Chapter Sixteen: Wartime Expansion

  As soon as he mentioned sweeping the battlefield, Wen Chuanhao went all out to find something, in his eyes, nothing was more exciting than the "97-style" sniper rifle.

  "Come and take a look, something new and interesting. The Japanese machine gun has actually been fitted with a bayonet." As soon as the words were spoken, people gathered around.

  Chen Jifan also heard about the bayonet on the machine gun and suddenly had an idea. The "96" light machine gun, no mistake, only this one family has no other branch, and only the Japanese in the world have installed bayonets on machine guns, and it is this "96" model.

  The special forces from the 21st century knew about this machine gun, so they were excited and dancing with joy. After all, a high-performance light machine gun is extremely important for troops.

  The battlefield has been swept, and apart from the damaged ones, a total of 117 rifles, two Type 96 light machine guns, one Type 92 heavy machine gun, two grenade launchers, three Type 97 sniper rifles, and five pistols were captured. Various bullets, grenades, and supplies were also seized in large quantities. Due to the fact that we have always launched surprise attacks on these devils, they had no chance to fight back, so a particularly large number of bullets and grenades were left behind.

  With the weapons, Chen Jifang began to consider expanding his troops. After all, there were too few combat personnel at present, and it was impossible to confront the devils head-on in a field battle. These few victories were purely accidental and could not always rely on luck to fight.

  Just now, when charging at the devils, 7 militiamen were sacrificed under the devils' guns. Chen Jifan ordered Deng Fangshun to write down their names and send condolences to their families later. However, seeing his own soldiers sacrifice still made Chen Jifan somewhat sad, although he knew that these were the necessary costs for the growth of the troops, and perhaps more people would die in the future...

  When Chen Jifang announced to everyone that he would absorb some militia members into the "Divine Eagle" team, all the militiamen enthusiastically signed up. After being baptized in battle, the militiamen's awareness had indeed increased a lot. However, Chen Jifang did not want them all and instead eliminated more than 40 people. The reason was simple: they did not have the courage to kill a wounded Japanese devil.

  In order not to leave a shadow in their hearts, Chen Jifan said a lot of comforting words. Although they were not absorbed, now they will not go either, so I hope they can perform well in the next battle, and the door of "Divine Eagle" is always open for them. Now it's just that they have to do some logistical transportation work first.

  In the evening, after all team members camped locally, Chen Jifan called Zhong Dingcheng and others to discuss the reorganization of the troops. In the end, everyone unanimously agreed to retain a part of the "Divine Eagle" special forces, and the rest were assigned to grassroots units as cadres. The troops had 287 people, reorganized into an enhanced company, with Chen Jifan as the company commander and Zhong Dingcheng as the deputy company commander. The entire company was divided into four infantry platoons, each with 40 people. The company headquarters included a machine gun class, artillery platoon, communications class, cooking class, medical class, intelligence group, logistics group, military law office, and a special warfare team directly under the company. Each platoon had three infantry classes, a communication soldier, and a medical soldier, with 12 people in each class.

  First platoon leader is Chang Zhongding, deputy platoon leader is Song Guantao; Second platoon leader is Luo Yugang, deputy platoon leader is Liu Yutang; Third platoon leader is Hu Yunfeng, deputy platoon leader is Wang Dafu; Fourth platoon leader is Zhao Jun, deputy platoon leader is Shang Changfu. Machine gun squad leader is Wang Dazhu, artillery platoon leader is Li Anju, communication squad and intelligence unit and military law office are all under the command of Gao Huanjie, Deng Fangshun is in charge of cooking squad and logistics transportation of materials and ammunition. The special warfare team is directly led by Chen Jifan, Wen Changhai and his three snipers were assigned to the special warfare team. He Chunxiang has now mastered the basic skills of sending and receiving reports, becoming a full-time confidential officer of the company.

  The team's weapons and equipment (excluding those brought by Chen Jifang and others) include:

  Three-eight rifles 240; MP18 submachine guns 4 (all incorporated into the special warfare team), one heavy machine gun, two Type 96 light machine guns, two "wicked" machine guns, one Czech-style machine gun and one 88-style squad machine gun; seven grenade launchers, bullets and various grenades, and some pistols, a few bombs and landmines. Steel helmets and military boots were basically issued to each soldier, Chen Jifang forbade wearing the enemy's uniform, thinking that the enemy's uniform was too ugly, and it was easy for people to think of the fake army and the two devils, damaging the team's image.

  The next morning, the team assembled as usual, and Chen Jifang announced the news of the team's reorganization.

