Chao County is stationed with a wing of Japanese invaders.

Its main task was to protect the flanks of the Japanese in the Huainan area.

It is the closest to Anqing.

Reinforcements of Japanese troops had to pass through here.

Taking Chaoxian is equivalent to blocking the passage of Japanese reinforcements. So that the Japanese reinforcements could not get close to Anqing.

Simple.

Brusque.

Direct.

But the resistance is also the greatest.

Make sure to take Chao County. At the same time, you have to hold on.

It is conceivable that the Japanese will definitely try their best to grab it. When the time comes, it will be a veritable bloody battle.

In addition, reinforcements from Jinling may also arrive.

When the time comes, the New Fourth Army will face a Japanese attack from two directions. You can imagine how much pressure it will be.

But!

Let's take Chao County first.

"Boom ......"

"Boom ......"

With bursts of shelling, the attack began.

A large number of soldiers of the New Fourth Army poured up from the surrounding area and easily occupied the outlying fortifications of the Japanese invaders.

The Japanese did not resist stubbornly.

They quickly retracted their forces and held the last of the city.

"Yaga!"

"Request urgent tactical guidance!"

"Request urgent tactical guidance!"

At the same time, the captain of the Japanese Gang sent a telegram to Jinling asking for help. Say that the number of Chinese troops is very large.

How much? At least 20,000 people.

The Japanese saw through the binoculars that there were human heads densely packed.

"Boom, boom, boom......"

"Boom, boom, boom......"

The artillery fire was also very ferocious.

Of the seven mountain artillery regiments, four were put into battle.

With more than 100 mountain artillery pieces and non-stop bombardment, the losses suffered by the Japanese invaders were still very large.

"Ding......

“…… Kill the Japanese ......"

"You get a special reward: a ...... of a domestic 122-mm howitzer"

"Ding......

Information keeps coming.

A large number of Japanese criminals were killed and wounded. The line of defense is crumbling.

Although, the defense capability of the Japanese invaders is indeed very strong. However, in the face of an attack of four times the number of troops at the same time, it was obviously impossible to withstand it.

"Boom ......"

"Boom ......"

And the close-range destruction of bazookas.

The Japanese fortifications were constantly being crushed.

"Yaga!"

"Request urgent tactical guidance!"

"Request urgent tactical guidance!"

The captain of the Japanese Gang was in a hurry. A distress telegram was sent again.

In fact, there were not so many New Fourth Army attacking Chao County. There were only about 13,000 people who gathered to attack Chao County. However, due to the ferocious firepower, the Japanese made a serious mistake in judgment.

"Nani?"

"Chaoxian?"

Matsui Ishine received the report and couldn't help but be a little surprised.

Chaoxian was actually attacked?

What do the Chinese want to do? Want to conquer Chao County? Blocking the southward movement of Japanese reinforcements?

Right!

Definitely!

After all, it is an old battlefield, and Matsui Ishine can see it at a glance.

The Chinese are so big!

In order to completely annihilate the Japanese army in the Anqing area, they also fought in Chao County.

It's terrible.

Where did the Chinese army come out? Dare to block the frontal attack of the three divisions of the Japanese army!

You must know that these are the three main divisions of the Japanese army!

Fully configured!

There is a heavy artillery wing!

There is a chariot wing!

What the main division has, it has all.

The soldiers are also fully replenished. Each division has more than 25,000 troops.

There is really no shortage of soldiers in the Japanese army now.

There are a lot of fanatical youths in the country, and it is no problem to form another hundred divisions. It's just that heavy weapons are not sufficient.

But!

What should Chao County do now?

The wing stationed in Chao County is obviously too late to rescue.

"Chief of Staff ......"

"Your Excellency!"

"What part of the Chinese army attacked Chaoxian?"

"The New Fourth Army."

"Only one army?"

"Yes!"

"Quack ......"

Matsui felt that something was wrong.

If there is only one army, it should not be a big problem. One army of the Chinese, that is, thirty or forty thousand people. The comprehensive combat effectiveness is not strong.

If it were from those local warlord factions, an army might not even have more than 20,000 men. The armament is also poor.

