Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 19 Another Bandit Suppression

Time flies, and before we knew it, it was mid-June of the 26th year of the Republic of China. Everything at the Wolong Mountain military camp was in perfect order.

The arsenal under Wang Qiang's management was working overtime to produce consumables such as bullets, grenades, improvised explosive devices, and landmines. After Tang Weiguo brought Wang Qiang and others' families over, they were all assigned to work in the military camp.

Chu Yu is continuing to train the medics.

Bi Shoucai's logistics department also continuously purchased grain, cotton and all other military supplies from various villages and towns. Furthermore, under Tang Weiguo's instructions, Bi Shoucai built pig farms and chicken farms on the mountain and reclaimed wasteland in preparation for planting grain in the spring of the following year.

The recruitment of the supplementary battalion has been successfully completed, and they are now undergoing intensive training under the leadership of Zhao Zhu.

The Wolong Mountain military camp presented a vibrant scene of life and flourishing life.

Not long after Tang Weiguo arrived at the operations room, Niu Dali rushed in, panting, and said, "Regimental...Regimental...Regimental Commander."

"Alright, have some water. What's wrong? Did the sky fall or something? Why are you in such a hurry? Is your butt on fire?" Tang Weiguo casually handed the water glass on the table to Niu Dali.

"Glug, glug, glug," Niu Dali finished it all in one gulp, took a breath, and then said again:

"Commander, we've found the bandit stronghold that attacked Dean Chu before."

"Oh, we found it. Why did it take so long to find it?" Tang Weiguo had been thinking about the bandits who had robbed Chu Yu before, so he ordered Niu Dali to lead the reconnaissance battalion to investigate the bandit stronghold.

"Commander, these bandits aren't from our county at all. They're from the neighboring county. I led the reconnaissance battalion and searched for a long time before we found out."

"So that's what happened. The bandits next door dared to come to our area to rob us. They don't take our militia seriously at all. They're so arrogant. We have to wipe them out." Tang Weiguo said without hesitation.

"The regimental commander is right. They're too arrogant. Instead of keeping a low profile in front of our regiment, they come here to cause trouble," Niu Dali chimed in.

"What's the specifics of this bandit? Have you investigated it thoroughly?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"These bandits are from Black Fox Stronghold. They're not small either, with five or six hundred men. Their weapons are average; they don't have many heavy weapons. Their leader is called Han San," Niu Dali reported.

"Looks like it's much weaker than Black Cloud Stronghold," Tang Weiguo muttered to himself.

"Communications officer, call Tang Dazhuang over here," Tang Weiguo then said to the communications officer on duty outside.

Before long, Tang Dazhuang arrived.

"Tang Dazhuang, how's the recruit training going? How's their combat effectiveness?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Commander, this recruit training included veteran soldiers, and after several months of training, their combat effectiveness is not a problem," Tang Dazhuang replied.

"Commander, what kind of combat mission is this?" Tang Dazhuang asked.

"Remember that bandit gang from last time? I planned to attack the stronghold behind them, but I forgot to take any prisoners to find out which stronghold they belonged to. It took Niu Dali a lot of effort to find their hideout," Tang Weiguo said.

"Of course I remember, it was the bandits who attacked Dean Chu. Commander, this mission is absolutely no problem for the recruit camp. Commander, send our recruit camp on this mission." Tang Dazhuang said confidently.

"I plan to send your battalion to attack this band of bandits, firstly to let the new recruits see blood, and secondly to test your combat capabilities," Tang Weiguo continued.

"Commander, that's great! We guarantee we'll complete the mission," Tang Dazhuang said.

"Alright, the reconnaissance battalion will cooperate with you in this operation. Discuss the specific action plan with Niu Dali. I have only one requirement: take down the bandits with minimal casualties," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"With the cooperation of the reconnaissance battalion, I guarantee that the mission will be completed at minimal cost," Niu Dali patted his chest and assured them.

"Alright, you two start preparing now, and report the battle plan to me at the end," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"Yes."

On the evenings of the past two days, Tang Weimin's key members of his militia were summoned to the operations center.

"The hideout of the bandits who robbed Dean Chu last time has been found, so I'm preparing to wipe them out," Tang Weiguo said.

