The War of Resistance: My Expedition, My Country

Chapter 270: Immediate Decision

Kuang Zhengqi lowered his head in thought, his eyes revealing determination and resolve. He beckoned a liaison officer over and asked calmly, "How's the communication with the transport fleet? When will the 28th Army arrive?"

The liaison officer quickly stood at attention and reported: "Reporting to the commander, the fleet commander, Colonel Lewis, sent a telegram 10 minutes ago. The fleet is sailing at full speed and is expected to arrive at the port at 11 o'clock tonight. The 28th Army can complete the landing before 7 o'clock tomorrow morning."

Kuang Zhengqi frowned slightly and said to himself, "It will be 7 o'clock tomorrow morning, and it will be light, which is not conducive to entering the battlefield secretly." There was a hint of worry in his voice, but more of it was a calm analysis of the situation.

The US Navy Rear Admiral liaison officer nearby understood Kuang Zhengqi's thoughts through his translator. He strode over and said to Kuang Zhengqi, "General, I have a suggestion that may help you resolve your confusion."

Kuang Zhengqi's gaze immediately turned to the Major General, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes. After the translator's translation, he quickly asked, "Major General, please tell me your method."

The major general said without further ado, "There's a beach 20 kilometers east of Kuwait Harbor. As long as the landing craft get within 300 meters of the shallows, the tanks and soldiers can wade ashore without having to go through Kuwait Harbor, making this a stealthy landing."

The other officers gathered around and began to whisper to each other. A British lieutenant general asked doubtfully, "The beach is soft. If a tank weighing dozens of tons wades ashore, will it get stuck in the sand?"

The major general smiled calmly and replied, "We have developed anti-sinking iron planks for beach landings, which have proven to be very effective in the Palestine landing operations."

Kuang Zhengqi's eyes lit up, and he immediately added, "How much preparation is there? Also, are there enough small US military landing craft around the Kuwait port to quickly land more than 5 troops?"

The major general laughed. Equipment was never a problem for the US Navy. He confidently declared, "We have more than enough equipment. As long as everything goes smoothly, the entire 5th Army can be ashore within five hours!"

"Very good!" Kuang Zhengqi trusted the promise of the US Navy official very much. He praised it readily and couldn't wait to give orders for arrangements.

"Major General, you are personally responsible for this matter. You can ask anyone for the necessary shore assistance. My requirement is that the 28th Army must land before 5 a.m. and arrive here to ambush before dawn!" Kuang Zhengqi pointed to the map and gave orders to the Navy Major General.

Then, Kuang Zhengqi turned to the city defense commander and ordered, "Immediately organize the reserve forces and quickly join the defense of Kuwait Harbor! Tonight, have the troops in that direction launch a feint attack on the Germans. Remember, this feint must be fierce and ruthless, to draw the main force of the German army over! Also, the two regiments from the 17th Division that have flown in are under your command!"

His voice was sonorous and powerful, as if every word was weighed down with responsibility and determination. The city defense commander straightened up, gave a standard military salute, and shouted, "Yes, Commander!"

Kuang Zhengqi turned again and looked at Chief of Staff General Li Zongfang, his eyes filled with trust and authority. "Immediately head towards the Kuwait City area and adjust the defensive forces. Have them voluntarily abandon part of the city and lure in the main force of the German grenadiers. The battle tonight must continue, but you must not actively break through the occupied area."

General Li Zongfang nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with courage and determination. He knew the importance of this order and turned away without hesitation.

匡正棋又转头，目光犀利地问自己的副官：“34、43、44 师抵达了什么位置？还有，美军第 7 军现在在什么位置？”副官连忙指向地图上的相应位置，详细解释着三个中国坦克装甲师抵达的区域。另一位美军第 7 军的联络官也赶紧将第 7 军目前的位置指了出来。

Kuang Zhengqi's brow furrowed slightly as he pondered the battlefield situation. He turned back and asked the 5th Army liaison officer, "What's the situation with General Patton?"

The liaison officer respectfully gave Kuang Zhengqi a standard American military salute and said respectfully, "General! As per your instructions, General Patton has pushed his main force forward, closing in on the remaining troops of the German 1st Tank Army in a pincer movement. He expects to complete the encirclement of the enemy tonight. General Patton asked me to tell you that he and the 5th Army are at your disposal at any time!"

Kuang Zhengqi nodded with satisfaction, a barely perceptible smile on his face. He then addressed the liaison officer sent by Chief of Staff Wedemeyer, "Please immediately inform the Chief of Staff that the US Fifth Army and the British Third and Eighth Armies will launch a counterattack against the current German forces starting tomorrow morning. Do not allow them time to regroup."

He pointed firmly at a point on the map where Basra Province met Kuwait, and again instructed his adjutant, "Order the 1st and 11th Tank Divisions to advance westward immediately and arrive here overnight. If any German breakout forces from Kuwait appear here, we must hold them back and never let them escape!"

Kuang Zhengqi's voice echoed through the air, filled with authority and determination. His presence loomed large within the command post, like an impenetrable fortress, inspiring confidence and courage in all. In this battle-ready situation, he displayed exceptional command and a fearless spirit that commanded admiration.

As dusk approached, the battle between the Germans and the defenders of Kuwait City and Kuwait Harbor intensified. The Germans clearly knew they couldn't afford to delay and needed to break through the defenders as quickly as possible to capture Kuwait City, especially Kuwait Harbor. Even if they couldn't take Kuwait Harbor, they would definitely bomb it to pieces! The German offensive was relentless, and the defenders were not to be outdone. The battle was raging, the artillery roared, and everywhere was filled with smoke, flames, and mushroom clouds from the huge explosions.

The German commander, Lieutenant General Paul Neumann, was also constantly adjusting his troop deployment. He was even prepared to abandon Kuwait City and attack Kuwait Port with all his strength.

At this time, a staff officer hurried into his tent and reported loudly: "General, Prince Eugen's division has entered Kuwait City and is currently advancing deep into it. The defenders are retreating in large strides. Are they encountering any difficulties?"

Another staff officer approached and reported: "The defenders in the direction of Kuwait Port have suddenly increased their forces and are showing signs of a counterattack."

The Chief of Staff immediately made a judgment: "The enemy's defensive strength is limited. Is there any intention to abandon Kuwait City and defend the port to the death?"