haiphong City at night, many foreigners who had gathered their money and daily necessities began to leave with the horse team one after another.
Seeing the officials and family members of the governor's palace, they all left behind the horse team. No matter how unwilling the foreigners are, they also know that if they continue to stay in Haiphong City, they will definitely die. Once a war starts, cannonballs and bombs will not tell which country they are!
Looking at the horses and people who were leaving one after another, Nuvic, who was still staying in the city, smiled and said, "Pique, do you regret it?" You should know that if you choose to stay and wait for the Fuso army to arrive, you will most likely die here! ”
"Vic, you haven't left, so why should I leave in a hurry!"
Hearing Major Peake's words, Nuvic burst out laughing and said, "You're a smart man!" Live well, and when this battle is over, I'll take you to meet the big boss. I'm sure you'll be appreciated by him! ”
"Thank you! Although I am greedy for money, since I learned that the country has fallen, I have learned that money cannot buy security. Only by fighting can we defend the honor of Francis. Living in peace for too long, many people have lost their courage! ”
"That's right! The boss once told me something that I think makes a lot of sense. Although the country is big, the belligerent will die! Although the world is safe, forgetting the war will be dangerous. Now that I think about it, it does make sense. Faransi has indeed been too greedy for comfort over the years! ”
Listening to what Nuvik said, Major Peake didn't say anything more. With the departure of Louis with the family members of the officials of Haiphong City, the entire Haiphong City was completely handed over to Major Nuvic and Pique.
Major Peake was moved by the fact that many of the French officers and soldiers chose to desert and retreat to the rear with Louis. But at this moment, in Haiphong City, there are still thousands of French Lanxi officers and soldiers, who choose to defend the honor of Faransi.
As for Farancy's fleet, after receiving an order from Louis, it quickly sailed to the place where the English fleet was located. In order to ensure the safety of these ships, Hu Biao even contacted the fleets of Menia to join the fleets of the two countries.
Although nominally, the fleets of Menia and England were intended to serve as spectator fleets. But in reality, the fleets of these two countries are protecting the fleets of Francis. In Hu Biao's opinion, if he has the opportunity, he plans to buy some of this fleet.
When the battle of Haiphong City is over, Hu Biao will also find a way to contact the French government in exile in England through his relationship with the Meminian military, and propose to buy the French fleet in Asia. Of course, the price will certainly not be too high!
For the Franco-Ransi government-in-exile, it is believed that they have little choice. Whether it's Menia or England, annexing this fleet would feel like a robbery. Only Hu Biao, if he buys it, others will not gossip.
If the purchase agreement cannot be completed, Hu Biao will also propose the name of the lease. At least for the government in exile at the moment, they need money and more national recognition. If you lend it, you can make money and keep a fleet.
After a night of intense evacuation, the originally lively Haiphong City was instantly silent. Just when the troops left behind seemed a little worried, Nuvic, who had not slept all night, came to the city gate with Major Peake.
Just as Major Peake was curious with his officers, Nuvic, who had changed into a military uniform, smiled and said, "Send a signal!" ”
"Yes, Captain!"
With a flare rising into the air, after a while, the colonial troops remaining in the city soon saw a large number of troops wearing camouflage combat uniforms, and soon appeared on the road outside the city. Seeing these troops, Pique and the others were dumbfounded.
"Vic, is this Huaxia's troops?"
"No, although they are Chinese, they are not regular soldiers. They are, to be exact, our allies. Next, we just need to hold out here for a day or two, and then we can retreat to the rear. ”
Friendly? Not a regular army?
From these marching movements with the same pace and orderly appearance, no matter how stupid the officers are, they know that this is an elite army. What shocked the officers even more was that the soldiers of this army seemed to have undergone rigorous combat training.
"Oh buy ga! Is this all a Chinese army? ”
On the contrary, Nuvic strode forward and saluted: "General Lei, please go on a trip yourself, I'm sorry!" ”
"Captain Vicky, you're welcome! We are old friends, and if our friends are in trouble, we naturally need to help! ”
At Nuvic's recommendation, Raychon also shook hands with Pique and saluted. As the new division commander, Lei Xiong has been practicing English hard since he joined the Wolf Army. Although I don't know the language of Faransi, I still have no problem communicating in English.
Major Peake, who had dealt with many Chinese officers, was also shocked: "General Lei, have you ever studied abroad?" ”
"Nope! I was born into a peasant family, and I learned English after enlisting in the army! ”
It would not be surprising to say that Lei Xiong studied English as a general. Then many of the officers who came with Lei Xiong could speak some English, which really shocked Pique and others, and felt that this kind of army was very different.
Because the city of Haiphong had been temporarily taken over by Nuvic, Lei Xiong led the main force of a regiment to arrive and quickly opened the armory of the colonial army. A large number of weapons and equipment have also been transported out of the overseas city one after another.
The troops who arrived did not choose to settle in Haiphong City, but built temporary fortifications outside Haiphong City. According to Lei Xiong's combat requirements, the colonial army in the city also joined the task of building fortifications.
In the face of Pique and others' inquiries, Lei Xiong also said directly: "For us, there is only one task, that is, to try to buy more time for the people who were transferred away last night." With the help of Haiphong City, the speed of the landing of the Japanese army was delayed.
The land-based guns built in the harbor could hardly withstand the bombardment of the Japanese army's large-caliber naval guns and air force. Therefore, the focus of our defense should be the Japanese naval artillery strikes and aerial bombardment. The construction of anti-artillery holes is very important! ”
After listening to Lei Xiong's suggestions on defensive deployment, Pique and others also felt that the other party knew the Japanese army's combat mode very well. With such a general with rich combat experience, with them defending the city, their chances of survival will be greatly improved.
But they didn't know that the staff officer next to Lei Xiong was actually pretended by Hu Biao. These operational deployments are nothing more than announcements to Pique and others through Lei Xiong's mouth. This coastal defense city will not be able to hold it in the end!