In Yongqing County, Hebei Province, Zheng Weiguo, Professor Yang, Chief of Staff Zhou, and Li Gengtao, deputy director of the Central Hebei Administrative Office, made a special trip here to inspect. Professor Yang, as the party and government leader of the Jizhong Military Region, came to inspect the post-war relief and reconstruction work. Zheng Weiguo and Chief of Staff Zhou came to supervise the war preparations and prepare to meet the next attack of the Japanese army. In fact, they are all the same thing, for a place like Jizhong, where there are four wars, there is only war and war preparation, and there is no peace.

Although the anti-encirclement campaign did not last long, the damage and losses caused to the three divisions were enormous. During the invasion and retreat, the Japanese army destroyed all the villages on both sides of the road, especially the houses. In the cold winter months, in the weather of more than ten degrees below zero, many people can only live in temporary shacks. Although the three divisions tried their best to rescue the people, the situation was still far from optimistic.

Passing by a cemetery, Professor Yang noticed that there were many new graves and immediately asked, "Are there still a lot of dead people every day?" ”

Feng Jun, the administrative commissioner of the third district, had red eyes, and said with a tired face: "Yes, director." According to yesterday's county statistics, more than 100 people died! ”

Professor Yang did not speak with a dark face.

Deputy Director Li couldn't help but ask, "How did these people die?" Frozen to death, or starved to death? That's your disaster relief work! ”

Meng Jiguang, secretary of the party committee of the third district, hurriedly explained: "There is absolutely no starvation to death!" It is impossible to freeze to death completely, everyone has a set of cotton clothes, and an average of three people also have a set of quilts. Most of the deaths were elderly and newborn babies, and some were sick. They are inherently weak. Coupled with the fear during this time, many people did not carry it. ”

Professor Yang thought for a moment and suggested: "The elderly, the sick and the children cannot live in shacks, so we must find a way to mobilize the masses to take them to their homes for a period of time, at least to survive this winter." Children, in particular, must be saved! ”

Commissioner Feng snorted several times, seemingly a little embarrassed, but finally nodded and agreed.

Professor Yang was very attentive and hurriedly asked, "What, is there any difficulty?" ”

Commissioner Feng explained: "The child is okay to say. The elderly and the sick are afraid that not many people are willing to take them into their homes. It's a big New Year's Day. In case there are three long and two short...... It's unlucky, isn't it? ”

Everyone felt a little embarrassed when they heard it. After all, the countryside at that time was still quite superstitious. Even in the 21st century, it is estimated that not many people are willing to bring back the elderly and sick who have nothing to do with their families.

Professor Yang nodded in understanding, and then asked, "Then what are you going to do?" ”

Secretary Meng Jiguang said: "Let's mobilize party members and cadres first, and each party member must be responsible for arranging at least one family in difficulty. The cadres of each village should also share the shares. The little devils have carried it. What other difficulties can't be overcome? ”

Professor Yang said with satisfaction, "Yes. The idea is right. Mass work must also be done well; now is a critical juncture for the survival of the nation, and all Chinese people in the world are one family. Be sure to stick together. To help others is to help oneself, and this truth must be clearly explained to the villagers. ”

Zheng Weiguo was discussing with Chief of Staff Zhou and Duan Shuanghu, commander of the Third Division, about the recovery of local troops. After learning of the local difficulties, he immediately ordered: "Shuanghu, your troops must also make efforts, and you can't stand idly by!" ”

Duan Shuanghu said with some embarrassment: "Some time ago, in order to relieve the disaster and resettle the people, it has taken up a lot of time for our troops. At the moment, the little devils may attack my base area again at any time, and I think we should focus on the military. But after the defeat, more people died! ”

Zheng Weiguo waved his hand and said: "This is not a simple math problem, but a big thing that people are willing to turn their backs to!" You are no longer an ordinary national army, but the children of the elders of the three divisions. When the fathers and elders are in trouble, how can the soldiers stand idly by? ”

Duan Shuanghu thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. Zongzao, I understand!" ”

Zheng Weiguo patted him on the shoulder and said, "Well, it's good to understand, the resettlement work must be done well, and the military region and the administrative office will help you if you have any difficulties." ”

Duan Shuanghu took the opportunity to ask for another batch of weapons and ammunition, and asked to send another batch of sniper instructors. Practice has proved that when the enemy is strong and we are weak, it is indeed a very good way to shoot cold. According to post-war statistics, in less than half a month, a total of more than 500 Japanese troops fell under the cold guns of the sharpshooters, with an average of thirty or forty results per day. This is quite an impressive achievement.

