As the sun faded in the west, the engineering units were still building fortifications. The largest is a serpentine trench extending from Xueguozhuang Village to Guantai Ferry, divided into three parts, winding forward like a giant python.

In the direction of Nancao Village, only a serpentine trench was built, which saved a lot of manpower, so it came from behind and approached the Japanese position first. The fortifications of the southern position did not extend forward, but the first battalion secretly moved two rapid-fire guns and built strong bunkers, intending to bombard their positions while the Japanese were not looking.

Although the captured Japanese-made Type 94 rapid-fire gun is relatively backward in performance, it still has great lethality against civil engineering fortifications without reinforced concrete.

After the Japanese retreated, the trenches were repaired closer and closer, and soon approached within 200 meters. Commander Chen excitedly said to Company Commander Huo: "Xiao Huo, well done!" If this continues, the Japanese positions will be able to be approached before dark. ”

Huo Lian Chang was not so optimistic. He frowned and said, "It's so abnormal that the little devils are all hiding in the fortifications, and I'm worried that they have some conspiracy." ”

Bang! A gunshot suddenly interrupted their conversation, and the two fell to the ground. There was a commotion nearby, and a squad leader ran to report: "Tuanzao, another brother has been shot coldly by the devil, and it is already glorious." ”

Chen Tuan Chang was furious and scolded: "These bitches raised them know how to shoot black guns!" You immediately go and inform the first company, and let them organize the marksmanship fighters to beat the little devil back for me! ”

Woohoo Woo ...... The Japanese continued to sneak attack, knocking down several exposed fighters one after another. Not to be outdone, the engineer regiment organized a reinforced platoon to shoot at the Japanese. I didn't expect the Japanese army's marksmanship to be really powerful. After only a few rounds, more than half of the casualties of this reinforced platoon were killed.

Company Commander Huo looked at it and hurriedly suggested: "Commander Chen, I don't think it's a way to go on like this, let's let the soldiers try not to be exposed outside the fortifications." ”

Head Chen frowned and said, "You have to keep someone on guard, right?" Otherwise, the little devil touched the outside of the trench, and we didn't know what to do! ”

Huo Lian Chang said: "You let the brothers withdraw first, and I will figure out a way to guard the matter." ”

So all the fighters retreated to the trenches, and with the exception of the soldiers who pushed the wheelbarrows, they were basically below the horizon. In this way, the Japanese sharpshooters who were responsible for shooting cold guns were dumbfounded, because they could not find a target in front of them.

Brigadier Zhao Yunxiang holds a telescope. While observing, he said: "It seems that within two hundred meters, the precision strike range of the little devil riflemen is reached." We must be very careful when we act within this range in the future. ”

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang said: "This is not necessarily, Regiment Commander Chen's guard was shot and killed by the devil from 500 meters away, and it is said that he was hit in the heart!" ”

Brigade Commander Zhao waved his hand and said, "That's just an isolated phenomenon. If the little devils have this level. Let's have a fart. Hang yourself and throw yourself into the river. ”

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang smiled when he heard this. Didn't speak.

Bang! As soon as Company Commander Huo stretched a periscope out of the trench and prepared to spy on the enemy, he didn't expect a Japanese soldier to be smashed with a single shot. He took back the periscope that was only half in his hand and said to the correspondent, "Please contact Brigade Commander Zhao." Let the friendly forces in the Guantai position help us to be on guard! ”

Captain Chen rushed over when he heard the news and said, "Commander Huo, we can't restrain the cold guns of the devils, not to mention, even the vigilance needs help from others, isn't it a big joke if it is rumored to go?" ”

Huo Lian Chang comforted: "As long as you win, it's not a joke." He also explained: "The shooting range around Guantai Village is open, and it is outside the effective firing range of the Japanese army, so you can use binoculars to observe the enemy's situation. This is our strength and should be brought to the fore! ”

After receiving the telegram for help, Brigade Commander Zhao asked the first battalion to move a small radio station to the Guannan position, and they were responsible for informing the friendly troops on both flanks of the movements of the Japanese army. In this way, the warriors can confidently and boldly build trenches below the horizon. No matter how accurate the Japanese army's marksmanship is, there is no use for it. Of course, the grenadiers were still available, but after they were used, they had to withstand the counterattack of the artillery of the 33 brigade.

