Chapter Eighteen

  That night, I was waiting for the reply from the front line while continuing to study the map, especially paying attention to the Kaji Lang area. I thought to myself: This is my first time commanding a large-scale battle, not only must we win, but also win beautifully. Thinking of this, I became even more spirited and analyzed the enemy's military deployment that we had grasped. I said: "The Western Regiment will not disappoint our expectations, they will surely seize the south bank of the Kaji Lang River first, then capture the Yoncuo Mountain Pass on the west side of the Tagala Mountain ridge."

  The deputy commander listened and said: "If so, then Chi Dong's position is very important."

  Lan Canmou also said: "Well, looking at the enemy's current situation, it is very likely."

  I said: "Now we still don't have more detailed intelligence on the enemy, only estimates."

  Lan Canmou said: "The terrain on both banks of the Kejie River is flat and has an advantage for Xizhou's attack, and the defensive pressure is not small."

  "Since the defensive pressure is great, let's temporarily give up Shicheng." I said to the deputy commander, and Staff Officer Lan exclaimed in unison: "Give up?"

  I nodded and said, "Right. Look." I pointed to the map and said, "Chidong is 5 kilometers away from Kuerle River and 2 kilometers away from Tagula Mountain. In other words, if we attack Chidong, it will be much faster than the Xizang side. Why don't we just lure the snake out of its hole? However many people he sends, we'll eliminate that many!"

  Lan Canmou said: "Well, that's right! But I don't know how many people are in Xizhu. If there are too many people, it's scary..."

  The deputy commander said: "The geographical location of Che Dong is narrow and long, which is not conducive to large-scale garrisoning. At most, it can accommodate a company-sized force."

  I heard him say: "That's right. The ultimate goal of the Western Tibet operation must be the Yonchuo Pass on the west side of the Taggla Mountain Ridge, and only by occupying this can we open the door to the eastward advance. Now our garrison there is a battalion of the 519th Regiment, I suggest that the entire 519th Regiment should be stationed there."

  Lan Canmou said: "I think it can be done this way, not only can we defend our position, but also launch a swift counterattack and annihilate the enemy."

  The deputy commander also expressed agreement.

  I immediately told the staff inside the house: "Immediately telegram Comrade Kong Jie of the 519th Regiment, ordering him to lead the whole regiment to set out quickly and defend at Yongcuo Mountain Pass. Also note that it is a secret defense, letting outsiders know that there is only one battalion there."

  "Yes." The aide immediately went out to transmit the order.

  "We may not know how many troops the enemy has, but similarly, the enemy does not know how many troops we have." I said to Deputy Commander Cheng and Chief of Staff Lan.

  "Yes, it seems that keeping the troops hidden is necessary. I think we should order each division to strengthen their vigilance and expand their surveillance range, so as not to expose our main forces." The Chief of Staff Lan continued, "Yes, good." I said in agreement.

  "I'll go and convey it then." said Lan, the chief military advisor, when he saw that there were only three of us in the room.

  "Alright, thanks for your hard work. Advisor Lan." I said with a smile.

  Lan Canmoulang heard what I said and smiled, then turned around and left.

  The deputy commander suddenly said: "If we win this battle, then there's nothing more to say. If we lose, the few of us..."

  I smiled wryly and said, "The top appointed me as the front-line commander, I...". The deputy commander interrupted and said, "Appointing you as the front-line commander, I think this is in line with the spirit of the Party Central Committee's instructions. Now the whole country is promoting new people and training new people. Under this trend, it's not unexpected that you would be appointed. However, I think you're still relatively competent as the front-line commander so far."

  I was deeply moved by the deputy commander's heartfelt words and had a great appreciation for him. I said, "I am shallow in knowledge and limited in ability, so I still need your strong support!"

  The deputy commander said: "That goes without saying, we are on the same boat, one honor and one loss. We can only have a way out if we win!"

  I nodded vigorously and said confidently: "Hehe, we will definitely win."

  The deputy commander nodded and didn't say anything else.

  On October 5, General Kawabe's 4th Army found the 1/9 Gurkha Rifles and 2 Rajput still in place at Lungbu when he arrived there. They were waiting for more airdrops to be collected. He was furious and berated their commanders: "You are losing opportunities." He ordered these two under-strength battalions, with only three days' rations, to move forward immediately. It was this order that started the change in the course of events in my favour.

  After receiving the latest report from the scout, I immediately convened a meeting with the commanders and staff at the command post. I said: "Just received the latest intelligence, the Western Zong army has gathered about 1 regiment of troops on the south bank of the Kejie Lang River. They have already deployed their formation; the enemy has gathered 1 battalion of troops in the north; 1 battalion of troops in the middle; and according to the scout's report, the enemy command post is also in this direction; In the south, Western Zong has gathered 1 battalion, and there are estimated to be another 1 battalion of mobile forces." Everyone listened and began to observe the map, studying it. After a discussion, we made a plan. We also divided our troops into three routes: the southern route was led by the 518th Regiment, the middle route by the 519th Regiment, and the northern route by the 53rd Regiment. The 515th and 516th Regiments served as reserve forces. Each regiment did not launch an attack for the time being, waiting for orders from the front command post. After the meeting, everyone went to do their preparatory work.

  On October 6, Major General Cauldron and Brigadier Parasad finally arrived at Kyejonglang. The assembled troops of the 7th Brigade were deployed on a front only 12 miles wide, which was almost six times that of the infantry manual. Colonel Dalvi, commander of the 7th Infantry Brigade, reported to General Cauldron more than once and suggested postponing the execution of the "Liwona" plan until winter clothes, artillery, and other logistical supplies arrived. After seeing the report, General Cauldron said: "I have repeatedly emphasized that speed is essential for soldiers. According to his plan? Ha! The Dragon Army has long been waiting for you to come to their doorsteps. Only by quickly ending the battle and occupying the action target can we be justified. As a proud graduate of the British Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, do I need him to point fingers at me? Ridiculous!" General Cauldron insisted that the "Liwona" plan should be formally implemented on October 8, ordering the 7th Brigade to send the 2nd Lashput Regiment to the Tagra mountain ridge and occupy the top of the Wengcuo Mountain Pass. When Brigadier Dalvi received this order, he almost collapsed, saying: "What? Attack Wengcuo Mountain Pass? What do I attack with? How many artillery pieces do I have? Damn it! I don't even have one artillery piece." Dalvi knew that executing this command meant that a regiment without artillery cover would have to move towards the top of the mountain at an altitude of about 4876 meters under the eyes of the Dragon Army. He immediately sent a telegram explaining the situation, but when he received General Cauldron's reply, he was furious. The original text of the telegram read: "Brave and fearless infantry do not need artillery cover." This sentence spread throughout the Western Army in later years. General Cauldron also emphasized that if the order was not executed, it would be a military crime. Under duress, Dalvi retreated and asked to send a vanguard to the Chidong area before the 2nd Lashput Regiment departed, to provide flank cover for the regiment. The 2nd Lashput Regiment was scheduled to launch an attack on October 10 at dawn. After receiving the report, General Cauldron considered it for a moment and felt that he should take care of Dalvi's face, after all, he was also the commander of the 7th Brigade. So he agreed to Dalvi's suggestion. Thus, Dalvi's 9th Lashput Regiment set out towards Chidong, and the Western Dragon War was about to begin, as well as the Chidong Forward Sentinel Battle.