Chapter 65 Gas Mask

Chapter 65 Gas Mask

That night, after we returned to the battalion after training, Commander Zhang convened cadres from each battalion to the regiment headquarters for a meeting. Although the superiors had not made a clear notice, the soldiers knew exactly what this was for.

It makes sense for the superiors to keep the war time confidential. When our army fought together, we felt that the Vietnamese army knew our march route... Of course, part of the reason was that the Vietnamese army was familiar with the tactics of roundabout encirclement, but if we could know so much, there must be a Vietnamese spy lurking inside our army.

By the way, the Vietnamese look almost exactly the same as us, especially the people living on the Sino-Vietnam border. Sometimes they can’t tell whether they are Vietnamese or Chinese. In addition, the personnel organization of our army is very chaotic, and it is basically the same as the state of replenishing soldiers while fighting. The registration of soldiers is enough to register with the company instructor. There are even some replenishing soldiers who have died before they can register with the instructor. As a result, we didn’t even have to hurry to know the names of the heroes.

Such personnel organization methods have also taken advantage of loopholes for Vietnamese agents. Many Vietnamese can speak Chinese, which is related to the period when our army resisted U.S. aggression and aided Vietnam. At that time, China and Vietnam were comrades and brothers. In order to better communicate and learn with China, many people learned Chinese, and many even studied in Chinese military academies. Now, they seem to be able to become our army's "supplementary soldiers" and join our army.

So there is no doubt that there are many Vietnamese agents in our army, and this is also the reason why Commander Zhang has been keeping his mouth tightly for a while. But... Now, even ordinary soldiers know that they will take action soon. Will those Vietnamese agents still not guess?

With this question, I led the deputy battalion commander, instructor and others to the regiment headquarters.

The deputy battalion commander was Zhou Changxiang who made me advance and actually surrender. Since he became the deputy battalion commander, although he vaguely understood that his subordinates had no soldiers to be undermined, he seemed to be quite content with the title of deputy battalion commander. For example, now, it seems that he is qualified to attend a regiment headquarters meeting.

The instructor is Peng Xuehai, who is from Shanxi. Although he is responsible for the ideological and political work of the entire battalion soldiers, what surprised me was that he was not talkative, and he was not always like the instructors I have ever seen. Isn’t that? I haven’t said a few words to him for several days since I became the battalion commander. But then again, I have rarely returned to the battalion headquarters these days, and I have been training outside all day long. It is rare to meet him if I go out early and come back late.

Fortunately, there are two deputy battalion commanders and instructors, so there is no need to worry about any documents or reports from the battalion headquarters. The so-called new officer takes office for three reasons, Zhou Changxiang is very motivated after becoming the deputy battalion commander. And he seems to get along well with the instructors. On the way to the regiment headquarters, he heard them discussing behind them about documents, reports, and style in the battalion. I only heard my mind full of mud...

This is just a war! Why do you still have so many things to do? Politics should let those politicians play in their own back garden!

When we walked into the regiment headquarters, there were already many people gathered in it, and they were all the main cadres in the regiment and battalion. Because we had just become battalion commanders for a few days, this was the first time we gathered together for a meeting, so we were very unfamiliar with the cadres of other battalions. But it seemed that everyone else was familiar with me, and they all cast a look at me that couldn't tell what it was!

Envy? Jealous? Appreciation?

Maybe they are all a little! Imagine that all of them have been in the past for many years before they become, and I don’t know how much effort and effort it took to achieve the "achievement" today. But I was a recruit more than a month ago, and I was just a platoon leader before going to the battlefield. But in just a few days, I was like a helicopter and "huhhhh..." and even upgraded to the battalion commander! And it seemed that I was appreciated by the commander (I later learned that the reason why they thought I was appreciated by the commander was entirely because I got drunk that day and broke my head! I went to see the commander and came back drunk... Wasn’t it appreciated or something?)

So, the cadres all looked at me, the new battalion commander, differently, but they were jealous and more admired. Of course, they would not show it in front of me. Just kidding, the celebrity in front of the commander dared to offend!

So soon someone smiled and asked me to sit down. A cadre with a fair face and gentle face shook hands with me and said, "You are Comrade Cui Wei, the commander of the Second Battalion! I am the commander of the First Battalion Wang Zhengang. I am really a young man! I made contributions so quickly and became the battalion commander! Come on... sit here!"

"Where are there! Thank you..." I hurriedly responded, and then suddenly realized that I had become someone else's flattery!

"Come on, I'll introduce it to you!" After I sat down, Wang Zhengang pointed to a silent old cadre from several positions and said, "He is He Liqiang, the commander of the Third Battalion..."

I nodded at him with a smile, but he just narrowed his eyes slightly, snorted and ignored me anymore. It made me a little embarrassed.

"Don't mind, the third battalion commander is such a person!" The first battalion commander said in a low voice: "He can't get along with anyone, even the regiment commander is..."