  "Comrades, fellow fighters, from now on we will jointly own a loud name - China's 'Divine Eagle' Anti-Japanese Special Operations Team. From now on, we will eat together, train together, and more importantly, we will fight the devils together forever. On the battlefield, you can rely only on your comrades beside you. Yesterday, everyone also saw that the little devils are not invincible, if you give them a bullet, they will still die. What should we rely on to maximize the elimination of the devils while minimizing our own casualties? We must rely on the arduous training in peacetime and unconditional obedience to commands on the battlefield. Next, please let Vice Company Commander Zhong Dingcheng announce the military regulations of the 'Divine Eagle' Anti-Japanese Special Operations Team."

  Zhong Dingcheng ran forward, first saluting Chen Jifang, then turning around to salute the troops in a circle, shouting: "At ease! The military regulations of China's 'Divine Eagle' Anti-Japanese Vanguard Corps:

  All actions obey orders and unconditionally follow commands. Those who disobey on the battlefield will be handed over to military law for punishment.

  Second, do not harass the common people. Those who rob, steal, rape, cheat or forcibly occupy the property of the common people will be punished by military law.

  Third, be diligent in training and brave in battle. Those who are lazy or make excuses during training will be punished by military law. On the battlefield, those who shrink back or leave their posts without permission will be killed!

  Fourth, be absolutely loyal to the state, the people and the troops. Those who secretly collaborate with the enemy or betray the troops shall be executed!

  Fifth, officers and soldiers are equal. Officials at all levels shall not beat or physically punish their subordinates in any form, nor shall they abuse their power to force their subordinates to seek personal gain for themselves. Those who violate this rule will be dismissed from their posts if the circumstances are minor, and will be put to death if the circumstances are severe.

  All spoils must be handed over to the public, and no one is allowed to keep them for personal reasons. Those who violate this rule will be severely punished!

  Seven, prohibit gambling, watching plays, visiting prostitutes, smoking opium and other unhealthy behaviors, once discovered, punish immediately.

  8. Other matters not covered herein shall be discussed and decided by the Military Law Department.

  "It is hereby declared!"

  The several "killing" of Zhongding City made the atmosphere on the scene much more solemn. For a while, everyone didn't dare to say a word. Chen Jifan saw that the atmosphere was a bit dull and hurriedly walked forward and said: "Everyone can join the team without fear of death to fight against the devils, which means that everyone is a hero of my Chinese nation! You will be remembered forever by your children and grandchildren! However, many brothers have old parents and young children at home, so I declare that all 'Shenying' warriors will receive military pay. If someone unfortunately sacrifices, the troops will send grain, money and wealth to your family every month, and the troops will continue to support your family!"

  When Chen Jifan said this, the team suddenly became excited, especially those twenty or thirty National Army soldiers were even more tearful. After being a soldier for so many years, it was still the first time they heard that after dying in battle, they could receive compensation, and each of them felt lucky to have joined the right unit.

  Chen Jifan waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, and then continued: "You must always remember that our 'Divine Eagle' unit has been a regular army since its birth. It is a regular army that makes the little devils tremble with fear. Therefore, from now on, everything will develop in the direction of regularization. Any behavior that damages the honor of soldiers will be subject to the most severe punishment. Does everyone understand?"

  "We understand!"

  "Alright, dismissed! Check your gear and rations individually. Wait for orders!"

  After the dispersal, Chen Jifang convened a meeting with all the platoon leaders to discuss the next course of action.

  "The team has expanded and seems to have strengthened, but there are still 400-500 Japanese troops nearby. A hard fight is out of the question. Everyone says let's discuss what tactics to use next."

  Zhong Dingcheng spoke first: "I have two plans, one is for the troops to hide and rest in place, quickly conduct collective training and integrate new recruits into the team's combat effectiveness; the second is for the troops to immediately set out to cut off the enemy's rear route, use the tactic of 'surrounding Wei to rescue Zhao', then wait for an opportunity to strike the enemy with ease."

  "It's absolutely impossible to rest, the troops have just won a victory and morale is high. My opinion is to continue searching for the devils and beat them to death." Luo Yuguang said with a wave of his hand.

  "I agree with Luo Han's idea, does everyone still remember Zhulon Town?" Zhao Jun said, looking at everyone, "This time the devils first stationed in Zhulon Town and then split into three routes to attack us on the second day. That is to say, the devils must have a large amount of supplies stored in Zhulon Town. I suggest we march towards Zhulon Town."

  Zhao Jun immediately sparked everyone's interest, and everyone's eyes turned to the small town on the map.