Zheng Weiguo said briskly: "There is no problem with ammunition, and this time the main force will be redressed and adjusted, and a large number of officers will be sent down to enrich the strength of the grassroots units." Twin Tigers, your weapons will also go up a big step! ”

Taking advantage of the opportunity of a new batch of weapons, Zheng Weiguo decided to "operate" on the troops, the basic principle of which was to increase firepower and streamline personnel in order to enhance combat effectiveness and reduce logistical pressure. For example, in the past, a squad consisted of 17 people, one principal and one deputy squad leader, a four-person machine gun group with a light machine gun, a grenadier duo with a grenadier canister, one primary professional shooter, and eight ordinary riflemen.

After the adjustment, there are 12 people in each squad, one squad leader and one deputy squad leader, two light machine guns, one light machine gun, one primary professional shooter with a mounted gun grenade launcher, and 7 ordinary riflemen. In a specific battle, the squad leader is responsible for directing the machine gun to cover fire, and the deputy squad leader and the remaining 8 people form three attack groups to alternately cover the attack, defense or retreat.

The grenadiers that were dismantled from each squad were organized into a grenadier squad under the unified command of the platoon level. Originally, the functions of the grenadier and the grenade overlapped somewhat, but this game was captured a lot, and the soldiers became more and more familiar with it, and it would be too wasteful to put it away, so it was still in the main force. Some officers suggested handing it over to the local forces, but this was more difficult to do, and the plan was ultimately rejected.

The heavy machine guns at the company level were too cumbersome and affected the mobility of the troops, so they were all withdrawn to the battalions and released according to the situation in wartime. At the same time, all infantry companies were uniformly equipped with 60 mortars, with three mortars per company.

It is worth mentioning that the mounted grenade launcher and the 60 mortar were made by the Ping'an County Arsenal, which was an important step towards self-sufficiency of the 41st Army.

Heavy weapons at the battalion level are more abundant. The main forces had a total of six options, one was the captured Type 92 infantry gun. According to the principle of who captures and who owns, each battalion can be equipped with one or two; followed by Bailu 47-mm anti-aircraft guns, two to four per battalion; the third is 82 mortars, each battalion can have from two to six; The fourth is the heavy machine gun, which is standard, and each battalion has it, generally eight to twelve guns; the fifth is the German-made 1913 75mm mountain gun; The sixth is the new Makqin 37mm bang gun, which is only available to elite troops.

Infantry guns and hill guns can suppress the opponent's heavy firepower, such as infantry guns, mortar positions, and machine gun bunkers; Anti-aircraft guns can be used against armored targets or fortifications; Mortars and bangbangs are both fire support weapons; Heavy machine guns are used in a wide range of applications, including suppression, support, and air defense.

All six of these weapons appear in the main force sequence at the same time. According to the actual situation of the troops. Each unit commander can choose and choose more! Theoretically, it is possible to have them all, but given the logistics and mobility, no one usually does it.

Due to the complexity of heavy firepower at the battalion level. Each battalion has a deputy battalion commander with a professional artillery background. Specialized in the management and command of these artillery.

Heavy armament at the regimental level includes 150-mm heavy mortars and 20-mm Surothong anti-aircraft guns. and mountain guns weighing less than 600 kg, such as Japanese-made Type 41 mountain guns, Type 94 mountain guns, and German-made 1908 Krupp 75mm mountain guns.

The heavy armament at the division level is the C96 series mountain guns of the Czech Skoda Arsenal. Each division has a mountain artillery battalion or a mountain artillery regiment. Of course, there are not many units with mountain artillery regiments now.

Heavy weapons at the corps level are 75-mm field guns and 105-mm howitzers. Individual units, such as the 53rd Army, had a heavy artillery battalion with eight 150-mm heavy howitzers because of their exploits in Shengfang Town.

As a special unit, the armored cavalry division also received the formation of an artillery regiment, which is composed of some relatively heavy 75-mm field guns and 105-mm howitzers, which are mechanized towed.

Further up are the mountain artillery brigade and heavy artillery brigade directly under the group army, of which the heavy artillery brigade has 105 mm cannons, 150 mm heavy howitzers, and 135 mm heavy cannons. However, some of the weapons are still in Suiyuan and have not been brought back.

