Chapter 768
Kaifeng Conference The Selection of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armored Army Group!
The afternoon sun was a bit dazzling, casting beams of light, full of dust, through the gaps in the thick velvet curtains of the First War Zone Commander's Headquarters.
Inside the meeting room, the generals took their seats one after another, the sound of their boots clicking on the floor rising and falling, but no one whispered to each other.
Everyone's gaze, intentionally or unintentionally, drifted toward the huge display board covered by a white cloth on the side of the stage.
Chu Yunfei picked up the covered teacup, gently skimmed off the foam, and instead of focusing on the tea, he subtly scanned the entire room with his gaze.
Li Pinxian's posture was somewhat stiff, clearly still shaken by the loss of military power that morning.
Hu Zongnan kept glancing at his watch, his brows furrowed with anxiety.
As the deputy commander of the Eighth War Zone, he didn't even know what the upcoming meeting should be about.
Soon, everyone arrived.
Chang Ruiyuan spoke up immediately: "Wei Wen."
"Chairman."
"Let me show you the key focus of the next phase: the construction plan for the armored army group."
Most of the armored army members looked surprised.
A few army group commanders who had received advance notice couldn't help but swallow hard.
Armored Army Group – what an unfamiliar term!
A country where most people can't even get enough to eat is actually going to form an armored army group.
Upon hearing the sound, Lin Wei stood up and quickly walked to the display board.
With a "whoosh," the white cloth slipped off.
A complex organizational chart, filled with intricate black and red lines and dense data, was laid bare before everyone—the "Draft Organizational Chart of the First Armored Army of the National Revolutionary Army."
The sound of gasping for air was particularly jarring in the quiet meeting room.
"Please take a look, everyone."
Lin Wei emphasized the top of the chart with his command baton, his tone filled with barely suppressed excitement: "The First Armored Army Group comprises four heavy armored divisions."
"Of course, this isn't just about putting a few tanks together and calling it an armored force; it's a fully mechanized steel torrent!"
As the baton slid down, Lin Wei continued in a loud voice: "Each armored division will have a full complement of 12,800 men."
"It has three tank battalions under its command, equipped with 168 M4A3 Sherman medium tanks and 77 M5A1 Stuart light tanks."
"All three armored infantry battalions have been re-equipped with M3 half-track armored personnel carriers."
"The three self-propelled artillery battalions are uniformly equipped with M7 'Priest' 105mm self-propelled howitzers, with 12 vehicles in each battalion, as well as two maintenance engineering vehicles."
"To facilitate vertical command, there are no regimental-level combat units; instead, command is directly exercised by the division-level command headquarters."
As Lin Wei reported out astronomical figures for the amount of equipment.
The commotion from the audience finally broke out.
"This is a division. We've fought all our lives, and the artillery of our entire army group combined doesn't even amount to the size of one of their battalions. How much money must their armored forces have cost?"
"Yeah, how many light machine guns can one iron turtle make?"
"Does this seem like we're taking too big a step? Many units haven't even gotten their hands on rifles yet, and we're already getting so many tanks."
"Shouldn't we discuss this further?"
Chang Ruiyuan and the others took in everything, their fingers tapping lightly on the table.
As the murmurs from the audience grew louder, this wave of doubt finally coalesced into a single, concrete voice.
"Chairman! Chief Advisor!"
An old general with gray hair and a thin frame suddenly stood up.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Li Jiayu, the deputy commander of the First War Zone and the commander-in-chief of the 36th Army Group.
He wasn't opposing for the sake of opposing; his bloodshot eyes were filled with worry based on his painful past experiences.
"It's not that the department wants to dampen enthusiasm."
Li Jiayu pointed to the weaving diagram, his voice trembling slightly with excitement: "I did a rough calculation. Just the daily fuel, spare parts, and those maintenance soldiers who are treated like pampered young masters are all costs for maintaining such a 'metal brute' division."
"This expense is probably equivalent to that of five infantry divisions for one armored division."
Li Jiayu looked up at the crowd above, seemingly wanting a definite answer.
Lin Wei glanced at Chang Ruiyuan, and seeing Chang Ruiyuan nod slightly, she immediately responded, "Commander Li."
"According to calculations by the General Staff and the Ministry of Finance, the amount of resources required to form an armored division each year is actually enough to form ten infantry divisions, and the amount of national currency required to form an armored army group is roughly equivalent to the military expenditure of five army groups."
Li Jiayu became visibly more agitated: "Everyone knows what the state of the national treasury is like right now."
