Chapter 30: The Troops Acquire Infantry Guns for the First Time

Listening to the rumbling of artillery fire, Zhang Yun directed his troops to pack up the captured supplies in an unhurried manner.

As expected, the gunfire and explosions gradually ceased before they had even finished clearing the area.

Zhang Yun’s Loot Bonus System refreshed with new data. After a quick glance, he noted a total haul including 25 rifles, 0.5 light machine guns, 2 pistols, 1.5 grenade launchers, 4,528 rounds of ammunition, and various other miscellaneous items.

Although the New Recruit Platoon had only sent an artillery squad with two mortars and 200 rounds of 82mm mortar shells to support the Independent Regiment, without accompanying infantry, the "Kill Equals Loot" mechanic had still helped Zhang Yun secure quite a bounty. From those 1.5 grenade launchers alone, he could redeem enough points through the system to procure over 500 mortar rounds.

One could only say that the New Recruit Platoon never lost out; in fact, they made a killing!

The new recruits and the local militia continued their slow cleanup. With such a massive amount of supplies—especially mule meat and grain—transport was a slow process. Zhang Yun was not stingy; he instructed Captain Wang to have the nearby militia come over and take as much grain and meat as they could carry, as both his platoon and the Independent Regiment were too far from their respective bases for easy transport.

Just then, a courier from the Independent Regiment found Zhang Yun to report the latest situation from the front lines.

Earlier, over 150 Japanese soldiers had arrived from the direction of the county seat, equipped with several grenade launchers and Nambu light machine guns, and launched an attack on the Independent Regiment’s defensive line. Commander Kong Jie, having deployed his forces calmly, waited until the enemy neared the position before unleashing a fierce artillery barrage. Dozens of mortar shells sent the enemy into complete disarray. Ultimately, after suffering nearly 70 casualties, the Japanese retreated in haste, and the Independent Regiment followed up with a counter-assault, seizing a portion of their weapons and ammunition.

However, the Japanese did not withdraw completely. Instead, they established anti-artillery and field fortifications on the road three kilometers away, appearing prepared to hold their ground. Concerned about a potential trap, Commander Kong Jie specifically asked if the New Recruit Platoon could provide support.

Zhang Yun pondered the situation while consulting his system map. The defensive position was only seven kilometers from the county seat, while the new enemy fortifications were only four kilometers away.

It appeared the Japanese were not retreating to the county seat because they were waiting for reinforcements.

While the Japanese needed to garrison the county seat to secure their logistical rear, a three-to-four-kilometer strike would not significantly impact the garrison, allowing them to pull the majority of their forces to participate in the support effort.

As a county seat serving as a logistics hub for an infantry regiment, the Japanese usually stationed an augmented company or even two there. Such augmented companies were typically reinforced with either three heavy machine guns or a Type 92 battalion gun.

Heavy machine guns were clearly outmatched by mortars with a range of 2.8 kilometers. However, the Japanese infantry gun posed a significant threat to 82mm mortars.

The Type 92 battalion gun weighed only 0.212 tons, making it easy to transport via animal or human power. It could be broken down for transit, offering excellent mobility, and was designed to accompany infantry battalions unconditionally.

The Type 92 had a wide field of fire and could engage almost any target. Direct fire allowed it to function like a cannon, effective against earthen fortifications and masonry, while high-angle fire allowed it to serve as a mortar. Because it was essentially a howitzer, its trajectory was more stable than a mortar, granting it superior accuracy compared to 80-82mm mortars. Its high angle of fire allowed it to be positioned on reverse slopes in mountainous terrain, providing timely support while remaining concealed.

With a maximum range of 2,788 meters and a 3.8kg high-explosive shell, the Type 92 was a force to be reckoned with.

Throughout the War of Resistance, the Type 92 served as the Japanese battalion’s organic artillery, playing a crucial role in numerous battles.

Still, Zhang Yun had his doubts. While the Type 92 was a weapon every Eighth Route Army unit dreamed of, the Japanese had learned on major fronts, such as Shanghai, that it could not fully suppress 82mm mortars and was often counter-suppressed.

Although the Type 20 82mm mortar was less accurate than the Type 92, its higher rate of fire, lighter weight, and superior mobility gave it a distinct advantage in artillery duels.

During the war, the biggest issue for the Central Army’s 82mm mortars was a lack of ammunition. Furthermore, the Japanese rarely relied solely on the Type 92 to fight mortars; they preferred to utilize their superior overall firepower, including mountain guns, heavy artillery, and air support.

Experienced Japanese officers would know this; they wouldn't simply throw Type 92s against the Independent Regiment's mortars.

Just then, as Zhang Yun stared at the map, he noticed anomalous data. A cluster of red dots had suddenly appeared on a mountain road east of Heshun County, with two green dots just 100 meters away.

The reconnaissance scouts Zhang Yun had sent ahead had not yet returned to base, and one team had been positioned near the county seat to await the main force.

Led by "Old Zhang," the eight-man team was hand-picked and highly skilled. They had arrived two days early, observing the terrain and even disguising themselves as farmers to infiltrate the city. Unfortunately, the enemy's security was too tight to get close to the barracks.

To avoid alerting the enemy, they rested in a small cave on the mountain at night. That afternoon, while keeping watch, they spotted over 60 Japanese soldiers exiting the city and moving north along the eastern mountain road.

Unfamiliar with the terrain, the Japanese had passed right under their noses while hidden by rocks and trees.

Comparing what they saw to the Japanese organizational charts Zhang Yun had taught them, they identified a full platoon and a Type 92 artillery crew. The gun was disassembled, with ten men carrying the parts as they marched.

The two scouts were bold; they followed the detachment to determine their destination and prevent any surprise attacks on their comrades.

Zhang Yun’s map function was limited, only showing enemies within 200 meters of his scouts. It was pure coincidence that he had caught sight of this small enemy unit.

Why would enemies suddenly appear on the mountain road where the scouts were hiding?

Recalling common Japanese tactics, Zhang Yun realized they were performing a flanking maneuver.

"When poor, use infiltration and flanking; when rich, use fire coverage." This was a common joke about the PLA, but in reality, flanking was a specialty of the Japanese army as well. During the Battle of Niangziguan, the Japanese had used frontal containment combined with flanking maneuvers to capture Shimen Pass.

When frontal assaults faltered, the Japanese loved to send small units to flank their opponents. While the Eighth Route Army was accustomed to this, the Nationalist forces were often crushed by such sudden lateral attacks.

Zhang Yun analyzed that the Japanese likely mistook the Independent Regiment for a larger Nationalist force and were habituated to sending a flanking unit to strike their side. It was highly probable this unit carried an infantry gun.

This was a golden opportunity to capture a Japanese battalion gun!