Longxian, known as Longzhou in ancient times, is named because it is located in the east of Longshan Mountain, and is located in the west of the Guanzhong Plain and the northwest of Baoji in Shaanxi Province. It is bordered by Qianyang in the east, Chencang in the south, and Qingshui, Zhangjiachuan, Huating, Chongxin and Lingtai counties in Gansu in the northwest.

After some site selection, the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army and the central government finally selected and finally built a second steel plant under the jurisdiction of the Eighth Route Army in Longxian County, in addition to the Yulin Iron and Steel Plant, so as to increase the total steel output of the Eighth Route Army.

Although the iron ore resources of Baoji are not as rich as imagined. However, the Longhai Railway has been built to Longxian County in Baoji, and the railway from here to Tianshui in Gansu Province is also being repaired in a hurry.

Taking into account the side of the Eighth Route Army, it was temporarily impossible to produce standardized rails. The Eighth Route Army, which recovered the Xinzhou-Datong Railway in the early stage, also dismantled a lot of railroad tracks from the Tongpu Railway and the Pingsui Railway, intending to use them for the construction of the railway from Baoji to Tianshui.

Even the preparation and site selection of the steel plant was carried out in the name of surveying the railway line. He Zhengdao, who arrived at the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army in Xi'an, finally accompanied Mr. Zhu here after staying in Xi'an for three days.

In order to ensure the security of the area, the main division of the Eighth Route Army, the 126th Division, which was reorganized from the Red Third Army Corps, is also stationed in the Baoji area. In the future, the preparation and defense of the steel plant will be carried out by the 126th Division.

Looking at the construction site of the steel plant that is currently being built, He Zhengdao looked at the planning map of the steel plant and said with satisfaction: "Commander-in-chief, if you look at this progress, you shouldn't have to wait too long to continue the time for the steel plant to start."

It's just that with regard to the air defense and secrecy work of the steel plant, I think it is necessary to start it in advance. Although this place is very hidden, with the completion of the construction of roads and railways, I am afraid that this news will not be hidden for too long.

If the little devils knew that we had built a steel mill here, I believe they would organize another large-scale air raid. If this kind of thing really happens, I'm afraid that even if we don't want to fight, we will have to fight with them again. ”

'Yes! According to your previous request, as well as the professional technicians of the steel plant we have hired, we have also considered the future of the steel plant to deal with the bombing. It's just that at the moment, we have too few anti-aircraft weapons in reserve! ’

Air defense is undoubtedly the biggest shortcoming of the Chinese War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Even if Mr. Zhu has the heart to deploy more anti-aircraft firepower for the steel plant. But he is also weak, and he can't come up with too many anti-aircraft weapons at all.

Hearing this, He Zhengdao finally thought about it and said: "Commander-in-chief, doesn't the 126th Division currently have a single air defense weapon?" ”

'Nope! Compared with the main combat divisions that went behind enemy lines, our division did not even have many heavy machine guns. ’

Huang Kecheng, commander of the 126th Division, who accompanied the inspection, also knew very well that this steel plant was very important to the Eighth Route Army. It can even be said that with the preparation of the steel plant in Baoji, the responsibility of their 126th Division is heavier, but the benefits should also increase a lot.

As the main force guarding Hanzhong, Baoji and other places, the 126th Division is also one of the few main divisions that has not yet gone to the front line. The significance of its existence is more to guard against the surprise attack of the Central Army on Shaanxi.

Even in Hanzhong and Baoji, the Eighth Route Army also formed a garrison brigade and garrison division. But everyone knows that the equipment and combat effectiveness of these troops are still somewhat insufficient compared to the main force like the 126th Division.

Listening to Huang Kecheng's complaints, Mr. Zhu spread his hands and said: "Regarding the matter of equipment, even the commander-in-chief can't do it. Those weapons and equipment stockpiled at the headquarters are needed more by the troops on the front line than you do. This matter, let Xiao He find a way! ”

Mr. Zhu, who said this, also knew that in terms of the amount of weapons in storage, it was estimated that the other main divisions did not have as many independent columns. Speaking of which, at the moment of equipping the anti-aircraft weapons of the central and headquarters of the center, the separate column solved a large part.

At present, no matter how much the steel plant is built, it is also necessary to build an anti-aircraft position nearby. Without anti-aircraft weapons, it is almost impossible for steel mills to stabilize production, and the planes of the little devils are afraid that they will bomb like crazy.

Looking at Huang Kecheng's expectant gaze, He Zhengdao said speechlessly: "Commander-in-chief, it seems that you, like Mr. Peng, think that our independent column is the landlord of the land. But in fact, the anti-aircraft weapons of our independent column are not enough in themselves!

However, Commander Huang, given the importance of the steel mill to the arsenal. I will raise a battalion of anti-aircraft weapons for you in the shortest possible time. It is hoped that after a period of time, we will have a breakthrough in the development of air defense weapons.

In this case, I can get the arsenal to produce as many anti-aircraft weapons as possible. To protect the steel plant, at least one regiment or more of anti-aircraft firepower is required, and it is better to use anti-aircraft guns as the mainstay.

