afterglow

Chapter 502 Chapter The difference between movement and immobility; wheeled assault gun

"...In other words, the British reinforcements probably left the Galapagos around the fourth day of the Lunar New Year?"

"Considering the worst, the British set off at a cruising speed of fourteen knots and traveled under the stars and night, including refueling by the oil tanker on the way, for a total of... thirteen days."

"I understand, Britain and the United States have made a good plan. No wonder the Saratoga hasn't shown up yet."

After learning about the changes in the enemy's situation, the naval generals immediately guessed the ins and outs of the strange situation during this period.

The whereabouts of the A-180 special agent fleet, which was restrained by the landing operation, were clear. For the enemy, it was easier to gain the upper hand by using movement and silence.

"It is not appropriate to stay here for a long time." He Wuxin, the captain of the Yongle, said solemnly: "Uncle Xia Jin, I suggest that we just keep the fifth formation. The main force of the fleet will leave immediately and jump to the outside."

"Yes, the enemy forces on Kauai have been defeated and cannot cause much trouble." The captain of the Kaihuang also agreed.

How could field troops be tied down for so long just to attack a city? This is tantamount to giving up the most important advantage of mobility.

Many eyes were focused on Song Zhongkai.

Fighting on complex island terrain, the remnants of the defeated soldiers with strong fighting spirit can resist for a long time, and it is very troublesome to clear them out. Historically, after the US military captured the island, it often took ten days and a half to clear out the remaining enemies.

Historically, the Prince of Wales' main gun sighting device was still being debugged and the sailors were undergoing training. However, in order to intercept the Bismarck, which was a thorn in the side and a thorn in the flesh, the Royal Navy still sent her out.

In comparison, our five aircraft carriers all have rich experience.

Secondly, the A-20 air raid fleet has not yet been exposed, and the Taiwei Zuoyuan and Tianshi Zuoyuan are also lurking in the dark.

In the temporary station, the officers and soldiers packed up their weapons and equipment, and many went to the supply point to get more bullets and grenades before leaving.

Song Zhongkai's basis is that two British aircraft carriers came from afar, and the Glory was delivered not long ago, so there are doubts about how much combat power the two can actually exert.

Even so, there are considerable risks in attacking Hawaii - the US military has more land-based aircraft and aircraft carriers lurking in the dark.

Some people lowered their heads and remained silent, while others hesitated to speak, but no one said a word.

Third, once the landing force takes control of Kauai, the Lihue Airport will be quickly put into use after repairs. At that time, air force combat units can be transferred to the island, and there will no longer be a significant gap in the number of aircraft between the enemy and ourselves.

"Zhou Dingzhao, the admiral ordered you to eliminate the enemy resistance on Kauai Island within two days and ensure that the airport is safe and usable. The Air Force plans to arrive on the 14th." With that, the communications staff handed over the telegraph newspaper with both hands.

Following Zhu Lingjing's constant instructions, Zhou's reply was "thorough".

But he also had conditions - if the A-20 fleet was exposed in advance or the Kauai airport was not put into use in time, the fleet must evacuate to a distance of 400 kilometers.

The two parties exchanged messages four or five times, and finally Ouyang Zhanghua reluctantly agreed to the plan.

The premise for the Ming Dynasty's military decision to attack Hawaii was that the US military had only two aircraft carriers left after the Battle of Tarawa, and had abandoned Midway and Wake Island. It was also estimated that it would take at least three months for the British army to deploy aircraft carrier reinforcements.

He said it was feasible to weaken the US military on Kauai within two days to the point where it "cannot pose an effective threat to the airport", but it could not guarantee that the remaining enemies would be eliminated.

As a result, the key to determining the battle deployment fell on the landing troops.

The latter glanced at him and said calmly: "If you leave now, don't you have to come back later?"

Soon after, Ouyang Zhanghua, who was in Ziwei Zuoyuanhao, also learned of this decision.

"Don't be too full, it's time to go!"

The opponent's decision was very clear - to deliberately avoid fighting and wait for the two British aircraft carriers to arrive before launching a massive attack together. At that time, the Ming fleet was supporting the landing force to seize the impregnable Oahu Island.

Okay, now the pressure is here.

He, who has always been elegant, couldn't help frowning and complaining: "Xia Jinbo is so courageous! What is his plan?!"

"It's really strange. This Englishman is so brave and cruel."

After a long silence, he uttered a few words with a solemn expression, "No, the main force will not move."

"I know." Zhou Changfeng nodded.

On the bridge of the Luxun, the officers were shocked by the news they had just learned. The British actually dared to send a brand-new warship that had been delivered for several weeks all the way.

"Check your equipment, bring more grenades, and don't leave your first aid kit behind."

The current situation is that the British army unexpectedly sent reinforcements. The ratio of the enemy's and our own aviation forces was instantly reversed, and our own side, who had spent a lot of time on the expedition, was at a disadvantage.