Seeing that the trenches were getting closer and closer to the Japanese positions, Deputy Brigade Commander Huang said: "I suggest that the Guantai position also join the attack on the Japanese army. Especially those two rapid-fire guns, it's a pity to be idle. ”

Brigade Commander Zhao thought for a moment and said, "The military seat has always disagreed, so let's ask for instructions again!" ”

Zheng Weiguo received the call, thought for a while, and said: "I will transfer four more flat-fire guns for you to launch attacks from Xue Guozhuang Village and Nancao Village respectively, and the Guannan position will not be used for the time being." ”

Brigade Commander Zhao was embarrassed and said, "But the military seat, the first battalion is in a lot of mood now, and I can't explain it to the brothers!" ”

Zheng Weiguo said: "What is there to explain about this? If they can't stay idle, they will continue to strengthen the fortifications, and they will be repaired so that they can't even blow up the heavy artillery! Also, your progress is too fast now, and you must press it down and try to make the fortifications as strong as possible. ”

Putting down the phone, Duan Shuanghu, who was standing on the side, couldn't help but say, "Junzao, I think you are too cautious!" Hitting a ferry is the same as attacking a city, the little devil's heavy artillery has been withdrawn, should we be so careful? ”

Chief of Staff Zhou smiled: "It's not a big mistake to be careful!" Even if we take the ferry now, we will have to wait until tomorrow to cross the river, so there is no need to hurry. ”

Zheng Weiguo said with a smile: "Actually, I also want to be in a hurry, but we still have two threats that we have to guard against!" ”

Deputy Division Commander Zhang Dongkai said curiously: "It's all hit on this, can the little devil still turn the tables?" ”

Zheng Weiguo explained: "Of course, it is impossible to turn the tables, but it is enough to beat our offensive forces to collapse. He stood up, walked to the front of the map, pointed to the south bank of the Yellow River, and said, "Don't look at the Japanese heavy artillery units that have retreated, but judging from the range, they can still easily hit the north bank." Moreover, the devil's army aviation unit appeared on the south bank many times a few days ago, and there was no reason why they could not come to the north shore. ”

When everyone heard this, they nodded solemnly. Anti-heavy artillery and air raids have always been the shortcomings of the 97th Army, and this disadvantage will not be able to get rid of within a few years.

Although Zheng Weiguo repeatedly asked the departments to slow down the progress, the distance of 200 meters was so long that they were close to the Japanese position. This method of imminent operation put great pressure on the Japanese troops, and they organized several counterattacks. But in the open area, whoever charges dies first. After rushing several times, the casualties were getting bigger and bigger, and Okamoto didn't dare to make any short surprise attacks, so he could only let the fortifications of the 33rd Brigade approach.

Staff officer Ogasawara said worriedly: "Your Excellency Shaoza, if you continue like this, it is inevitable that the enemy will approach our position!" ”

Okamoto snorted and said, "Approaching the position is just an opportunity to fight in close combat with our troops, and the battle ultimately depends on bullets and bayonets. ”

"I think I can make the Flying Thunder Cannon!" Brigade Commander Zhao put down the binoculars and said to Deputy Brigade Commander Huang.

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang nodded and said, "Okay." I'll go and inform them right away. ”

Entering the position along with the Flying Thunder Artillery Company was also a rapid-fire artillery battery. They divided into two groups and bombarded the Japanese positions from the left and right flanks.

Woohoo Woo ...... The rapid-fire artillery quickly smashed the Japanese army's surface fortifications to pieces, and before the Japanese could react, the flying thunder cannon also began to wield. One by one, explosives were thrown into the Japanese positions. Then there was a violent explosion. This one is kind of like a big blaster. Even if you hide inside the fortifications, you will be shocked to death by the shock wave generated by the explosion.

