"Comrades, this time, the main task of our 2nd Division is to annihilate the Independent Mixed Brigade 4th Regiment defending Niangziguan Pass, so as to create favorable conditions for the next step of the North China Field Army's operations..."
The 2nd Infantry Division's oath-taking ceremony.
Division Commander Lin Wenbing, Deputy Division Commander Zhu Dachang, Political Commissar Wu Jianye, and Chief of Staff Guo Weiquan.
And Lu Wenchang, commander of the 5th Infantry Regiment; Zhao Zemin, commander of the 6th Infantry Regiment; Lin Zhijian, commander of the 7th Infantry Regiment; and Liang Minghui, commander of the 8th Artillery Regiment.
All senior generals were present, and the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.
On the stage, Lin Wenbing, dressed in a lieutenant general's uniform, was giving a passionate speech: "This battle is related to the life and death of our North China Field Army, and to the outcome of the entire Central Plains war!"
"It's crucial to whether we can liberate Shanxi and the entire Central Plains in the shortest possible time!"
"It is crucial to whether our army can complete the nationwide counter-offensive in the shortest possible time, defeat the Japanese invaders, and liberate all of China!"
"For the ultimate victory of our army, I urge all officers and soldiers to be brave and fearless, and resolutely complete the mission!"
As soon as Lin Wenbing finished speaking, a rousing voice rang out from the entire venue: "We will resolutely complete the mission!"
"Complete the mission with determination!!"
"We are determined to complete this mission!!!"
Below, there was an atmosphere of solemnity and discipline.
There was not a trace of joking or disrespect on his face.
This is a life-or-death battle. If they win, they will recover the entire Shanxi province and officially sound the clarion call for a counterattack in the Central Plains and all of China.
A defeat would, in turn, give the Japanese army a huge opportunity to launch a counterattack.
No one dared to be careless, and no one dared to underestimate their enemy.
"The following is the operational task: the 5th Infantry Regiment is responsible for the attack mission in the direction of the east pass of Niangziguan, and at the same time cut off the Niangziguan to Jingxing section of the Zhengtai Railway."
"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!!!"
Lu Wenchang, the commander of the 5th Infantry Regiment, responded loudly from below.
"The 6th Infantry Regiment is responsible for the offensive mission in the direction of the west pass of Niangziguan, and at the same time cut off the railway from Niangziguan to Yanhui on the Zhengtai Road."
"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!!!"
Zhao Zemin, the commander of the 6th Infantry Regiment, also responded loudly.
"The 7th Infantry Regiment is responsible for attacking Niangziguan Railway Station. The entire 10th Regiment of the 4th Brigade must be destroyed!!!"
"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!!!"
Lin Zhijian, commander of the 7th Infantry Regiment, spoke loudly, a look of excitement on his face.
"The 8th Artillery Regiment is responsible for artillery support and must destroy the firing positions of the 10th and 11th Regiments at Niangziguan as soon as possible!!"
"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!!!"
"The commander of the 8th Artillery Regiment, Liang Minghui, said loudly, his face slightly serious."
"All units shall advance according to the original plan and must arrive at their designated positions before 10 p.m.
"yes!"
"Mission accomplished!"
The Battle of Niangziguan will be a pivotal battle that will determine the course of the war.
They cannot afford to lose!
Next, Lin Wenbing assigned other tasks, all of which were extremely demanding and difficult.
Attack where you should attack, intercept reinforcements where you should intercept reinforcements, and cut off enemy forces where you should cut off enemy forces.
There was no room for maneuver; only attack, attack, and attack again!
Finally, Lin Wenbing's gaze swept over everyone, "Comrades, I firmly believe that as long as we are united as one, we will definitely win the victory, we will definitely annihilate the Japanese 4th Brigade, and we will definitely clear the obstacles for the battles to come!"
Lin Wenbing raised his right hand, shouting, "Fight for the North China Field Army! Fight for national independence!"
"Fight for the happiness of the people! Fight for freedom!"
"Fight for national liberation! Fight for world peace!"
"For the Eighth Route Army! For the War of Resistance against Japan! For the inevitable victory in the War of Resistance!!!"
"For the future of the North China Field Army! Forward!"
"Forward! Forward! Forward! Advance!!!!"
The entire audience was united in their determination.
From below came a series of unified responses.
Each one was filled with passion and excitement.
...
After the mobilization rally, Deputy Division Commander Zhu Dachang, Political Commissar Wu Jianye, Chief of Staff Guo Weiquan, and others all entered the operations command room.
Zhu Dachang spoke first, "Commander, our division has a very heavy task in attacking Niangziguan this time!"
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Lin Wenbing asked.
"Of course, no problem. The fact that the General Headquarters allowed us, the 2nd Division, to be this nail shows that the General Headquarters has great trust in our 2nd Division," Zhu Dachang said with a smile, very confident.
"Since there's no problem, what are you dawdling for?"
Seeing that he was unhappy, Lin Wenbing cursed him a couple of times.
"Commander, are you on a tiger bench, pepper spray, or salt sprinkled on your face? How can you be so calm?" Political Commissar Wu Jianye teased.
Upon hearing this, Lin Wenbing burst into laughter. "Political Commissar, don't try to play these tricks on me. This attack on Niangziguan will not only require coordination with the main force, but also with the ambush troops to the east."
"If we, this 'stub,' cannot lure out the Second Army in Shijiazhuang, then all our plans will be in vain!"
Lin Wenbing continued, "I expect all officers at the regimental and battalion levels and above to obey and execute orders!"
"Yes, Commander!"
Zhu Dachang, Wu Jianye, and Chief of Staff Guo Weiquan immediately responded.
It was 8 p.m. on the evening of August 10th.
Units from the Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region, the 129th Division, the 120th Division, and the North China Field Army set off one after another according to the pre-set routes.
The Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region deployed 10 main regiments to focus on destroying Niangziguan and Pingding sections, and blockaded the railway hubs around the border area, including Beining, Jinpu, Deshi, Cangshi, and Pinghan. The New 5th Regiment was the main force that attacked Niangziguan Town.
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