Afterwards, Song Zhongkai, expressionless, stared at the large map and said again: "Forward it to the Lu Xun truthfully, and ask the landing troops to pacify Kauai as soon as possible, and at least ensure the safety and availability of the airport."

Ten Type 38A medium tanks were also launched. The commander leaned half of his body outside the commander's command tower and kept greeting them.

A major staff officer on the Ziwei Zuoyuan lamented: "No wonder the number of enemy aircraft dispatched in the past two days is far less than expected. This is a trap."

As the moon sets and the sun rises, the Mountain Artillery Regiment of the Third Marine Brigade finally lands ashore. Two 80mm howitzer battalions and one 112mm howitzer battalion are deployed. The engineer battalion also begins to repair the Lihue Airport.

"Team one, assemble!"

"Order."

Song Zhongkai seemed to have anticipated Ouyang Zhanghua's objections, and simply replied that "if we are sure to destroy at least one enemy aircraft carrier in the early stages of the engagement, victory in this battle is entirely possible."

The morning of May 5th was another sunny day. If the war had not affected the country, this would have been a good time for travel and vacation.

"It's too dangerous to resort to tricks. This is American territory! No, call the Yongle. I don't agree with this decision. The fleet must leave Hawaii immediately."

On the front line, after a night's rest, various units that were ready began to take action.

After being surprised, Zhou Changfeng quickly thought of something in history - it seems that when they intercepted the Bismarck, the British also dragged a battleship that had not yet been debugged onto the battlefield?

He Wuxin immediately understood Song Zhongkai's intention and couldn't help but worry: "Is this a bit risky? There is no need to resort to tricks."

Before everyone could be surprised, he added: "Telegraphed the second formation to adjust the warning line, with the Hawaiian island as the center, and rearrange the submarines in the directions of 90, 115, 135, and 150."

A tank that had been repaired overnight also rushed over to join the battle. The hole in the front of the tank that was penetrated by a 37mm armor-piercing bullet has now been patched - a small thin steel plate was temporarily welded.

Seventeen Type 40 wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicles from the first team of the reconnaissance battalion also drove over in a long queue. A few minutes later, six wheeled assault guns from the assault artillery team of the 5th Marine Regiment also arrived on time.

The chassis and turrets of the two are exactly the same, the only difference lies in the weapons and usage methods.

Reconnaissance vehicles using 20.8mm anti-aircraft guns are given to the reconnaissance troops for use. In the establishment given by the Military Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of War, the reconnaissance and search battalions of the infantry division and the marine brigade will have a team of equipment.

The three platoons are exactly the same. The first and second squads under each platoon are each equipped with 3 vehicles. The third squad rides off-road vehicles and motorcycles. The platoon headquarters also has 1 vehicle. Each platoon is equipped with a total of 7 vehicles, so the reconnaissance battalion is equipped with 21 vehicles. This team will have a total of Type wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicles.

Assault guns using 80mm mountain guns are handed over to infantry units. In the latest organization, the infantry artillery teams of infantry regiments and marine regiments are reorganized into assault artillery teams. The original four 4mm infantry guns are replaced by six wheeled assault guns.

[Picture - Type 40 wheeled armored vehicle] "Change in plan?"

"No change! Just follow me, don't run around."

The commanders of each vehicle gathered together, and the tactical plan was spread out on the body of an armored vehicle. Everyone leaned over to confirm the combat plan.

At this moment, a voice suddenly came from the front, "Bring more food and drink, I don't know how long this fight will last!"

Some people collected extra water bottles from the bodies of American soldiers killed in yesterday's battle, filled them with clean water and took them with them for later use.

At 8:30, the offensive operation was officially launched after being delayed for half an hour.

The urban area of ​​Kauai County is dominated by low wooden buildings, most of which are typical American-style houses.

Similar to Zhou Changfeng's judgment, Lieutenant Colonel Cyril of the 60th Infantry Regiment of the US Army believed that such a fragile urban area was not suitable for defense because it did not have the conditions for street fighting.

He only deployed the second battalion in the urban area. Company A guarded Kauai Middle School and Belinda Hotel, two places with reinforced concrete buildings, and used them as solid support points; Company B was responsible for dispersed operations in the urban area to contain consumption; Company C The company was on standby on the northern outskirts of the city as a tactical reserve.

The directly affiliated troops of the 60th Regiment and the first and third battalions, a total of more than people, were all stationed at the preset positions southeast of Kaweikini Mountain.

The battle in the urban area of ​​Kauai County started at 8:47. The leading Ming army vanguard team was ambushed by Company B that had been well prepared.

"Da da da da——"

Heavy bullets were fired from the houses on the left and right!

"There's an ambush!"

The Ming soldiers immediately fought back with the weapons at hand. On the streets, light machine guns, submachine guns, and rifles from both sides played a weapons concerto, and various gunshots intertwined together.