Brigade Commander Zhao observed with a telescope for a while, applauded, and said, "Just fight like this!" A few more times. The little devil is going to be finished. ”

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang couldn't help but say: "Brigade seat, I counted it just now, and the ammunition is not much, and the explosives are also very depleted. In my opinion, it is better to let the battalions storm once. Anyway, it's only a few tens of meters away. ”

Brigade Commander Zhao thought for a moment and said, "Well, it's okay!" It's time for the brothers to see the blood, and you should tell the third and fifth battalions to get ready at once. ”

Boom Boom Boom ...... Before the infantry charged, the artillery units prepared for three minutes of artillery fire, and the Japanese positions were very shrouded in smoke and dust.

"Rush!" The troops of the two companies quickly rushed out of the trenches in squad platoons and rushed into the Japanese positions before the smoke of gunpowder had dissipated. The Japanese soldiers had just come out of the bunker, and when they saw it, they shouted in fright: "Enemy attack!" ”

Both sides attacked desperately and defended desperately, and they fought to the death. As soon as the battle began, the battle quickly heated up.

Da Da Da ...... The soldiers had just cleared the Japanese troops in the outer positions, and took advantage of the situation to rush into the depths. Unexpectedly, there was something else inside this position, and the soldiers were defenseless for a while, and they immediately suffered heavy casualties.

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang looked at it and said anxiously: "It's not good, the two companies can't attack, so they have to be reinforced immediately!" ”

Brigade Commander Zhao nodded and said to the correspondent: "Immediately notify the 3rd and 5th Battalions to send another company up, remember, after repelling the Japanese army, they will retreat immediately." In addition, the artillery was informed to prepare, and as soon as our troops retreated, they immediately bombarded the Japanese positions. ”

"Kill!" Just when the soldiers were defeated by the Japanese counterattack, two companies of reinforcements came up in time. The 33rd Brigade is a Dalian with 300 people, which is equivalent to a reinforced company, and the combined firepower of the four companies is stronger than that of a Japanese brigade, and it is much more powerful in terms of light weapons.

Doodoo ...... The loud trumpet of the charge sounded suddenly. The Japanese army, who was desperately resisting, was startled, thinking that the 33rd Brigade was going to attack again, so they subconsciously recycled it. Unexpectedly, this time the charge was a signal to retreat, and the soldiers were only stunned for a moment before quickly withdrawing from the Japanese position.

The fighters retreated as soon as they said they would retreat, and quickly retreated completely. The Japanese army was fighting vigorously, and the opponent was suddenly gone, and everyone was a little dumbfounded, not knowing whether to enter the fortifications and hold on, or to continue the pursuit.

Okamoto suddenly remembered something, his face changed, and he hurriedly shouted: "All enter the fortifications, hurry!" ”

Boom Boom Boom ...... The Japanese soldiers were preparing to drill into the bunker, and the artillery fire of the 33rd Brigade was already bombarded. Many Japanese troops were exposed to the fortifications, and for a time they suffered heavy casualties.

Okamoto saw that his two eyes were eager to erupt into fire, and he was so angry that he scolded: "Yaga! Cunning Shina, I'm going to kill you all! After scolding for a while, he still didn't understand his hatred, and then pulled out his command knife and split a table in half.

Brigade Commander Zhao said happily: "Ha Luha, little devil, this time it's grandpa's job!" Quickly inform the 3rd and 5th Battalions and ask them to draw all the internal fortifications of the Japanese army, and each infantry company and artillery company will be issued a copy. Let's all study it and try to pull out this nail in the next offensive! ”

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang said happily: "Okay, the stakes are very high, I will personally go to the front line." ”

As he spoke, a whining horn suddenly sounded in the sky. This is not the Charge, but the Air Defense. Deputy Brigade Commander Huang looked into the air and shouted, "It's not good. The devil air raid is coming! ”

Brigade Commander Zhao hurriedly pulled him, and said as he walked: "The military seat has already been arranged, let's withdraw first!" "Together with the staff of the brigade headquarters, they quickly put things away and moved them to anti-aircraft shelters through communication trenches.

Woohoo Woo ...... Da Da Da ...... Anti-aircraft artillery and heavy machine guns of the anti-aircraft regiment opened fire quickly. The Japanese machine probably didn't expect such a powerful air defense here, and was obviously taken aback, and then quickly pulled up. However, this time, the Japanese plane was determined to win, and it refused to leave for a long time, and it stayed at a high altitude and kept hovering.