"Commander, no problem. Our regiment is strong and well-equipped now. These bandits are nothing to us. Just one battalion is enough for me to easily take them down. So, Commander, please let my battalion go." Tang Xiaohu eagerly volunteered for the mission.

"Commander, my recruit camp is absolutely fine. You already said in advance that this mission would be assigned to the recruit camp, so you can't go back on your word," Tang Dazhuang continued.

"You two stop arguing. This time, I plan to send the new recruits to attack the bandits in the neighboring county. Let the soldiers of the new recruits go to the battlefield and see some blood," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"Yes, Commander, the recruit camp guarantees to complete the mission." Tang Dazhuang said confidently.

"Tell everyone how you formulated your battle plan," Tang Weiguo said.

"Yes, Commander, here is my plan." Tang Dazhuang began to explain his action plan.

"Based on the reconnaissance work of Niu Dali's special forces, we now have a complete grasp of the bandits' activities and the defensive layout of the stronghold."

"Therefore, our new recruits plan to launch a night raid on the bandits."

"The Black Mountain where the bandits of Black Fox Village are located is not as steep as Wolong Mountain, and there are two paths leading up the mountain, one in front and one behind."

"The road up the mountain ahead is flat and heavily guarded by bandits, while the path behind the mountain is relatively steep and the bandits' defenses are much looser."

"So, our plan is to take advantage of the night and sneak up from the back of the mountain. First, we'll have the special forces soldiers under Company Commander Niu Dali take out the sentries on the back of the mountain. Then, I'll lead a company of soldiers to rush in and occupy the main gate of the stronghold. Then, the remaining troops will rush in from the front gate. By attacking from both the front and the rear, the bandits will have no way to escape." Tang Dazhuang explained his battle plan.

"What do you all think?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Tang Dazhuang's plan is excellent. Nighttime is when the bandits are least on guard. If we attack at this time, they won't have time to react," Tang Xiaohu agreed.

"I think it's a good idea, which means the recent combat training might not have been a waste of time. In addition, attacking at night can also improve the team's night combat capabilities and provide experience for the troops in night operations. I approve this operational plan," Tang Weiguo affirmed.

"What are you planning to do to attack Black Fox Stronghold?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"We'll set off tomorrow morning, reach the vicinity of the mountain stronghold, and launch the attack that night. Tomorrow is also the first day of the lunar month, and the moonlight will be dim, making it ideal for a surprise attack," Tang Dazhuang said.

"Good, you've even set a time, excellent. I'll be waiting for your good news." Tang Weiguo said.

"Yes, I promise to complete the mission."

"As for Dean Chu's medics, they should also go along to get used to the battlefield environment," Tang Weiguo said to Chu Yu.

"Commander, no problem, the medics are ready to go into battle," Chu Yu said from the side.

"it is good."

"Once the battle is over, have the new recruits from the replenishment battalion clean up the battlefield and experience the flames of war," Tang Weiguo ordered.

"Yes, the replenishment battalion will guarantee the mission's success," Zhao Zhu replied.

"Tang Dazhuang is ready to proceed. Meeting adjourned."

........

After Tang Dazhuang returned to the recruit camp, he was surrounded by several company commanders who asked, "Battalion Commander, how did it go? Did the regimental commander approve the operation?"

"That's definitely no problem, no doubt about who's in charge," Tang Dazhuang said proudly.

"Great, Battalion Commander, we can finally go to the battlefield! Let those guys in the First Battalion see that our recruit battalion is just as good as theirs!" said Zhou Dasheng, the First Company Commander.

"This time, our recruit battalion must show a fighting spirit and momentum, and let the First Battalion see that we can also shed the label of 'recruit battalion'!" Tang Dazhuang shouted loudly.

"Yes, Battalion Commander, let those old guys in the First Battalion have a good look."

"Alright, everyone go back and prepare well. We'll set off on time first thing tomorrow morning. Let me make this clear: if anyone messes up for me tomorrow, you'll see what I do to you when I get back," Tang Dazhuang said sternly.

"Commander, rest assured, we will proceed according to plan."

"Alright, dismissed." After giving instructions to the company commanders, Tang Dazhuang went to Niu Dali's side to discuss the details of tomorrow night's operation.