In the south of Fengtian City, in a place called Gucheng.
Although this was only a small town, the entire town was now filled with soldiers.
Feng Ping's temporary 1st Division headquarters had moved here. Outside the town, there were soldiers from the 1st and 2nd Infantry Brigades setting up a defensive line. The Artillery Regiment had also set up their position in the middle of the town.
The residents living here had already evacuated in advance. Many residents still remembered the war between Japan and Russia more than ten years ago. At that time, many people died in the war. Therefore, the residents were worried that they would be affected by the flames of war and had no choice but to leave their homes. However, they were filled with anticipation for the 1st Division. They hoped that they would be able to defeat the Japanese in this battle and avenge their loved ones who had died in the past. There were even some young men who volunteered to join the army.
"Young Marshal, Marshal has sent a telegram." Deputy Division Commander Feng Zihui handed the telegram to Feng Ping.
"Meng Enyuan is also participating in the battle? Haha, this is a good opportunity for us. After we deal with the Japanese, we will attack Ji Province and take it down!”Feng Ping laughed.
All along, Feng Ping's goal had never been a small Fengtian Province, but the entire northeast, or even the entire country. Fengtian Province was just the starting point.
Now, Meng Enyuan had actually taken the initiative to participate in the war. This undoubtedly gave them a chance to attack Ji Province. Even if they took advantage of this opportunity to conquer Ji Province in one fell swoop, the Beiyang government would not interfere. In this way, they could legitimately expand their strength.
"The military strength of Ji Province is not strong. Although there are more than 30,000 troops, their equipment is very simple, their training is lax, and their combat strength is very poor. If we were to fight them head-on, one of our brigades would be able to withstand their attacks, and two brigades would be able to defeat them!”Davidson shook his head speechlessly.
"Very good. In that case, there's no need to pay attention to Meng Enyuan. My father has already ordered the 1st Division and the 3rd Infantry Brigade to intercept them. After we deal with the Japanese, we will attack Ji Province.”Feng Ping said.
"Yes, Major." Everyone answered.
"Young Marshal, the main force of the Japanese 17th Division has already reached Liaoyang. They are less than 20 kilometers away from us. They had already gotten off the train and were heading towards our defense line on foot.”1st Brigade Commander Wang Liangchen reported.
"Very good, the Japanese have come to us of their own accord, so of course we can't let go of this opportunity. Although the 17th division was not the elite troops of the Japanese, it was still considered a regular army. Their combat power should be stronger than the railway garrison we destroyed earlier. However, I believe that the final victory will still belong to us.”Feng Ping encouraged the generals and officers.
He was worried that they would be frightened by the Japanese army.
"Yes, the Major is right. We've already killed thousands of Japanese in Liaozhong. The Japanese are no different from us. One bullet will kill them.”Feng Zihui looked indifferent.
The other generals and officers also burst into laughter. The laughter diluted the tense atmosphere in the division headquarters.
The two infantry brigades of the 1st Division formed a defensive perimeter around Gu Chengzi. Although time was tight and the defense line was not very strong, the necessary fortifications were still complete.
Trenches, anti-artillery holes, machine gun firing points, barbed wire, and mines were all available.
Combined with the powerful firepower of the 1st Division, they could easily defend against the Japanese army. In fact, Feng Ping was very confident that they would definitely win.
After all, even though the Japanese Army was the main force, there weren't many of them. There were only two infantry regiments and one artillery regiment. They could be considered the main force of the 17th Division.
The temporary 1st Division had gathered over 20,000 soldiers, which was twice the number of Japanese soldiers. The possibility of winning this battle was undoubtedly very high.
On the afternoon of September 5th, the main force of the Japanese 17th Division had arrived at the defense line of the 1st Division.
Lieutenant General Buntaro Hongo gave the order to stop advancing and prepare for battle.
While the troops were resting, Lieutenant General Futaro Hongo, together with the Chief of Staff of the division, Major General Shiki Shouji, the 21st Infantry Regiment Commander, Major General Tsukifeng Ozawa, the 41st Infantry Regiment Commander, Major General Jiro Kobe, and the 23rd Artillery Regiment Commander, Major General Seinosuke Kouha, were secretly observing the temporary defense line of the 1st Division.
"Regiment Commander, it seems that the Chinese have made their preparations. The soil outside their defense line was slightly damp. It was obvious that it had been dug up not long ago.”Shouzhi said.
Lieutenant General Fang Taro nodded."So be it. I didn't expect to launch a surprise attack on the Chinese. The powerful Imperial Army of the East Ocean Empire could easily defeat the Chinese even in a head-on battle!”
"Major General is right, the Chinese are weak. Whether it was the war against Russia in 1894 or 10 years ago, we killed many Chinese people. They didn't even dare to fart!”The colonel of Tsukemie Ozawa looked disdainful.
The generals and officers of the Japanese Army all smiled.
The 1894 - 1895 War and the war against Russia were undoubtedly two crucial wars for the Japanese. However, there was no doubt that the Japanese Empire had won the war, and it was out of control. It had directly turned them from a humiliated semi-colonial country into a world-class country, a country that even the western powers recognized.
Even if this powerful country was somewhat deformed and crippled, its military strength was stronger than its economic and industrial strength. However, a strong country was still a strong country. It was definitely not something that a backward country could compare to.
"Although I have to admit that the Chinese army's fortifications are still decent and much better than the other Chinese armies. However, it was impossible for them to stop the Japanese army. Kouyu-kun, get the artillery ready. Fire in twenty minutes and destroy the Chinese's position." After that, the 21st and 41st Infantry Regiments each sent out an infantry brigade to attack and tear apart the Chinese defense line. He wanted to show them how the regular army of the East Ocean Empire fought.”Lieutenant General Fang Taro of Hongo ordered.
"Hi, Regiment Commander!" The Japanese Army regimental commanders replied.
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