If the Central Committee and the General Headquarters agree, I plan to send an air force squadron from Yulin to assist in the defense. Although our air force can't carry out an air force with the little devils, it can patrol the surrounding airspace.

As long as the little devils can't find the location of the steel plant, then they can leave time for our air defense. Bringing in an air squadron will not only strengthen our control of the surrounding airspace, but also help strengthen the air defense of the steel plant. ”

After listening to He Zhengdao, Mr. Zhu said directly: "At present, the Air Force can send planes here?" ”

'Draw a squadron, I think it's okay. If there is more, it is estimated that it will not be very convenient. Fortunately, after this period of training, the number of pilots in our air force brigade is still much higher than before.

The only thing that is a little difficult is that we have a limited number of aircraft. But I believe that when we develop an engine that is suitable for aircraft, it will be time for us to produce airplanes. But all of this takes time! ’

'Yes! What we lack at the moment is time for stable development. If we want to catch up with the little devils, it seems that we still have to race against time to compete with the little devils. One more ton of steel production is one more hope for development. ’

Although Mr. Zhu didn't know much about industrial construction before, he listened to He Zhengdao's narration and the report submitted. He also knows that the biggest problem that restricts the development of arsenals at present is actually that steel production is too low.

Mr. Zhu, who had just finished saying this, thought for a while and said, "Will the transfer of an air force squadron affect your air defense forces?" In the future, the little devils will launch a counteroffensive, and you will only be afraid of the greatest pressure. ”

In the face of Mr. Zhu's concern, He Zhengdao said with a smile: "Actually, the little devil is very quick to update the aircraft. As far as I know, at the moment the little devils are already replacing their newly developed bombers.

As far as the plane we grabbed before, I am afraid that the performance is no longer enough to engage in air combat with the little devil's plane. This means that the Air Force Brigade is on the Yulin side, and it is also unable to compete for air supremacy with the little devils.

Now send an air squadron over to strengthen the air patrol on the side of the steel plant. Another reason is that in the future, if possible, they can support the Central Plains battlefield at any time and support our troops here.

Perhaps the little devils feel that we simply do not have an air force that can be reused. And when the little devils are marching and fighting, they don't pay much attention to air defense measures. Raid once in a while, I believe the effect will be very significant. ”

'Okay, since you don't think it will affect you too much, then you can send an air squadron over. To be honest, even if our air force is immature, there is an air force, and my heart is a lot more steady. ’

On the other hand, when Huang Kecheng heard this, he was also very happy and said: "Commander He, thank you!" ”

'Old chief, forget about this thank you!' In any case, improving your air defense is good for the steel plant and good for you. As long as the steel plant can produce stably, air defense weapons will be produced one after another sooner or later.

Just equip these anti-aircraft weapons, or give me some time. However, the construction of air defense positions requires us to make more efforts. The air defense positions should be built first, and more arduous training should be carried out in the later stage.

During the previous air raid on Yan'an, the losses of the air defense forces are believed to have been heard by the old chief. To be honest, the best way to defend against imp planes is actually the Air Force against the Air Force. But now we don't have that condition, so we can only defend it.

But the little devil's plane, I believe it is not scrap iron. Knock them out a few more times, and I'm sure they'll hurt too. It's just that if you want to shoot down the planes of the little devils with anti-aircraft weapons, it will be difficult to do this without rigorous training.

Next, while preparing air defense weapons, I will also try to transfer some veterans with air defense experience to help form an air defense regiment. Only in this way, when the little devils find here in the future, can we give them a fatal blow. ’

The presence of air defense forces does not mean that the Japanese bombing can be eliminated. The only way to do this is to adopt the tactic of 'killing a thousand enemies and inflicting eight hundred self-damage' to play with the little devils. It is not easy to train the air defense forces, and it is not easy to train the air force of the little devils.

Under the existing circumstances, this is the only way to let the Japanese know that they want to send the air force to bomb the steel plant built here will cost them dearly. But what the final result will be, only after the fight will be known.

Just when He Zhengdao stayed in the steel plant and accompanied the preparatory team to take charge of this matter. The reinforcements from North China finally entered Taiyuan City as they wished. For their arrival, Seishiro Itagaki also felt helpless and happy.

Helplessly, the battle was over, and these reinforcements arrived in Taiyuan. Happily, the arrival of these reinforcements will also play an important role in stabilizing the situation in the controlled areas.

At least the area where the Jin Sui army was fighting has now also stabilized. As for the area controlled by the Eighth Route Army, Itagaki also knew that the troops at hand were not enough, and he still needed to wait.

But the arrival of these reinforcements at least made him feel more certain than before in holding on to his existing territory. It's just that to the anger of the Japanese army in North China and Shanxi, it seems that their railroad restoration is still far away.

Repair a section, blow up a section, let the Japanese troops who are concerned about the repair of the railway know. If they don't want to eliminate the rebels along the railway, it is almost impossible for them to repair the railway connecting Shanxi and North China! (To be continued.) )