Blood and Tears Remembering Hengyang: A Personal Account of the Hengyang Defense Battle

Author: Jiang Hongxi / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Standing on the steps in front of the unit gate, the commander was already delivering a solemn speech to everyone. "Alright, come here," he said, pointing to the ranks, indicating that there was no need for apologies or trouble—just listen. I took my place at the end of the line. "Not just talking, but we must act! Yes, we must start right away. Dear brothers, this is not the time for words; it is already the time for blood, sweat, hard work, and struggle. I know you, and I trust you even more. Strive! Young brothers, for the Republic of China, for the Tenth Army, for all our loved ones who suffer slavery and oppression!" A wave of grief and soaring emotions resonated through every taut heartstring. Even the usually boisterous and candid commander's eyes filled with tears, his voice choked with emotion, unable to form words. Boiling blood surged within him, as if about to explode. His heart pounded fiercely, his breathing quickened, and his overwhelming emotions could no longer be suppressed. He had to break through the usual solemn and orderly atmosphere of the commander's speech.
"Support the commander, obey the commander's orders, share life and death with the commander, and fight alongside Hengyang until the end! Long live the Tenth Army! Long live the Pre-10th Division!" More than a hundred bare chests waved, and more than a hundred bare feet jumped. The roar startled a warhorse tied nearby. Roar! Roar! This was a team of valiant warriors, a pack of fierce beasts. The first to raise their arms and shout was Captain Xu. "And us, under the command of our late commander Sun Mingjin (Note: Sun Mingjin, the original commander of the Pre-10th Division, was killed in the Battle of Changde), we must avenge our fallen commander Yuquan!" Mentioning the deceased commander, he broke down again, tears streaming down his face as he wailed loudly. "We will avenge our fallen commander, leading our men to fight and eliminate the Japanese invaders!" The sound was like thunder.
"Alright! Let's get to work! And one more thing, don't just think of dying for the cause. Even in death, we must still be responsible to our country. Don't keep chanting 'Charge! Charge! Charge! We will succeed!' That old tune won't cut it. Flesh can't withstand steel bullets. To avoid death, to cherish life, to let the enemy die while we live—this is the only way to truly succeed, the only way to be a true commander."
"Alright! Let's start now." Wiping away his tears, he picked up his horsewhip and strode out of the square with confident steps. With a leap, he mounted his tall, brownish-black warhorse—a trophy from the Battle of Changde.
From the cathedral, the line connecting Ouzhuang Town and the train station was assigned as the position of his regiment. The terrain along the line was hilly and complex. In front of the position lay a flat, lush green paddy field, crisscrossed with paths and lanes. Beyond the paddy field, another hilly area stretched out. If the enemy entered this hilly area, it would be ideal for our artillery to target them. Crossing the artillery defense line meant entering the effective range of our heavy machine guns, and passing the foothills would bring them under the fire net of our infantry. The entire approach to the enemy would be controlled by a coordinated fire net of light and heavy weapons, ensuring that by the time they reached the close-combat range, the enemy forces would suffer heavy losses, possibly even being completely annihilated. Even if a few survivors remained, they would be swept away in our counterattacks, leading to their mutual destruction. The fate of the entire enemy army was sealed.
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