"Comrades!" At this time, Political Commissar Huang saw that everyone was almost there and started talking: "Now the meeting begins, first of all, I want to introduce to you the new battalion commander of our second battalion - Comrade Cui Wei!"

I stood up and saluted to both sides, and applause soon broke out around me.

"Comrade Cui Wei is the youngest battalion commander of our regiment!" After the applause was slowed down, he continued, "But don't look at him as young, he is not tender at all when fighting. In just a few days of going abroad, he has made contributions in attacking the 386th, 339th, Tan Mou, and Dongxi even attacking the Guitun Fort. Therefore, the organization considers to promote Comrade Cui Wei to the battalion commander of the second battalion, hoping that each battalion can work together with him and kill the enemy together!"

"Okay!" There was applause from the regiment headquarters again, and the soldiers all turned their attention to me. Even the third battalion commander He Liqiang, who was not very caring, glanced at me a few more times.

"Due to the tight time, we get back to the point!" Then Political Commissar Huang said: "In the past few days, our net-pull-clearing operation has achieved great results. The Vietnamese army lurking in the villages, highlands and forests have basically eliminated. A total of 578 Vietnamese agents were wiped out, and our army only suffered 74 casualties. The superiors were affirmative of the victory of our operation. Praise us not only hit the arrogance of the Vietnamese agents, but also guaranteed the logistics of our army and laid the foundation for our army to create greater results!"

"Wow..." Another warm applause.

This seems to be the characteristic of our country's meeting. No matter what the content is about each meeting, there will be these situations.

"But..." Then Political Commissar Huang changed his tone and said seriously: "The superiors believed that although we had achieved a series of victories, they did not convince the Vietnamese army. They still shouted that the whole people would drive us out, and even said that they could launch a counterattack within a few days... So the superiors decided to increase the attack on the Vietnamese army and teach them a lesson!"

"Yes! Until they are beaten!"

"This is just right, don't blame us for being cruel!"

...

Listening to Political Commissar Huang's words, the cadres also expressed their approval.

"This is the situation!" Political Commissar Huang did his ideological work well, and Commander Zhang walked up. He pointed to the map on the wall with his baton and said: "Our army's main target is Lang Sang City of the Vietnamese army. Considering that our 213th Division already has rich experience in fighting the enemy, this time it is still responsible for the frontal main attack mission. The 212th Division and the 211th Division respectively encircled the left and right wings of our army..."

It's another two-sided tactic. There is no problem with this tactic itself. *** has won many battles before. Even our army often used this tactic when resisting U.S. aggressing Korea. The problem is... The Vietnamese army has long been familiar with our tactics.

The so-called roundabout encirclement should be to launch a surprise attack, surround, threaten its supply line, etc. without the enemy knowing that it will have the desired effect! Now when the enemy already knows that we will definitely use this tactic, we will still use it unchangedly. What role can it play?

But no matter how I thought about it, I didn't stand up to refute it. Because I knew that refuting was useless, Commander Zhang's tone was not discussing with us, but assigning tasks! And I also knew that this was the combat plan of the entire army, and it was impossible to disrupt it completely because of the opposition of a battalion commander!

What happened to Liu Shunyi! Thinking of this, I couldn't help but frown. Wasn't he still a deputy commander during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea? He has been fighting under my command for several years! Why do he still make this mistake now!

Later I realized that he was actually in control. This battle was a joint battle between more than 20 armies, and there were many things that he could not decide by a commander!

"Our division's mission..." After thinking about it, Commander Zhang pointed to the map and continued: "Our division's troops are mainly deployed from the 303 Highland to Barroe. The main force is divided into three routes to attack Lang Son along both sides of Tongliang Highway and the north bank of Qiqiong River. From left to right, they are the 637th Regiment, 638th Regiment and 639th Regiment... Our regiment's attack route is to carry out a surprise attack on Komashan along the Nalai, attacking on the 417 Highland with a force. First, annihilate the enemies of Komashan and the 417 Highland, and then advance along Tonglong Lang Son Highway, attacking Lang Son City, and annihilate the Vietnamese army in Lang Son City!"

It was another small point and two sides. Looking at the marching route that Captain Zhang gestured on the map, I quickly understood. In the big aspect, it was the division level roundabout encirclement, and in the small aspect, it was the regiment level roundabout encirclement, and in the small aspect... it was not possible that the battalion level was also...

"Comrades!" After assigning the task, Political Commissar Huang continued: "Our task this time is quite arduous. After such a day of preparation, the Vietnamese army has strengthened its fortifications. According to our reconnaissance, the Vietnamese army has already had a careful combat plan and firepower configuration. Moreover, the Vietnamese army has cooperated with local militias to closely combine the strong combat effectiveness of the combat troops with the advantages of local militia familiar with the terrain and land, and organized many exercises. At the same time, it also reserved sufficient weapons, equipment and ammunition special resources. They attempted to prevent our army from in the northwest of Kumashan, protect Lang Son, and wait for an opportunity to counterattack and force me to retreat. Therefore, this battle is the key to our army's attack on Lang Son City, and it is also the key to our army's strategic purpose of punishing the Vietnamese army. Are comrades confident of completing the task?"