"Many of our troops were still wearing straw sandals and carrying Hanyang rifles, with two people sharing one rifle!"
"Are we really going to use all the hard-earned money of the entire army to build up these 'golden dolls'? Do you think we can defeat the Japanese with these iron turtles?"
"just in case"
Li Jiayu paused, then gritted her teeth and said, "What if we get stuck in the mud, or lose air superiority and get bombed by the Japanese? Wouldn't we be throwing away the country's entire fortune?"
"Shouldn't we distribute these resources more evenly and equip everyone with new rifles, or even just a few more mountain guns? That would be a real boost to our combat effectiveness!"
These words resonated deeply with the vast majority of the generals present, who were "used to being poor."
Li Jiayu was originally from the Sichuan Army and was a veteran.
They were the first batch of Sichuan Army troops reorganized in 35.
It is unreasonable to say that Li Jiayu is a Sichuan warlord nowadays.
It is equivalent to a collateral force of the Central Army.
His words actually represent the sentiments of many people.
The formation of armored army groups certainly had nothing to do with these infantry generals.
With so much money, if they spent it on infantry, they would definitely be able to get something out of it.
"Yes, Commander Li is right."
"Good steel is used on the blade, but isn't this blade a bit too expensive?"
A chorus of agreement arose, reflecting the instinctive fear and unease of an agricultural nation's general when facing mechanized forces.
Commanders were used to using human lives to fill the gaps, and used to splitting a silver dollar in half to spend it.
They simply cannot adapt to this "one shot, a fortune" style of fighting.
on the rostrum.
Chang Ruiyuan's face darkened.
He was about to slam his fist on the table and yell at them when Zhan Shuai gently put down his teacup with a crisp "clang".
Chang Ruiyuan glanced sideways and saw Zhan Shuai nod slightly, then fall silent.
Clearly, Chang Ruiyuan acquiesced.
The war commander slowly stood up and straightened the hem of his military uniform.
Instead of immediately refuting him, he walked to the map, picked up his baton, and drew a heavy line on the vast North China Plain and the even more northerly Northeast Plain.
“What Deputy Commander Li said does have a certain degree of feasibility in the traditional army combat thinking.”
He first affirmed the other party's attitude, then changed his tone and became sharp.
"However, one thing I need to emphasize is that our battlefield now is no longer the towering mountains of the Northwest, nor the fragmented water towns of Jiangnan!"
The commander slammed his baton down on the plains on the map.
“Look at these places.”
“The eastern part of our country is mostly flat plains.”
"If we still rely on our two legs, light machine guns and mortars to fight the Kwantung Army's 'mechanized troops' in open field battles on the plains, we will be in a passive situation everywhere."
"The Japanese army relied on railways and highways for rapid maneuver and quick reinforcements, and we suffered countless losses because of this."
"In the Northeast region, which the Japanese army had been operating for decades, our inability to maneuver quickly meant that we could not seize the initiative on the battlefield."
Even the slightest mishap in the plan could result in a significant cost, which would be irresponsible towards the lives of soldiers!
The commander turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Li Jiayu and the whispering generals below the stage:
"Commander Li, if we had continued with our defensive strategy, then strengthening the army's firepower would have been perfectly acceptable."
"The situation on the battlefield changes almost every day, and even the command headquarters has made mistakes in decision-making more than once."
"So, why were we able to adjust and change so quickly?"
The war commander paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Combat experience is our best teacher."
"Not only did our experience fighting the Japanese help us grow quickly, but the success and failure of each battle also allowed us to summarize a set of tactics and military building ideas that were more suitable for the current battlefield."
"Clearly, this world war that spanned the entire globe made countless countries and generals realize one thing."
"I would like to ask you all, what is the backbone of an army?"
Zhan Shuai's gaze swept over the crowd below the stage.
Li Zhenxi, commander of the 38th Army, seemed to be thinking about something, and then raised his hand to signal.
"Brother Kuishan."
"The backbone of an army should be the officers and soldiers at the grassroots level. The so-called grassroots officers and soldiers refer to company and platoon level officers, as well as veteran squad leaders with rich combat experience, that is, non-commissioned officers."
Under Chu Yunfei's encouraging gaze, Li Zhenxi slowly continued to express his thoughts: "During the previous battle in Shanxi, I deeply realized the importance of the grassroots officers and soldiers."
Perhaps our mid-level commanders are quite capable, but we are human after all, and battalion and regimental commanders cannot be on the front line to command operations at all times.
Those who truly understand the enemy situation in the first instance are inevitably the frontline commanders.