Duan Shuanghu spat and scolded: "The little devil is really insidious. Sooner rather than later. If I didn't come late, I suddenly came out at this time, obviously trying to catch us off guard. ”

Zheng Weiguo had been worried about Japanese air strikes before, but now he breathed a sigh of relief. He looked up to the sky. said: "That's all the devil has left." As long as we carry it. The rest of the work is easy! ”

Boom Boom Boom ...... The Japanese planes continued to dump bombs, and several positions of the 33rd Brigade were shrouded in gunsmoke. The Japanese soldiers in the distance cheered triumphantly. Ogasawara even said: "The Shina army will be severely damaged this time, and I am afraid that it will no longer have the strength to attack our army's position." ”

Okamoto shook his head. He said, "Don't underestimate those people! Their technical and tactical level is obviously one level higher than that of the Chinese army we have encountered in the past. ”

Since the Japanese planes only dared to carry out high-altitude bombing, their high-altitude bombing skills were not very good. After bombing for a while, the Japanese planes dropped all the bombs and had to return one after another.

Cough, cough, cough, the fighters came out of the trenches, and one by one they were blown into mud monkeys. Everyone, look at me, I look at you, I can't help but laugh.

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang personally rushed to the front line and said loudly: "What about the third battalion commander, quickly call him to see me!" ”

The third battalion commander trotted all the way over and said in surprise: "Deputy seat, why are you here?" It's too dangerous here, so you'd better go back to Command! ”

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang waved his hand and said, "If you can come, I can't come?" Leave me alone and count the casualties! ”

The commander of the third battalion said: "The casualties have been counted, 37 people were killed in the battle, of which the second and third squads of the second platoon of the 11th company were all killed, and the rest of the units had no major casualties, all of them were sporadic battle losses. ”

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang was taken aback and said, "All the two squads died? ”

The commander of the third battalion said sadly: "The little devil's aerial bomb landed right next to the bunker of their squad and collapsed all at once......"

Deputy Brigade Commander Huang was silent for a while, and said, "Bury the remains of the martyrs well, and I'll go to the Engineer Corps to have a look!" ”

The situation of the engineer regiment was even better than that of the 3rd Battalion, because their position was closer to the Japanese position, and the Japanese had scruples and did not dare to drop bombs. Another point is that their fortifications are indeed better than those of the third battalion, after all, they have been specially trained.

The soldiers had just been blocked by the Japanese planes in the fortifications and exploded, and their hearts were full of fire. Seeing that Deputy Brigade Commander Huang had personally arrived at the front line, they all asked for battle and asked for another ferry. Deputy Brigade Commander Huang hurriedly asked Brigade Commander Zhao for instructions through the radio, and Brigade Commander Zhao called the military headquarters again.

At this time, it was getting late, and Chief of Staff Zhou said: "Junzuo, it is about to get dark, do you think you should take the ferry before it gets dark, or wait until tomorrow morning to do it?" ”

Zheng Weiguo thought for a moment and said: "Since it is going so well, we can let the 33rd Brigade try again, but when attacking, don't throw all the troops into it, but focus on attacking in turns." If you can't take it, don't force it. ”

Chief of Staff Zhou said: "Are you worried that the Japanese army will bombard the ferry position with heavy artillery? ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded and said, "According to the temperament of the Japanese army, we can definitely do it, and we have to guard against it." He was worried that after the main force of the 33rd Brigade rushed to the Japanese position, the Japanese army would blow them up with field heavy artillery. This has appeared many times in the history of warfare, and since the Japanese army regarded the Okamoto Brigade as an outcast, it would definitely be able to do it.

Chief of Staff Zhou said with a smile: "Military seat, if this is the case, we might as well take the plan and blow up the Guantai ferry with the hands of the Japanese army!" ”

Zheng Weiguo hurriedly said: "Will the plan be released?" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou whispered a few words in his ear, and finally said: "Junzao, do you think this method will work?" ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded and said, "I think there is indeed some hope!" Anyway, if you fail, you don't have much to lose, so you can give it a try. (To be continued......)