Capítulo 1618: 1535 Must Win Gloriously
Unfortunately, Moss could no longer provide him with more support: almost all the troops that could be mobilized had already been dispatched to Position No. 6.
It’s crucial to understand that, in the pre-war tactics devised by Moss, the Dwarf Troops were to be kept from mobilizing whenever possible—because once mobilized, the assembled troops would become the best targets for the Tang Army.
Countless past wars have proven that once you are mobilized by the Tang Army and leave the solid defensive positions, you become passive prey, with a large number of active forces being destroyed by the Tang Army in open field combat.
Therefore, when building the Steel Rampart, Moss had already begun to avoid frequent mobilization of the dwarf’s troops to keep them from entering field combat and being passively eliminated by the Tang Army.
Upon the outbreak of war, Moss had mobilized the few troops that could still be mobilized: the overwhelming majority were used to blockade the airborne Tang Country Paratroopers, and the remaining small portion was sent to support Position No. 6.
This was because Position No. 6, being relatively southward, was closer to the area where the troops of the Ice Cold Empire were stationed, and thus received reinforcements first.
The dwarfs, with their limited mobile forces, were unable to provide quick support, which was one of the few flaws in Moss’s tactical plan.
Previously, Moss had hoped that the solid fortifications could delay the Tang Army’s advance, thereby easing the pressure on the garrison troops and reducing the urgency for reinforcements.
But reality slapped Moss in the face, as the dwarf’s defensive positions crumbled under the high-pressure assault methods of the Tang Army, with requests for support coming from all directions, yet the scattered dwarf forces were utterly unable to effectively gather together.
Everything has its pros and cons, and General Moss’s tactics ensured that there would be enough dwarf troops to defend any location. However, the flaw in this tactic was also quite evident: these scattered dwarf troops were completely incapable of mobilization.
“I can’t provide you with further support; all the support I could give you has already been provided…” Moss said and then hung up the phone. He knew that Position No. 6 would soon be unable to withstand the pressure and would be occupied by the Tang Army.
But what perplexed him was, where exactly are the logistical limits of the Tang Army? How long will such ferocious assaults continue?
…
On the coastal front, the Tang Army’s landing crafts, loaded with a variety of supplies, were continuously rushing to the beach crowded with personnel.
Barrel upon barrel of fuel, crate upon crate of ammunition, along with countless medical supplies, spare weapons, even dessert foods, cigarettes, and beer… were all piled on the beach like heaps of garbage.
Even the Tang Army members who had landed were startled by these supplies; they truly couldn’t figure out how much shipping capacity was required to bring so much stuff up to the beach.
Next to the armored transport vehicles, armored recovery vehicles were parked, Engineers Corps were trying to set up various tent structures, making the entire beach resemble a giant construction site.
Some engineers were building a field dining hall, some setting up bathhouses, others assembling generators, and yet others constructing a field hospital.
Some engineers were also laying explosives, attempting to demolish some bunkers built by the dwarfs to widen the roads, making it easier for the troops to leave the beach and penetrate deeper inland.
In the temporary command post, the Division Commander of the 1st Navy Marine Corps had already begun planning to advance a regiment further towards the northeast and seize a road south of the airport.
As long as they capture that road and continue advancing northeast along it, they will be able to rescue the 1st Paratrooper Division encircled tightly by the dwarfs.
And once the 1st Paratrooper Division is rescued, they will have a very secure airport; once it is repaired, the Tang Army can deploy the Land Aviation’s armed helicopters and the Air Force’s fighter jets to the front line.
As the staff in the division headquarters were studying how to organize the new offensive, the engineers in the distance pressed the detonator.
A series of massive explosions made everyone on the beach shrink their necks. Everyone turned to look at the place where the smoke was rising, where sand was blown up dozens of meters into the air.
“It’s all right! It’s the engineers blowing things up!” A guard waved his hand to the Tang Army staff in the tent, indicating there was no need to panic.
The nearby explosions had just ceased when the 109 Howitzer Battery on the beach let out another roar. Everyone crowding together was so noisy that the sound seemed never to have been interrupted.
“Sixty percent of the 1st Armored Division is ashore, only thirty percent of the 1st Infantry Division has landed, as for the Navy Marine Corps, the 1st Marine Division is eighty percent ashore, and the 2nd Marine Division is fifty percent ashore.” In the command room of the Bernard Navy Marshal, Tagg was listening to the reports on the troop landing conditions.
“Parts of the 1st Armored Division and 1st Marine Division have been mixed into an assault group, preparing to establish contact with the 1st Paratrooper Division.” A staff officer reported the operational plans being drawn up by the front-line commanders.
“We have already captured the enemy’s code-named Position 4, and we’ve secured a section of Position 6 as well.” He pointed to some marked places on the map and continued saying to Tagg.
Tagg looked down at the map and eventually spoke: “The previous battle objectives have all been accomplished; as for the front-line tactics, leave those to the division commanders to handle. I’m not concerned with anything else; I’m just here to ensure the Navy swiftly gets the supplies and ammunition ashore!”
He’s very clear in his mind; the Tang Army’s advantage lies in its firepower and technology. As long as they maximize their firepower, the Tang Army can achieve victory.
Regardless of any deceit the opponents might have, as long as the Tang Army’s ammunition is sufficient, they can maintain an aggressive offensive tempo. As the Marshal of the Tang Army, he has long understood where his advantages lie, and of course, knows what his enemies are thinking.
It doesn’t matter, as long as supplies are ample, F2-A would be victorious, eliminating the need for any cunning or trickery! This is the unique tactic of the Great Tang, and also the most straightforward one.
“Rest assured, by nightfall, we can get enough supplies ashore to last three days! Your troops can fight freely, without the need for logistics concerns.” Bernard confidently assured Tagg: “As it currently stands, our preparations have been very thorough.”
“The supplies we carry are only enough for us to last half a month, so I plan to settle the battle within three days! Your Majesty has given me fifteen days, I give myself only three!” Tagg said solemnly to Bernard.
“Three days?” Bernard looked at Tagg a bit surprised.
“Yes, three days! Within these three days, I want to deliver the excellent news to Your Majesty that we have gained a firm foothold on the Eastern Continent.” Tagg nodded seriously: “In the unification war under our great emperor, we must win with dignity.”
Bernard paused, then came to a sudden realization and nodded in agreement: “Yes! Under our great emperor, we ought to crush all opposition and unify the world!”