"Yes!" the soldiers replied loudly.

"I must give you one thing..." Political Commissar Huang continued: "This time, the Vietnamese army has made sufficient preparations. They have laid a large number of mines along the river to slow down the speed of our army's advance. Moreover, the Vietnamese army has also gained experience this time. Many mines are laid in the dead corners of our army's artillery fire, so comrades must do a good job of mine clearance when advancing! In addition..."

Speaking of this, Political Commissar Huang and Captain Zhang looked at each other, and both of them had a little hesitation on their faces.

Seeing this, I was shocked. It was a matter of being able to make Captain Zhang and Political Commissar Huang want to say something but stopping. I was afraid that it would not be a good thing. I thought it was because the Japanese devils would use some damage.

Sure enough, after a while, Political Commissar Huang said: "According to reliable information from our army, the Vietnamese army may use poison gas in order to resist our army's attack!"

With a "coax!", Political Commissar Huang's short sentence immediately caused quite a wave in the regiment headquarters.

Use poison gas! What era is it now? What kind of conventions and humanitarianism have been out for many years? Poison gas is explicitly prohibited even on the battlefield, right? Is it still used by the Japanese devils?

But this seems normal. People can do anything if they are forced to do it, and what's more, we are facing a country that is forced to do it now! Aren't the Vietnamese devils poisoning food water along the way? In a country in war, who is still talking to you!

"So..." Political Commissar Huang took out a gas mask from the drawer and said, "After the meeting ended, he would go to the armory as a unit to collect the gas mask and teach the soldiers to use it overnight! If there is a suspicious situation on the battlefield, he would immediately wear a gas mask. Do you understand?"

"clear!"

"clear!"

...

This time, the cadres' answers were not so consistent. When they heard that the Vietnamese army might use poison gas, everyone seemed to have no idea. This thing is not something we can control.

He returned to the base in a hurry, and the soldiers gathered around and asked in a whisper:

"Battery Commander, are you going to start fighting again?"

"Where did you call this time?"

“When will I fight?”

...

"What are you doing for so many questions?" I said with a deep face and said angrily: "Go back to me, and you will know it naturally when the time comes, right?"

"Yes!" Seeing that I was not a joke, the soldiers didn't dare to say anything more, and returned to their positions one after another.

Maybe I felt this tense atmosphere, and tonight, even the two girls Liu Yun and Yichen stopped singing. I searched in the crowd for a long time before I found them. Liu Yun was sitting there nervously, looking around, his face turned pale, and when he met my gaze, he quickly lowered his head. Yichen was better, but he was fiddling with the rifle in his hand, and he saw that his movements were quite skillful!

I originally wanted to go up and explain a few words to them, but after thinking about it, I still thought I would forget it. The superiors explained that I cannot say what will happen tomorrow morning. Even if the soldiers can guess it, I cannot say it... In this way, at least the Vietnamese agents don’t know the time of our attack!

The soldiers can still remain quiet for the time being. When the gas mask was released, the soldiers could no longer hold it back. They were talking about it, and everyone showed doubts and fear on their faces!

"Battery Commander!" The man from my hometown walked up to me with a gas mask and asked bluntly: "Does the Yue Japanese plan to make trouble?"

I wanted to deny or not speak. The regiment commander and political commissar meant that they were worried about causing panic among the troops, so I just said it was just in case, but I couldn't give my comrades like this. After hesitating for a while, I nodded gently.

"Damn it!" The hometown man cursed fiercely and sat next to me. He seemed to know my difficulties, so he did not spread the news.

Speaking of whether the battalion commander is big or not, it is really not easy to be a cadre. When encountering such a thing, the superiors have orders and subordinates, and often they are not pleased by both ends!

"Company Commander Chen!" I patted the shoulders of the hometown people, raised my head to Liu Yun and Yichen and said, "I'll leave those two female soldiers to you, don't let them get too close to the front line!"

The people from my hometown nodded after being late: "Don't worry! If I'm here, they will be there!"

The reason why I handed over the two female soldiers to my hometown is that the Fifth Company is the strongest unit under my command, so I have to charge on the battlefield and put the female soldiers in this company to ensure that they sacrificed quickly. But I can't rest assured that the Fourth Company is only my hometown people. I think he will understand this.

No one slept well this night. Although the soldiers had been fighting for a while, after a relatively low-intensity clearance battle, they were about to enter a more intense war. The soldiers were inevitably a little nervous. But no matter what, for us soldiers, the war always had to be fought. Even if we know that it might not be possible to come back! This is not only a helplessness, but also a mission, the mission of the soldiers!

The moon slowly hid in the dark clouds in the sky, and the sky became darker and darker. Soon, it started to rain. This seemed to be telling us that it was approaching the rainy season in Vietnam. It seemed to be telling us that tomorrow would be an unusual day.
Chapter completed!