"Room on the right! Machine gun! Machine gun!"

"Come here! Medical soldiers, come here!"

"Where's the bazooka? Hurry!"

The U.S. infantry used Springfield rifles to fire grenades. The smoking MkII grenades rolled around on the street a few times before exploding!
A minute later, Ming Army infantrymen carrying rocket launchers arrived and aimed a rocket-propelled grenade at the house.

The fierce exchange of fire lasted for about half a quarter of an hour. The two tanks slowly drove over and fired continuously at the house where the enemy was hiding. They also fired violently with parallel machine guns and heading machine guns.

Wood chips flew everywhere, and the house soon burst into flames. The screams seemed to be distorted by the high temperature of the flames, and the tone became quite strange.

As the assault force advanced, telephone lines and holding stations were deployed along the way, leaving a small number of soldiers to escort the prisoners and protect the rear of the attacking force.

Soon, Zhou Changfeng called the front line.

"Don't wait and go forward boldly. The houses along the way are very fragile. If you encounter resistance, don't care if they blow up first. We must advance to the front line of the school before twelve o'clock."

"It's sir, I promise to be there on time!"

The assault force began to advance faster. As the number of battles increased, the officers and soldiers became more proficient, and they were able to deal with the sudden firing of the U.S. military.

60mm and 81mm mortar shells continued to scream and explode in the middle of the team.

Whenever this happens, medical soldiers will rush over and drag the wounded to a nearby house, and then race against time to bandage them.

At 10:52, four Type aircraft taking off from the USS Fomalhaut carried out an air attack on Kauai Middle School.

At this time, the assault force was less than two miles away from Kauai Middle School. Seeing their own planes dropping bombs and strafing, as well as the billowing smoke and dust, the soldiers cheered loudly.

But the good times did not last long. Not long after, the Type 3 medium tank numbered 1- ran over a mine.

"boom!!!"

The U.S. military specially buried an additional blasting tube under the mine. The superimposed power of the two blew up the tank instantly. The chassis steel plate cracked, the rivets fell off, and the entire tank was engulfed in fire within ten seconds.

The intermittent bombing lasted for half a quarter of an hour. The No. 3-3 vehicle behind accelerated and rushed forward, pushing the destroyed tank to the side of the road so as not to block the passage of subsequent troops.

At 11:49, the assault force advanced to the front line of Kauai Middle School and cleared several nearby houses.

The 112mm howitzer of the 72st Battalion of the rd Marine Brigade Mountain Artillery Regiment conducted its fourth round of rapid fire, firing a total of shells, further destroying the US military's peripheral fortifications at Kauai Middle School.

At 12:30, the Cormorant heavily armed gunship aircraft arrived over the target and began to provide air support to the assault troops.

With the support of its own air and ground firepower, the Ming army launched its first exploratory attack.

The M3 anti-tank guns deployed by the US military in the ruins on the flanks opened fire continuously, destroying and damaging one tank each. The Marine infantry who were cooperating were also suppressed by mortar and machine gun fire and were forced to retreat.

The soldiers used smoke bombs to mark the exposed anti-tank gun position. However, the gunship's five consecutive shots failed to hit, and the assault troops had to rely on themselves.

A reinforced platoon was ordered to deal with the enemy's anti-tank artillery. After an hour of fierce fighting with the American flank, they repelled two squads of American infantry and anti-tank artillery there, killing and wounding more than ten people.

Then the Ming army launched a second round of attack. The armored vehicle knocked down the incomplete school wall, and came close to the school building less than 60 meters away and fired violently!
"Ding-deng-deng-"

The strings of armor-piercing tracer bullets fired from the machine guns were like fire whips, sending cement crumbs flying everywhere.

【Picture】

U.S. soldiers who lacked individual anti-tank weapons could only use rifle grenades to attack the armored reconnaissance vehicles. However, the grenades slipped and bounced off the armor, rolled to the ground and exploded.

The anxious Company A even fired smoke grenades at the tanks and organized soldiers to try blasting them at close range. Only then did they drive back several Ming armored vehicles that were running rampant.

In the evening of the same day, after calling for artillery support from the fleet across the shore, the assault force broke into the ruins of Kauai Middle School.

The classrooms inside the school building were in a mess, with cement and fragments of tables and chairs everywhere, and broken blackboards lying on the ground.

"Plant the flag! Call it a day!"

The soldiers cleaned the battlefield at night and unexpectedly found a lot of supplies stored by the US military in the basement of the school.

Someone shouted in surprise and found a box of brandy and several boxes of Coca-Cola.

"Wow! What a good thing."

"Quick, quick, give me a bite!"

Everyone who had been fighting fiercely all day had already drank all the water in their water bottles. The cool and refreshing Coke was quickly divided up. There were empty glass bottles on the ground...

(End of this chapter)