This New Fourth Army is obviously not a miscellaneous card. However, the total number of troops should be only about 20,000 or 30,000. So, nothing to worry about.

It only takes one division to defeat it.

Not to mention three divisions.

There is no problem for a division of the Japanese army to beat a single army of the Chinese army.

Oh, except for the Eight Roads in the north.

The Eight Roads in the north are said to be strong. A regiment dared to go head-to-head with a wing of the Japanese army. I don't know why it became so powerful.

"Chief of Staff!"

"Yes!"

"Order the 49th Division to set off from Chuzhou to reinforce Chaoxian."

"Yes!"

The chief of staff agreed.

It seems that something came to mind. Bite one's tongue. But then nothing was said.

He was a little worried. After the transfer of the Japanese troops stationed in Chuzhou, it will cause the gates of the northern part of Jinling to be opened. In the event of an invasion by Chinese troops, it would directly threaten the security of Jinling.

But......

That's all there is to it for now.

After the new troops arrive in Jinling, it will be better to fill the vacancy in Chuzhou.

Anyway, there is a steady stream of new divisions and regiments being transferred from the rear. Most of the divisions and regiments arrived at Jinling first, and then made arrangements.

So the herald was given.

The Japanese 49th Division stationed in Chuzhou immediately dispatched and marched quickly towards Chaoxian.

"Boom, boom, boom......"

"Bang Bang Bang ......"

Here, the battle in Chao County was extremely fierce.

The Japanese invaders resisted desperately. I want to delay the demise as long as possible. It's a pity that the New Fourth Army won't give them a chance.

As time passed, more New Fourth Army arrived nearby.

All seven artillery regiments were also engaged in battle. Repeated bombardment of Japanese positions.

In fact, most of the time is spent in military training.

Because there are not enough artillery talents, they can only be constantly tested through actual combat.

Just right, use cannonballs to increase proficiency.

Under the bombardment of more than 200 mountain artillery, the Japanese finally could not bear it.

Just a small nest county, where can it withstand such artillery fire?

"Yaga ......"

"Kill!"

"Kill!"

The captain of the Japanese Wing knew that there was no way out, so he ordered his troops to launch a onboard charge.

The remnants of the Japanese rushed out one after another, and then were killed.

Before dark, the battle ended.

The New Fourth Army successfully occupied Chao County. Hurry up and build a defensive line.

At the same time, the troops of the New Fourth Army from the surrounding areas also received orders. Come to Chao County to collect weapons and ammunition, and then block the Japanese army moving south.

For a time, Chao County was full of traffic and people everywhere.

Everywhere there were units of the New Fourth Army that came to get weapons and ammunition.

Zhang Chu suddenly felt that something was wrong.

How many people are there? It seems like there are more than 40,000 people!

Almost all of them did not wear military uniforms. It's not just a matter of running in, grabbing weapons and ammunition and leaving......

Never mind. No matter.

As long as you take weapons and ammunition to kill the Japanese criminals.

Even if someone wants to defect to the Japanese with weapons and ammunition, there should not be many of them. At this moment, it has not yet reached the point of traitors all over the place.

"Boom ......"

"Boom ......"

Suddenly, a cannonball fell.

Zhang Chu and Commander Chen were both slightly stunned. Then they looked at each other.

Heavy artillery of the Japanese invaders.

To be precise, it was the Japanese 105-mm heavy cannon.

The biggest feature of this gun is that it has an ultra-long firing range. Up to 18 km. Invincible in range of the same caliber. It is a necessary weapon for the main division of the Japanese invaders.

"Boom ......"

"Boom ......"

Shells continue to fall.

It was indeed a Japanese 105-mm shell. It seems that it was the main division of the Japanese invaders who was killed.

Because Zhang Chu was delayed for three days at Zongyang Wharf, he came to Chao County. The Japanese division marched at such a fast pace that even the heavy artillery wing arrived.

Obviously, the Japanese are in a hurry.

They had to rush to the vicinity of Anqing as fast as possible to save Kenji Dohihara.

In fact, it is.

"Yamada-kun, we still have to speed up the march." Yoshio Iwamatsu frowned.

