The Baotou airport was bombed again, and the news not only alarmed Seishiro Itagaki who was in charge of monitoring Shanxi, but even the commander of the North China Front Army who was far away in Beiping was alarmed again. They all realized that Suiyuan was in trouble.

It's just that at the moment, even if they knew, there was nothing they could do. The reason is also very simple, neither Shanxi nor North China can send reinforcements. Not to mention, at this moment, the independent column has cut off the road to rescue Suiyuan, and it can't be saved if it wants to.

In view of this situation, the North China Front immediately instructed the garrisons stationed in Baotou and Suiyuan to strictly guard against it. At another time, from the eastern part of Mongolia, two puppet Mongolian cavalry divisions were again dispatched to rush to the aid of Baotou and Guisui.

Knowing this, Itagaki Seishiro looked at the map and said helplessly: "Baga, I know that the independent column will not only focus on Shuozhou and Datong, his real intention is still Suiyuan." O cunning fellow! ”

Listening to Itakami Seisiro's words, the chief of staff who had discussed the winter offensive of the Eighth Route Army with him a while ago also said bitterly: "Your Excellency General, it's my fault!" As you guessed earlier, I was too careless, and I would have pleaded guilty to the front army. ”

As the chief of staff of the Shanxi Dispatch Army, he had the responsibility of formulating the offensive operations of the troops. And the previous time Itagaki had already made a judgment that He Zhengdao would fight Suiyuan's idea, but the chief of staff felt that it was unlikely to veto.

It can't be said that he vetoed it, it should be said that he didn't believe it very much, which caused trouble to Ban Huan. Now that Suiyuan has an accident, as the chief of staff, he naturally has to take the corresponding responsibility. After all, it's the fault of a strategic decision!

'Kameda-kun, you don't have much responsibility for this matter. It can only be said that the tactics of the Eighth Route Army are too deceptive. Most importantly, we all underestimated the strength of the independent column. It can even be said that we underestimated the strength of the Eighth Route Army.

From a long-term perspective, Suiyuan will be lost if it is lost. If the top echelons of the empire are not aware of the plight of North China, they will not focus on North China. What we need to do now is to hold on to the occupied territories that we are experiencing.

When the snow in the north melts, I believe that when the Imperial Army returns, it will definitely let the Eighth Route Army know the fate of the confrontation with our Great Day Bowl Imperial Army. A momentary victory is not a final victory, you know? ’

Looking at the chief of staff who said something to plead guilty, Itagaki didn't have too much harsh reprimand. As far as he is concerned, as long as Taiyuan is not lost, the other occupied areas will be lost. In his opinion, it's a big deal to recapture it again.

It is imperative to let the empire know that the situation in North China is dangerous. If the development of the Eighth Route Army is not curbed, their future rule in the north will be greatly affected and affected.

Putting the focus on the Central Army in the south will only allow the Eighth Route Army to gain valuable time for development. Once the Eighth Route Army developed and expanded, Banhuan felt that this would be a big problem for their Japanese army.

When the Japanese army realized the crisis in Suiyuan, the reconnaissance regiment that marched forward in great strides successfully captured Zhuozi City in one night. With the recovery of Zhuozi City, many Japanese soldiers knew that the Suiyuan garrison was in danger.

At the same time, the area originally under the control of the Japanese army stationed in Suiyuan suddenly appeared in a large number of troops of the Eighth Route Army. What even shocked the Japanese army in Baotou was that a cavalry division of the Eighth Route Army had already detoured to the rear of Baotou to block the attack.

This means that the Japanese troops in Baotou and Guisui are likely to be completely annihilated by the Eighth Route Army. In view of this situation, Sugiyama Moto, commander of the North China Front, was undoubtedly very angry, but he was very helpless about the current situation.

Listening to the report of the chief of staff Yamashita Fengwen: "According to the current situation we have, the Chinese Army attacking Suiyuan should be an independent column of the Eighth Route Army occupying Shaanxi. This unit should be the strongest unit in the Eighth Route Army.

The Eighth Route Army's winter offensive against the northwest should be in retaliation for our bombing years ago. In the previous bombardment, Yulin City, the base of the independent column, was almost destroyed by us.

From the information sent by the current defenders, it can basically be confirmed that the independent column attacking Suiyuan has sent at least two main divisions and a cavalry corps. If the garrison participating in the battle is added, the total strength is at least 60,000 men.

Combined with the two main divisions of the independent column in Shuozhou and Datong, the strength of this division is at least 100,000. It can only be said that we have far underestimated the strength of this force, and also underestimated the strength of the Eighth Route Army in the northwest. ”

'Your Excellency Chief of Staff, as far as I know, the independent column of the Eighth Route Army should be an independent division under the sequence of the main division of the Eighth Route Army, right? How can they have so many people in one division? ’

A brigade commander who was familiar with the situation of the main division of the Eighth Route Army raised this question in a timely manner. But Yamashita Fengwen quickly said: "This situation was collected by us from the high-level of the Jin Sui Army at a great cost.

As for the main force of the 10 divisions of the Eighth Route Army, it was only a regular establishment obtained through negotiations with the Nationalist Government during the battle. It's just that such an establishment is not very important to the Eighth Route Army, which has independent combat rights.