  Hu Yunfeng pointed to the map and said, "Zhao Jun's idea is not bad, but the problem is that we don't know the deployment of the Japanese army in the town, their firepower configuration, or the specific location of those remaining devils. So let's first clarify the enemy situation before taking the next step."

  "Commander, I have a concern," said Li Anjie, the newly appointed artillery company commander to Chen Jifang. Li Anjie was originally an artillery company commander in the Central Army, and his troops were destroyed by Japanese aircraft and artillery during the Battle of Luodong, with most of his comrades sacrificing their lives. He was rescued by Song Guantao and others after narrowly escaping death. "I currently have 7 rocket launchers, which can still provide some support to infantry in field battles, but for attacking fortifications..." Li Anjie's face showed a look of difficulty.

  "It's not suitable for a siege," Chen Jifeng interrupted, "so we're not going to fight that kind of costly battle. As for what tactics to use, it depends on the reconnaissance results. Alright, I order: Zhao Jun to lead part of the 4th squad to search and alert the surroundings, to clarify the enemy's movements. I will personally lead the special warfare team to investigate Zhulang Town, and the rest of the troops will be led by Commander Zhong to advance on Zhulang Town in 2 hours."

  "Yes!"

  Zhulong Town is located 22 kilometers northwest of Chuxian County, connected to Shahe Town on the Tianjin-Pukou Railway in the north. It is a must-pass route from Chuxian County to Dingyuan and a strategic location within Chuxian County. The Japanese army stockpiled large quantities of weapons and ammunition in the town to establish the Zhulong stronghold and control the northwest part of Chuxian County.

  Chen Jifang led 14 team members to rush to Zhulong Town after a three-hour forced march.

  From the telescope, Zhulong Town seems to be filled with quietness and peace, but at the entrance of the town, the devils have set up a sentry post to inspect passers-by.

  The village was surrounded by some walls, but they were far inferior to the county town's city walls, just some earth rammed into piles, and many places had already collapsed. For Chen Jifang and his scouts, these walls were naturally nothing to worry about.

  Chen Jifang ordered Wen Chao to lead a group of soldiers to quickly reconnoiter the terrain and Japanese firepower on the outskirts of Zhulóng Town, while he himself led two soldiers to prepare for a disguised entry into the town.

  Regarding Lian Chang's decision, Wen Chuanhao strongly opposed it. The reason is simple: after the incident in Chuzhou, the devils have strengthened their vigilance, and now is the time for them to go to war. Chen Jifan's appearance is too eye-catching, and the devils are not so easily fooled. In fact, if you just want to investigate the situation of the devils in the town, it would be enough to send a clever soldier.

  While Wen Chuanhe and Chen Jifang were arguing, a soldier raised his hand and said: "Reporting to the two officers, I am willing to sneak into the town."

  Chen and Wen stopped and looked at this warrior who was in his early twenties. "You are very brave, what's your name?" Chen asked.

  "Reporting to the two officers, I am Xu Yang, originally a scout of the National Army. My home is in Wuyi Town, Chuzhou County. Before joining the army, I came here for the fair." Xu Yang replied with his head held high and chest out.

  "Are you a local? Why haven't you gone home yet?" Chen Jifan asked.

  "There's no one left at home, the Japanese have slaughtered everyone in Wuyi Town. I went there when I retreated from the front line, and the surviving villagers said their families were all killed by the Japanese." Xu Yang replied gloomily. Wen Chuanhao and Chen Jifan both saw tears welling up in his eyes.

  "Good brother, don't be sad, we will definitely avenge. Your request for battle has been approved, hurry up and change into these clothes." Chen Jifan said as he took out a set of ordinary civilian clothes and shoes from his backpack.

  After Xu Yang changed his clothes, Chen Jifan and Wen Chuanhao bowed to him, "Be more careful, go early and return early."

  This warrior named Xu Yang looks very ordinary, and ordinary people would never think he's a soldier, so Chen Jifan isn't too worried about his safety. After Xu Yang left, Chen Jifan still decided to bring two people to conduct a detailed reconnaissance of the terrain west of Zhulang Town along the highway, while the rest were led by Wen Chuanhao to monitor the Japanese army's movements in the town.

  To the west of Zhulong Town is a river, and the highway leads directly to Dingyuan in the north. The surrounding area is hilly, with a relatively large undulation, and several small rivers flow through it.

  The largest reconnaissance operation since the establishment of "Shenying" is now underway. As for this action, Chen Jifan actually had no great confidence, after all, the strength ratio between the enemy and us was quite different, but Chen Jifan was still full of confidence, he wanted to lead "Shenying" to create a miracle, let Japan learn a lesson from China's professional soldiers.