During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, in the mountainous areas of Fengyang and Dingyuan in Anhui Province, the New Fourth Army and the Japanese army launched a tug-of-war between you and me. The seemingly impregnable Japanese artillery towers became stumbling blocks to the advance of our army. Attacking, throwing grenades, firing rifle ammunition, all these methods could not overcome the enemy's reinforced concrete fortifications. Just when the officers and men felt that they had nothing to do about these "impregnable walls," a veteran Red Army soldier with old qualifications and rich experience stood up and said confidently: "This is not simple! His words poured into the hearts of our officers and men like a clear stream, and immediately aroused everyone's enthusiasm for fighting. And what is the strange plan he proposed? Will the old Reds find a way to defeat the enemy? Can the New Fourth Army take this opportunity to completely smash the Japanese army's defenses and uproot the "nail households" in the base areas? It's all in the next story......
First, there are many turrets, hindering progress
In the spring of 1942, the New Fourth Army in the Dingyuan and Fengyang areas was ordered to uproot the Japanese base areas in order to break its "cage policy". This strategy tried to divide and disintegrate our army's base areas with railways as pillars, highways as chains, and pillboxes as locks.
Chen Qingxian, commander of the 18th Regiment of the New Fourth Army, led the officers and men to quickly seize the railway and highway lines in the area by virtue of the superiority of the number of people. However, as the advance deepened, our troops encountered a stubborn enemy - a fortified turret position.
At first glance, these turrets look like concrete walls, but they have a murderous motive. The turret was built with intricate bunkers, reinforced with steel bars, and extremely strong defenses. The Japanese not only arranged all the heavy weapons in it, but also dug out the shooting holes to form a favorable shot for our troops who were exposed.
In the face of such impregnable fortifications, the equipment and weapons of the New Fourth Army were really stretched. They tried to attack the turret with grenades, but they were thrown too close and caused many casualties. The effectiveness of artillery fire was also poor, making it difficult to destroy such a solid target.
In the end, Commander Chen decided to adopt the old method - to blast the turret with explosives. Determined to win, several warriors sneaked up on the turret in the night, leaning their grenades and explosives against the base of the wall and lighting the fuse. But at this critical juncture, after a loud bang, the smoke gradually dissipated, and the turret actually stood as before, without the slightest damage!
It turned out that the design of the turret was too sturdy. Not only is there a layer of steel under the concrete, but even an adobe wall is built at the bottom to prevent mines from being mined. Unless there is professional heavy artillery or tank artillery firepower, the existing weapons of the New Fourth Army alone will not be able to shake it in the slightest.
As a result, our troops had to temporarily withdraw their positions to a farther place, and the turret was firmly rooted into this battlefield like a nail. The turrets blocked the offensive routes of our troops and also cut off the threat to the enemy's base areas. The New Fourth Army was in a stalemate and could not be attacked for a long time.
Just when everyone felt helpless about these "iron walls", Zang Dexin, a veteran Red Army soldier with old qualifications and rich experience, stood up and said confidently: "This is not simple! Zang Dexin's words were like a spring breeze, and they suddenly injected a force of confidence into the whole army......
Second, the strategist appeared and offered advice
At this time, Zang Dexin, a veteran Red Army soldier who had experienced countless battles, stepped forward and said confidently: "Although these turrets are extremely hard, they are not completely invulnerable. Let me figure it out! ＂
Zang Dexinyuan is a native of Huaibei, Anhui Province, and has lived in an old revolutionary base since he was a child. He joined the local peasant movement at the age of 15 and later joined the "Communist Party Xiadu Jiangxi Base Area" led by Chen Duxiu. There, Zang Dexin not only systematically studied Marxist theory, but also personally experienced the essence of guerrilla warfare.
After the defeat of the Great Revolution in 1927, Zang Dexin moved to Fujian with his troops. There, he met Peng Dehuai, who was recuperating from his injury, and the two formed an indissoluble bond. From Mr. Peng, Zang Dexin realized the wisdom of strategizing and learned how to gain insight into the overall situation in the chaos. This played an important role in his later tenure as a guerrilla leader.
After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War in 1938, Zang Dexin resolutely returned to his hometown of Huaibei, where he formed an anti-Japanese guerrilla force and provided a lot of support for the logistics supply of the New Fourth Army and the sweep of the Japanese puppeteers. Just when the attack on the artillery tower was in trouble, Zang Dexin happened to rush to the front line to inspect, and after observing the situation at the scene, he quickly put forward his own opinions.
"These turrets of the Japanese army seem to be invulnerable, but they are not without flaws. Zang Dexin analyzed the officers and soldiers present: "Although the turret itself is extremely strong, the enemy still ignores a fatal weakness - the lack of air circulation in the turret, once it is covered by thick smoke, it will quickly become a 'gas chamber' inside." ＂
Only then did everyone suddenly realize that the reason why the turret was so hard was precisely because of its airtight structure.