At the same time as the main force has been strengthened, the local units of various military subdivisions have also been greatly expanded. Both in terms of personnel and equipment, there has been great progress.

The most obvious change is reflected in the three divisions, and the three main regiments are all equipped with Japanese-style equipment. There were only 9 people in each squad, but there were two crooked handles and one grenade. During the battle, the chief and deputy squad leaders and a team leader each commanded a three-person team, and their firepower was stronger than that of the Japanese 13-man detachment.

However, after all, the local troops are local troops, and they cannot be compared with the main forces even above the company. Of course, their combat missions were also lighter, and each main regiment and detachment took a Japanese brigade as an imaginary combat object. The Japanese troops above the wing were not easily provoked. If it is really necessary, the main regiments will be concentrated and supplemented by artillery directly under the army sub-division to fight a war of annihilation.

I was only going to make a small payment, but I didn't expect to win the jackpot. Duan Shuanghu said in surprise: "General seat, two light machine guns in one squad?" There is no main force either! ”

Chief of Staff Zhou said with a smile: "The main force will also have it in the future, but the number of 79 caliber machine guns is not enough now, and the losses in previous battles are also large." On the contrary, a lot of light machine guns of six or five caliber have been captured, and now that the big war is imminent, the military region has decided to give priority to replenishing your three divisions! ”

Duan Shuanghu happily exposed his back molars, and said in a loud voice: "Xie Lu Xie Zongzuo, Xie Lu Xie Shenzuo, Xie Lu Xie Yang, Xie Lu Xie Li, Deputy Director ......"

Everyone laughed.

Zheng Weiguo said: "The last time the Japanese army encircled and suppressed the Third Division, we suffered a big loss due to our lack of preparation. This time, your equipment and personnel have been strengthened, and you have to fight a battle! ”

Duan Shuanghu hurriedly said: "Please rest assured that the military region and the administrative office will guarantee that we will complete the task." He said with some worry: "General seat, we have more machine guns, and more bullets are consumed, and we have to ask the military region for more support in terms of logistics!" ”

Zheng Weiguo nodded and said, "Well, the next attack of the Japanese army will probably start with your third division." Therefore, the six or five caliber bullets in the military region's inventory will be transferred to the third division, anyway, there is an underground Great Wall, you have to keep it. ”

As he spoke, he rejected: "You can't follow the old path when you wear new clothes, your equipment has improved, and your tactical level must also be improved." As a simple example, your main regiment used to have one machine gun per squad. 180 rounds of ammunition were consumed in one battle. Now that each squad has been changed to two, how many bullets will be consumed in the same battle? ”

Duan Shuanghu was stunned for a moment, and immediately thought about it. However, the guard next to him was a little eager to try. Chief of Staff Zhou smiled slightly and said, "What, little brother, do you know the truth?" ”

The guard nodded excitedly and said, "Well, 180 rounds multiplied by 2, that's 360 rounds!" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou smiled: "Where did you learn mathematics?" ”

The guard hurriedly said: "Report to the chief, it's a night school at the headquarters of the third division!" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou praised: "I have learned mathematics well, continue to work hard." But this is not an easy math problem. You can't use multiplication. Did Commander Duan figure it out? ”

Duan Shuanghu hesitated for a moment and said, "Modern combat competition is firepower. If only light weapons are considered, the competition is the number of bullets consumed. So I think in an ideal world, the ammunition consumed should still be 180 rounds. If 360 rounds are consumed. That means there was a command problem. ”

Zheng Weiguo agreed: "You can think of this layer. The explanation is still brainy. But you're now the divisional commander in charge. It's not enough to think about this layer. ”

Duan Shuanghu hurriedly said: "Please make it clear from the general seat!" ”

Zheng Weiguo snorted and explained, "As I said just now, your equipment has improved. There should also be a corresponding improvement in the tactical level. If you still consume 180 rounds of ammunition, it can only mean that the role of this machine gun has not been played. ”

Chief of Staff Zhou further explained: "There is one machine gun per squad, then this machine gun can usually only be placed in the rear, providing cover for the riflemen in a relatively safe place. If there are two machine guns, then the tactical routines are abundant, you can alternately cover the advance, you can also suppress one and charge the other, you can also lure the enemy and outflank the other...... In short, there are many methods, and the key depends on how you use them. ”