It can be said that there are still considerable contradictions between the Eighth Route Army and the Central Army, the main force of the current China. If it weren't for our attack, these two forces would have met sooner or later. In response to this crisis, it is also normal for the Eighth Route Army to expand its army.

And according to the information we have received, the commander of the independent column is also a serious problem for the chairman of the Nationalist Government, Chiang. Even before the start of the war, this general of the Eighth Route Army was assassinated! ”

After the faint words were spoken, there was immediately a humane among the generals attending the meeting: "Oh! And this case! Then can we send a special task force to assassinate the commander of the Eighth Route Army?

If it can succeed, it will be planted to the Central Army. If these two forces can fight, I am afraid that it will become a very important role for us to fully occupy China! Can the Black Dragon Society be held accountable for this matter? ”

The Black Dragon Society is no stranger to many Japanese generals. This organization, before the Japanese army launched a full-scale war of aggression, was the intelligence gathering organization of the Japanese army in China, and it was called a major help to the Shanghai military.

And many people in this organization are not good at military affairs, but they are very good at assassination. Now that they learned of this situation, many Japanese generals felt that He Zhengdao should be resolved at the lowest cost in exchange for the greatest interests of the Japanese army.

Listening to the general's suggestion, Sugiyama Yuan pondered for a while and said, "This matter will be discussed later!" What we need to discuss at the moment is the situation in Suiyuan. Do you think the Ninth Infantry Brigade can hold Suiyuan? ”

In the face of such inquiries, many generals did not dare to speak up. It's just that in the hearts of these generals, there is actually an answer. The reason is very simple, the Japanese divisions and regiments that were completely annihilated by the independent column before could not hold Guisui. A brigade, is it possible?

Seeing that the generals were silent, Sugiyama Yuan also realized that Suiyuan might not be trustworthy, and said with a gloomy face: "What do you mean? Our warriors can't hold Suiyuan? Then am I going to give the order for the 9th Brigade to break through? ”

For such a question, the generals still did not dare to speak up. As long as everyone knows, where can the Ninth Brigade be withdrawn at the moment? Retreat in the direction of eastern Mongolia? It's still icy and snowy, and it will be very difficult for the army to walk.

If they had abandoned their baggage and advanced lightly, they might not have been able to escape the pursuit of the independent column. But many people know that if you want to retreat, you can only delay it as soon as possible. Because, the longer you delay, the more troublesome it becomes!

Looking at these generals who continued to be silent, Sugiyama Yuan couldn't help but shout at the table: "Yaga, you are the generals of the empire. Now it is a matter of time to gather you, not to sit still! ”

Looking at Sugiyama Moto, who was furious, it was finally Chief of Staff Yamashita Fufumi who said: "Your Excellency Commander, if you want to choose to evacuate, you can only let the Ninth Brigade withdraw." In addition, the garrison that cooperated with the operation had to hold on to the two cities.

In addition, if you want to choose to withdraw, you must be quick and fast. And try to start evacuating at night to prevent the Eighth Route Army troops from pursuing when they arrive. At the same time, in order to cope with the breakthrough of the 9th Brigade, cavalry units must be sent to respond. ”

'The Chief of Staff also wants the Ninth Brigade to withdraw? Could it be that our troops will not be able to hold out until reinforcements arrive? ’

For Sugiyama Yuan, giving the order to retreat to the Ninth Brigade was undoubtedly to abandon Suiyuan. This was undoubtedly a very humiliating thing for him, who was newly appointed commander of the North China Front. After all, it's a province!

Facing Sugiyama Yuan's words, Yamashita Fengwen smiled bitterly: "Your Excellency Commander, the Ninth Brigade will hold on to Guisui and may be able to hold out for a while. But our reinforcements will only take a long time to arrive.

Now, Baotou Airport has been destroyed, and even if we implement airdrop supply, it will be difficult to do so. If there is no food, the defenders of the two cities are afraid that they will not be able to hold out for long. Retreat now, it's more about preserving strength.

As long as the 9th Brigade can successfully withdraw to Ulanqab, then for us, it will also be able to maintain the defense of the Mengdong and Chahar regions. At present, the situation in Zhangjiakou is also very unstable.

Even if the Kwantung Army can be asked to go south to carry out rescue, I am afraid that it will take a long time to arrive in this weather. Rather than having a long journey with a large army, we should wait for the weather to improve, and then we will gather our army and sweep it all the way.

Since we can lay down Suiyuan once, I believe there will be a second time. Even in the next battle, we will inflict heavy losses on this damned Eighth Route Army, and shame the broken soldiers of our North China Front! ”

Yamashita Bongfumi, who said this, actually knew that it was just an excuse. But the problem is that he has to say such an excuse. Only by saying such an excuse will Sugiyama Motomo feel that there are steps to go down.

As he expected, Sugiyama Yuan, as the commander, didn't know that Suiyuan's insistence would only lead to a dead end. Preserving its strength is what the North China Front needs to do at present. After all, their current strength is indeed too tight.

If you can save a brigade, even if you lose a Suiyuan, what's the matter? If you lose one more brigade, it will be a real loss! (To be continued.) )