"This gives us an opportunity. Zang Dexin continued: "We can take advantage of the geographical advantages of this mountainous area and the materials in the countryside to launch a 'smoke' offensive against the artillery tower, so that the enemy will be crushed in the lack of oxygen!" ＂
The "smoke meter" proposed by Zang Dexin immediately aroused great interest among the officers and men present. After all, destroying a fortified turret without much effort is a brilliant idea indeed. Moreover, the geographical environment and material reserves here just meet the conditions for the implementation of Zang De's new strategy.
"Lao Zang, your strategy is indeed clever. Chen Qingxian nodded again and again, and then immediately deployed: "We will act according to your ideas immediately." Remember, you need to be meticulous in your preparations, and don't leave the slightest flaw in your enemies! ＂
Soon, intense preparations began around the turret. The scattered guerrilla detachments were urgently summoned and put on high alert. At the same time, some local farmers have joined in the preparations. Under the guidance of the guerrillas, they began to collect firewood, firewood, and some biomass fuel. All this is in preparation for the implementation of the smoke strategy......
3. Clever and good strategies, leveraging strength
In accordance with Zang De's new arrangements, the New Fourth Army has launched preparations for the "smoke meter" in an all-round way. And all of this needs to make use of the unique materials and geographical environment conditions of the local rural areas.
The first is the preparation of fuel. The soldiers of the New Fourth Army went deep into the countryside to collect all kinds of firewood, branches, wheat straw and other flammable substances. These are common clutter in rural life, and they are usually seen everywhere as garbage. At this time, they were given a new mission. Due to the limited power supply, the New Fourth Army could not use chemical fuels and had to rely on these natural materials.
In addition to this, the fighters also requisitioned a local specialty in large quantities - garlic. This pungent smelling vegetable releases large amounts of sulfur compounds during growth and produces toxic fumes when burned. At the same time, since garlic is commonly cultivated in local farms, the reserves are relatively sufficient.
Transportation is also a challenge. For cover, the fuel needs to be transported secretly at night in batches and routes. The villages around the turret were temporarily requisitioned, and more than a dozen distribution points were set up to receive and distribute fuel. In order to avoid being discovered and intercepted during the transport, the soldiers secretly crossed and diverted, sometimes even walking dozens of miles through difficult mountain roads.
Even the materials for ignition had to be found in every possible way. Due to the lack of chemical ignition agents, the soldiers had to use their years of experience in the countryside to find rudimentary ignition tools such as torches, firewood, and flints. These are the daily necessities commonly used by local farmers.
Finally, in order to achieve the best "smoking" effect, Zang Dexin personally deployed the arrangement of the fuel. According to the prior survey of the structure and wind direction of the turret, the soldiers divided the firewood and garlic sprouts into categories, and built a semi-circular fuel belt around the turret. The ignition material is placed on the perimeter of the fuel belt, and once ignited, the fire can quickly spread along the fuel belt throughout the turret area.
All these preparations were made in order to take advantage of the local geographical and material advantages to achieve the goal of destroying the turret. As long as the firepower is properly arranged, the smoke will surely penetrate into the turret, leaving the enemy crushed by the double attack of lack of oxygen and poison gas. It can be said that this is precisely the essence of guerrilla warfare of "strategizing, making careful calculations, and leveraging strength" to fight with strength.
After many twists and turns, all the preparations were finally ready. The hills surrounding the position were densely covered with hay, firewood, garlic and other flammable substances. As soon as a spark falls, it will cause a raging fire, enveloping the entire turret area. The entire position is like a "smoke bomb" that will be detonated.
At this critical moment, a difficult problem that needs to be solved suddenly puts in front of everyone - how to ignite the smoke fuel? In fact, Zang Dexin had expected this a long time ago, and he had secretly made arrangements......
Fourth, strategic planning, planning and action
According to Zang De's new deployment, the final hurdle of the smoke meter is how to ignite the fuel safely. In this regard, Zang Dexin has long been prepared.
First, he ordered the partisans to set up a camouflage position in front of the turret. The so-called "camouflage position" is actually a temporary bunker set up with field materials such as tree trunks and branches and leaves, which is extremely hidden. Once the fuel is ignited, the camouflaged positions provide cover for the partisans to escape from the enemy's fire blockade.
At the same time, Zang Dexin secretly deployed several groups of special service teams, who were responsible for cutting off the communication channels between the turret and the rear. As long as the liaison posts and guard posts are destroyed, the turret will lose contact with other reinforcements and will be completely besieged by our troops.
In the villages around the position, Zang Dexin also did some in-depth work alone. That was to persuade the villagers to join the ranks of the guerrillas. After this battle, these villagers may take on the responsibility of condolences and logistical supplies. At the same time, Zang Dexin also quietly installed some insiders into the ranks of the puppet army.