"Okay." Yamada replied respectfully.

"But......" The mountain chamber Munetake next to him wanted to speak and stopped.

Regarding Iwamatsu Yoshio's request, Yamamuro Sotake was unimpressed. I feel that the other party is completely blind in command.

Yoshio Iwamatsu had little combat experience.

The 15th Division was also newly transferred. Didn't go through much fighting.

And he, Yamamuro Sotake, and Yamada Otozo, have been fighting on the front line for many days. But there is no chance of promotion.

Accurate.

Completely nepotism.

This time, both the 11th and 12th Divisions had to temporarily accept the command of the 15th Division, and they must be uncomfortable inside. But Yoshio Iwamatsu didn't feel anything.

He was anxious to rescue Kenji Dohihara and the others. That's three divisions!

"Increase the density of shelling!"

"Infantry attack!"

Yoshio Iwamatsu solemnly ordered.

Yamamuro Sotake retracted the words that came to his lips stupidly.

Okay, whatever you say is what you say.

Since you want to fight, then your 15th division will take the lead.

"Boom ......"

"Boom ......"

The Japanese bombardment became fierce.

In the position of the New Fourth Army in the northeast of Chao County, artillery shells fell like raindrops.

Clusters of fire erupted.

The position was almost completely blown up. You can't see the original face at all.

Fortunately, there was no one on the ground. Not afraid of frying.

However, the frenzied shelling of the Japanese invaders was indeed very difficult to deal with. The New Fourth Army did not have so much heavy artillery.

"Commander Chen, take your time." Zhang Chu was very calm.

Let all the Japanese 105mm heavy cannons be exposed. Now there is still a heavy artillery wing that has not yet appeared!

Finally, all the heavy artillery wings of the Japanese invaders appeared.

More than a hundred heavy cannons, all thrown into the attack.

Zhang Chu stood up.

"Commander Chen, I'll send you three more artillery regiments."

"Thank you."

"It's not your average mountain artillery regiment. It was a 130-mm heavy cannon regiment. ”

"What?"

Commander Chen was surprised.

130 mm? Such a large caliber? Almost twice as many mountain artillery?

Boy!

And such a powerful weapon!

Then no problem.

"The maximum firing range of the Japanese heavy cannon is eighteen kilometers. The firing range of our heavy cannon is close to thirty kilometers. Zhang Chu said in an orderly manner, "Artillery battle, we have an advantage!" ”

"Please take command yourself!" Commander Chen said, "We really don't have that many talents. ”

"Aren't so many students evacuated from Jinling all in Huainan?"

"But they don't understand artillery!"

"As long as there is culture. If you don't understand, you can learn. I'm in charge of teaching. ”

"That's great!"

Commander Chen was overjoyed.

Indeed, what the New Fourth Army lacks most now is talent.

Even if it is a basic artillery talent, there are not many. After all, they were all adapted from the previous Southern guerrillas.

Objectively speaking, the southern guerrillas did not even have a few mortars.

To say do ideological work. To talk about mobilizing the people. The New Fourth Army is a strong point. This is also the reason why each regiment can snowball and grow.

However, there are indeed not enough reserves of technical talents.

Fortunately, a large number of students were withdrawn from the Japanese theater, and many of them took the initiative to join the New Fourth Army, which enriched the knowledge of the New Fourth Army.

"In addition, I will give you another 10 million oceans as a fund!"

"How much?"

"Ten million oceans."

"Thank you! Thank you! ”

Commander Chen was overjoyed again.

In fact, Zhang Chu has so many oceans in reserve, it is really useless.

The current sporadic rewards are still very impressive.

Since the New Fourth Army lacks military spending, then give the New Fourth Army a little assistance. Hope it works.

Immediate delivery will be arranged.

Soon, a large number of silver dollars arrived.

Ten million silver dollars, a very large amount. Nearly three hundred tons.

Each truck transports ten tons, and thirty trucks are also needed.

"It's coming!"

"It's coming!"

Suddenly, there was a lot of noise.

It was those 130-mm heavy cannons that were delivered.

Three regiments with 48 doors each. A total of 144 gates.