The combat effectiveness of junior commanders often determines the lower limit of a unit's combat effectiveness in the event of command system chaos. Furthermore, when the command system is functioning normally, they can provide timely feedback, strategies, and experience, helping the command system operate efficiently.
Li Zhenxi paused for a moment, then continued, "Perhaps many colleagues will mention weapons and equipment. After all, everyone knows that good guns and cannons are indeed more powerful in battle, but let's not forget that weapons and equipment are ultimately used by people."
Zhan Shuai gestured for Li Zhenxi to sit down: "Brother Kuishan, please sit down."
"Gentlemen, technology and equipment often determine the lower limit of a combat force, but what can truly raise the upper limit of this force is 'people'."
"Achieving strategic objectives and completing combat missions while minimizing troop losses is something we have all been exploring."
"Why does a military unit possess so-called resilience? Why can't it be defeated or broken? I think you all have your own answers in your hearts."
"Where the people's hearts are, there is nothing that can be overcome."
"One Sherman tank can indeed be exchanged for several thousand rifles."
"But thousands of rifles cannot directly destroy a bunker."
"But when this tank charges onto the position, destroys the enemy's machine gun nests, and crushes their barbed wire, how many brothers who would otherwise be mowed down by the machine guns can it save?!"
"One hundred? Two hundred, or more!"
The audience was silent.
Chu Yunfei raised a finger, his voice echoing in the empty auditorium: "We had no choice but to risk our lives and use suicide squads to blow up the Japanese devils' bunkers before."
"If we had more direct-fire artillery and more large-caliber shells, would we have suffered so many casualties?"
"Now, the Americans have provided aid, the Soviets have provided technology, and the wealthy people in the rear are about to pay their 'taxes'."
"If we're still unwilling to spend money at this point, and expect our soldiers to use their chests to block gun barrels, then how can we be considered officers!"
"As for what Deputy Commander Li is worried about..."
Lin Wei, who had been silent all along, added the finishing touch at the opportune moment: "The funding for the formation of this armored army group came entirely from special tax revenues under the Wartime Social Equity and Sacrifice Act and US aid supplies."
"In other words, this money will not use the original military budget, and the original equipment replacement and reorganization plan will not be affected in any way."
These words completely dispelled everyone's last remaining concerns.
As long as you don't steal the food from your own bowl.
No matter what they build, they'll all be in favor!
"Furthermore, I can make it clear here that future combat and organizational forms will naturally not require the retention of larger infantry units."
"This military reorganization also includes the corresponding reorganization and reduction of personnel."
"Older and disabled veterans should be discharged from active service as soon as possible, and resettlement work in various parts of North China will proceed normally."
这.
The crowd looked at each other, utterly shocked.
Although North China has consistently emphasized issues such as combat skills, the progress seems a bit too fast.
Li Jiayu was completely stunned.
He just felt that armored units were a bit too expensive.
As a result, Zhan Shuai stood up and told him.
Human life is important, and from the perspective of reducing casualties, there is indeed no problem.
But what comes next?
They say they want to reduce the number of troops, but the war isn't even over yet, and they're already considering future combat situations and troop reductions.
After thinking about it for a moment, everyone suddenly realized the truth.
No wonder they kept talking about organizing the code names during the meeting this morning.
Does this mean that whoever speaks out against it will be laid off?
If that's the case, then why ask for our opinion?
Li Jiayu remained silent.
Naturally, no one dared to stick their neck out anymore, and everyone became much more obedient.
"I can also tell you clearly that the operational objective of the First Armored Army is to cross the pass."
"On the fertile black soil of Northeast China, on the vast plains stretching for thousands of miles."
"This steel torrent will naturally become the nightmare of the Japanese invaders, and will also greatly reduce the casualties of the infantry units that accompany it in the battle."
"Shoushan".
"To establish the framework of this First Armored Army Group, it needs to be not only robust but also swift." Chang Ruiyuan posed a thought-provoking question: "Who do you think can shoulder this immense responsibility?"
Hu Zongnan's Adam's apple bobbed as his brain raced.
This is a vital national asset, and it must be exclusively controlled by its own elite personnel who are proficient in mechanized warfare.
He sifted through his thoughts and finally settled on one name.
"Students are here!" Hu Zongnan stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor with a harsh sound.
"To establish the framework of this First Armored Army Group, it needs to be not only robust but also swift." Chang Ruiyuan posed a thought-provoking question: "Who do you think can shoulder this immense responsibility?"
Hu Zongnan's Adam's apple bobbed as his mind raced. This was a vital national asset; it had to be handled by an absolute elite, someone skilled in mechanized warfare.