After going through all these arduous arrangements, Zang Dexin finally came to the front position of the artillery tower and asked the regiment commander Chen Qingxian for instructions: "Everything is ready, please send a cipher telegram No. 347 to inform the troops of the whole line to be on standby at any time." ＂
After that, Zang Dexin handed over a secret letter in his hand to a young soldier of the service company, and ordered him to immediately go to the next village and town, find the address on the secret letter, and hand over the letter there by hand.
The entire operation entered the final stage of preparation. The guerrillas of the New Fourth Army were in good spirits, some were responsible for igniting the fuel for the camouflaged positions, and some were striding to their respective positions. At the same time, on all sides of the turret, the guerrillas also began to encircle. Once the operation is launched, they must ensure that the turret loses all contact with the outside world.
In this tense atmosphere, an hour later, the little soldier of the service company rushed back panting, holding a new secret letter in his hand. Seeing this, Zang Dexin hurriedly opened the letter, only to see a few big words written inside: "Everything is ready, ready to be on call at any time!" ＂
It turned out that Zang Dexin had secretly arranged for some guerrillas to infiltrate the puppet army where the turret was located, and they were the "internal response" of Zang Dexin's operation. And that secret letter is the last confirmation signal that should be sent from within!
Getting this signal, Zang Dexin was overjoyed, and he immediately ordered Chen Qingxian: "No. 347 has been issued, and the troops on the whole line are on standby at any time!" I personally led the team to ignite it first, and when the smoke formed, the whole line was pressed! ＂
As soon as the words fell, several scouts behind Zang Dexin had already stepped forward and lit the flint and arquebus, and bursts of black smoke rose up! Soon, wisps of green smoke also rose from other parts of the camouflage position, and the surrounding firewood was even more burning. In this way, after some careful arrangement, the entire perimeter of the turret has been completely surrounded by thick smoke!
At this moment, there was a sudden shout of killing from the turret! It turned out that the members of the inner line of our army set fire to it, which made the defending enemy realize it for the first time. But it was too late, the smoke had already enveloped the entire turret, and the enemy inside was dizzy and unable to organize effective resistance......
Fifth, the sea of smoke is rolling, and the whole army is pressing
Thick smoke soon enveloped the entire turret area. The dark smoke swept through the mountain villages like a huge wave. The pungent smell of garlic mixed with the smell of burnt garlic is breathless.
In the midst of this sea of smoke, the guerrillas of the New Fourth Army quickly launched an offensive. They advanced in several groups, covering their mouths and noses with wet towels while holding their rifles aloft, their concentrations highly concentrated. Everyone is ready for a fierce battle with the enemy.
And inside the turret, the defenders were also in extreme confusion. Smoke soon seeped in through the firing holes and vents, enveloping the entire turret in total darkness. The choking smoke made the soldiers miserable, some coughed dryly, and some fainted. What's more, he climbed directly to the shooting hole and inhaled heavily, but he was so smoked by the smell of garlic that he couldn't open his eyes.
The originally impregnable turret became a "gas chamber" in the blink of an eye. Moreover, because the walls are too thick, the inside of the turret is not well ventilated, and it is difficult to disperse the smoke once it invades. The defenders were too busy to take care of themselves, and they had no time to organize a counterattack.
Around the turret, the encirclement of the New Fourth Army has begun to take shape. All the way to the vast pressure of the realm, the momentum is extraordinary. In order to cut off the turret from the outside world, several guerrilla squads also deliberately destroyed the nearby guard posts one by one to cut off the enemy's communication routes.
Just as the sea of smoke was churning, a fierce gunfire suddenly erupted in the camouflage position! Then, a group of soldiers in blue uniforms drew their guns and pounced in the direction of the turret.
They are the vanguard guerrillas led by Zang Dexin! Only a few dozen steps away from the turret, Zang Dexin personally turned over and opened the mortar in his hand. Several shells hit the turret directly, sending bricks and stones flying.
"Boys, give me a storm! Zang Dexin yelled as he stepped on the smoke and charged.
Behind him, a large force of guerrillas rushed up like a tidal wave. Armed with rifles, submachine guns, and homemade bazookas, they charged the turrets to the death!
The defenders in the turret finally reacted and frantically fired back at our troops. But under the thick smoke, they could not aim at all, and most of the bullets were missed. In contrast, the members of the New Fourth Army could not completely avoid the smoke attack, but their vision was indeed much better than that of the enemy.
In this way, a fierce hand-to-hand combat unfolded around the turret. The sound of gunfire, artillery fire, and explosions on both sides mingled and resounded in the sky. In the air filled with smoke and gunpowder, figures in different military uniforms were fighting and tearing everywhere. The flames and smoke sometimes obscured the battlefield, and at other times exposed the battle.
After a fierce battle, several guerrillas finally broke through the resistance and broke into the inside of the turret! The enemies inside surrendered one after another, and one by one they came out of the shooting holes, and knelt on the ground with their heads in their hands.
In this way, this extremely strong turret was finally captured by the warriors of the New Fourth Army under the destruction of smoke! Zang De's new "smoke meter" has won again!