Zheng Weiguo continued: "If we encounter some good combat methods in practice, we must record them and popularize them throughout the army!" ”

Duan Shuanghu joked: "I'll just say how can the general seat be so generous today, it turns out that he still has this thought!" Let's use us as an experiment for the main force! ”

Zheng Weiguo scolded with a smile: "You kid, don't take bean bags for dry food!" It is the glory of your tri-district to be able to serve as a pilot for the whole army. If you can really find some new tactics that work, I will report the whole army to commend you. Moreover, in the future tactical textbooks, it will also be noted that it was invented and proposed by a certain unit of the Third Division! ”

Duan Shuanghu was overjoyed, and hurriedly stood up again, saluting: "Xie Lu Xie Zongza!" ”

Zheng Weiguo patted him on the shoulder and said with satisfaction: "Well, do a good job!" ”

After the inspection, Professor Yang and the others will go to attend the party and government group meeting in the three districts. Zheng Weiguo and Chief of Staff Zhou rushed back to Baxian first. Before he could sit down, the confidential telegraph operator handed over a telegram and reported: "The main seat, the staff seat, this is the order of the Military Commission forwarded by the Lixian County Headquarters!" ”

Zheng Weiguo saw him with a smile on his face, and while receiving the telegram, he asked curiously: "What is the good news, happy to be like this?" ”

The confidential correspondent smiled and said: "Hehe, General Seat, you have been promoted again, and you will be the commander-in-chief of the Jicha Theater in the future!" ”

Zheng Weiguo opened it and took a look, and sure enough, the Military Commission said that Zheng Weiguo had made outstanding achievements and won many awards during his tenure as commander-in-chief of the 41 st Group Army and deputy commander-in-chief of the Jicha Theater. In recognition of his merits, Zheng Weiguo was specially promoted to commander-in-chief of the Jicha Theater. The former commander-in-chief, Lu Zhonglin, was transferred back to Chongqing and was appointed separately.

Chief of Staff Zhou also came over and said happily: "The Military Commission has finally done a good thing!" If this telegram had come two months earlier, the last battle would not have been so hard! ”

Zheng Weiguo smiled, always feeling that this matter was a little strange.

Chief of Staff Zhou hurriedly asked, "General seat, what's wrong?" ”

Zheng Weiguo replied: "The Military Commission should have received the telegram about the reconstruction of the 49th Army, but if you look at it, there is no mention of it in this telegram at all. ”

Chief of Staff Zhou was unimpressed, and said: "The national army always likes to talk about the so-called rules, and this is your promotion telegram, and it will generally not be mixed with other content." I don't think the Military Council has a suitable reason to refuse the rebuilding of the 49th Army, and even if they don't agree, it's a big deal that we can directly restore the 105th and 108th Divisions. The numbers of these two divisions have always been in the sequence of the Ministry of Military Affairs, so they can't be revoked for no reason, right? ”

Another staff officer said: "Yes, Commander, maybe there will be a telegram to approve the matter of the 49th Army soon." ”

As soon as the words ended, a confidential telegraph operator hurriedly arrived. Everyone laughed. Chief of Staff Zhou asked, "Is it a call from the Military Commission forwarded by the General Assembly?" ”

The confidential telegraph operator was surprised and said, "Uh, Counselor, you guessed it right!" ”

Chief of Staff Zhou smiled and waved his hand and said, "Zhuge Liang this time is not me!" He also asked: "How did the Military Commission approve the matter of rebuilding the 49th Army?" ”

The confidential telegraph operator was stunned for a moment and said, "Ah, I didn't say this above, it's about the delivery of a batch of weapons, so let's prepare to receive it." Take a look? ”

Chief of Staff Zhou took it over and took a look, and it was true that the telegram only said that the 120 82 mortars promised last time had been prepared and would be shipped to North China immediately for the 41 st Group Army to send someone to pick them up. In addition, samples and drawings of the Brande 120-mm mortar obtained from France will also be delivered, and the 41st Army will be asked to pay attention to secrecy.

"Boss, what do you see here?" Chief of Staff Zhou also felt a little inexplicable.

Zheng Weiguo took the telegram, read it slowly, and said with a smile: "Chairman of the committee, this is not at ease with me!" Well, I was negligent in this matter, find a piece of paper, I want to talk to the chairman! (To be continued......)