Why not 36? Because Zhang Chu decided to expand the size of the artillery regiment. Expanded from three artillery battalions to four artillery battalions.

It is necessary to overwhelm the Japanese invaders not only in terms of quality, but also in quantity.

"Ah......h

Commander Chen and the others were both surprised and delighted.

Surprisingly, there really are so many super-large caliber heavy artillery.

The weight of the cannon alone crushed the mud into deep ruts. The barrel is long, long. It is more than ten meters.

The length of the gun carriage is also quite impressive. Judged to be at least three meters or more.

Happily, these heavy artillery pieces all belong to the New Fourth Army.

"Listen up!"

Zhang Chu commanded the heavy cannon to begin to line up.

Although the soldiers of the New Fourth Army do not have enough talent, they definitely have enough manpower.

Everyone worked together, and soon all the heavy artillery was put into line.

Counter-shelling radars were also sent.

"Boom ......"

"Boom ......"

It just so happened that the Japanese heavy cannon was also firing.

The counter-battery radar quickly calculated preliminary data. Then Zhang Chu adjusted slightly.

"Ready!"

"Put!"

The first wave of artillery began to fire in a salvo.

There were no test launches. Direct salvo.

All 144 heavy guns, all salvo.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Cannon discharge.

Countless dust rolled up from the entire artillery position. It was like a tornado.

During the day, I can barely see my fingers.

Did you hit it?

"Ding......

"You blew up and killed the Japanese artilleryman......"

"Ding......

"You blew up and killed the Japanese artilleryman......"

"Ding......

Hit.

However, the artillery that did not destroy the Japanese invaders.

But it doesn't matter. As long as the artillery positions of the Japanese invaders were hit, it was only a matter of time before the artillery was destroyed.

So......

"No need to fix it!"

"Thirty shots!"

"Put!"

Zhang Chu categorically ordered.

Let's just fight! Just bomb indiscriminately!

All the artillerymen got busy at once. Shells are stuffed into the chamber of the cannon.

Then turn off the bolt. Then pull the rope. Launch.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

There was a loud bang.

The artillery positions were again filled with smoke and dust.

Even if a Japanese plane passes by in the sky, it is estimated that there is no artillery on the ground. Dust obscures the sun!

"Ding......

“…… Killed a Japanese artilleryman ......"

"Ding......

“…… Blow up a Japanese artillery ......"

"Ding......

Information prompts keep coming.

Zhang Chu's expression did not move.

This is a hit.

The counter-battery radar is still very powerful. The first wave accurately calculated the position of the Japanese artillery positions.

In fact, in relatively open plains, the role of counter-battery radars is really significant. The Japanese did not deliberately conceal their artillery positions. Naturally, it was counterattacked.

"What's going on?"

"What's going on?"

Sotake Yamamuro immediately noticed that something was wrong.

In fact, what Zhang Chu counterattacked was the heavy artillery wing of the 11th Division.

The Japanese had three divisions and three heavy artillery wings, and they were not all concentrated together. Instead, they are set up separately.

What the counter-battery radar captured was actually the heavy artillery wing of the 11th Division. It was naturally the 11th Division that suffered losses. The division commander, Yamamuro Munetake, jumped to his feet in a hurry.

That's all 105mm heavy cannons! It is the most important weapon of the division!

"Boom, boom, boom......"

"Boom, boom, boom......"

A large number of 130-mm shells fell. The Japanese artillery positions were blown up in all directions.

The sudden artillery fire covered the Japanese artillery very much.

Who would have thought that the New Fourth Army would have so many heavy artillery.

Seems to be more powerful than the Japanese army?

"Yaga!"

"Quick!"

"Quick!"

The Japanese artillery hurriedly tried to shift their positions.

However, after all, a 105-mm heavy cannon is also quite bulky. There must be a car towing to transfer.

To convert the launch state to the marching state, the speed is also not so fast.

And this time period was the most miserable moment for the Japanese artillery. It is also a fatal moment that Zhang Chu wants to seize.

It is necessary to fire as many shells as possible in the shortest possible time!

Even if the barrel is red, continue to fight!

(End of chapter)