He sifted through his thoughts and finally settled on one name.
"The student thought..."
Hu Zongnan's voice was somewhat strained: "Armored forces are a vital national asset and must be commanded by generals who are proficient in mechanized warfare and absolutely loyal to the leader."
Qiu Qingquan, commander-in-chief of the First Army Corps of the Annam Army.
He studied at the Berlin Army University in Germany, specializing in armored tactics. He was brave and fearless in combat and was known as "Crazy Qiu".
When it comes to mechanized warfare, Qiu Yu'an certainly has some unique insights.
"Yu'an?"
Chang Ruiyuan frowned slightly and tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "He is currently stationed in northern Burma with the First Army Corps, which is our great rear bulwark in the southwest, used to deter the British. If we transfer him back, what will happen to northern Burma?"
Just then, Li Delin interjected, "Chairman, since Wu Ziqiang's Second Army Corps and the First Army Corps are positioned to support each other,..."
Both units are elite forces with sufficient manpower and reasonable equipment.
Even if a different general were to take command of such a force, it should be able to handle the situation adequately.
Upon hearing this, Chang Ruiyuan's eyes flickered.
"Yunfei, you've been in charge of managing and planning the situation in northern Myanmar all along."
What are the specific details?
Chu Yunfei slowly put down his teacup, the porcelain lid making a soft sound. He stood up, took a thick document from his adjutant, and walked to the map.
"Chairman, regarding northern Myanmar, Commander Li is half right."
Chu Yunfei's voice was steady and powerful: "Upper Myanmar is not only a military buffer zone, but also our 'granary' and 'base' for accumulating strength for the future."
He opened the file and read out a set of data.
"Since the First Army Corps of the Annamese Army entered northern Myanmar."
We further promoted the "military reclamation" model, also known as the "Production and Construction Corps" system.
Currently, relying on the military support of the First Army Corps, we have systematically transported approximately 170,000 migrants from war-torn and disaster-stricken areas such as Henan and Shaanxi to northern Myanmar.
"Immigration?" Chang Ruiyuan's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward. "There are already 170,000?"
"Yes, Chairman."
"These immigrants, together with the garrison, formed thirty-four large 'collective farms'."
"They are farmers in peacetime, but can be used as reserve soldiers and auxiliary troops in wartime."
“We took advantage of the climate in northern Myanmar to reclaim wasteland and plant rice, rubber, and quinine, which was urgently needed on the front lines.”
Chang Ruiyuan nodded as if he had just remembered something: "Speaking of which, I did hear Junru's report before. We are now able to transport some strategic materials back to China."
Chu Yunfei's gaze was open and honest: "In fact, Dongyu has now formed a stable integrated military and civilian defense system."
There's no need for a valiant general like Senior Qiu, skilled in blitzkrieg and assault warfare, to be stationed there; it would be a waste of his talents.
He paused for a moment, then offered his advice: "The First Army Corps' current tasks are 'defense' and 'construction'."
All that is needed is a steady and capable general who is good at pacifying the people to take over.
The armored army group that is about to be formed will be tasked with attack.
The students seconded Commander Hu's proposal to transfer Qiu Qingquan back to China to serve as the commander-in-chief of the armored army group.
This not only makes the best use of people's talents, but also affirms the achievements of development in northern Myanmar.
Chang Ruiyuan's expression remained unchanged: "Then who should command the First Army Corps in combat?"
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately understood.
At this time, Toungoo had two legitimate military units.
One was Qiu Qingquan's First Army Corps, and the other was Wu Ziqiang's Second Army Corps.
If Qiu Qingquan is transferred away, and North China takes over.
Toungoo naturally fell under the control of North China.
After all, everyone knows whose man the head of the Yunnan-Burma Road Inspection Office is.
Luo Weiguo was originally from the Jin-Sui Army's elite faction.
Therefore, the position of the commander-in-chief of the First Army Corps is extremely important.
This person naturally became the focus of competition among various forces.
And it's unclear whether this was discussed beforehand, given that it was brought up at this time.
Everyone was curious about who should fill such a crucial position.
as predicted.
Li Delin, deputy commander-in-chief of the North China Joint Command, then spoke up: "Regarding Siam, I've heard the royal family is quite cooperative. Why not split the 11th Army Group, merge them into the 3rd Army Corps, station them in Siam, and appoint General Song Xilian, commander of the 11th Army Group, as commander-in-chief of the Annam Army and concurrently commander of the 1st Army Corps? The 3rd Army Corps commandership could be taken over by someone else?" (End of Chapter)