The Japanese army quickly occupied Dongkou Town and cut off the only telephone line in the town to communicate with Juancheng.

At this time, the defenders of Juancheng had confirmed that the Japanese army came from the other side of the river. The news was reported layer by layer, including the 22nd Division, the Third Army, and the Command of the Western Shandong Corps.

The 37th Brigade's direct reconnaissance battalion was a step later. By the time they felt that Dongkou Town, the Japanese army had completely occupied Dongkou Town, and subsequent troops were continuously landing.

The reconnaissance battalion had a fierce exchange of fire with the Qiushan squad occupying Dongkou Town. The Japanese army occupied the original position of Dongkou Town. The reconnaissance battalion did not carry heavy weapons and was defeated by the Japanese army. He had to retreat temporarily.

It was almost two or three o'clock in the morning at this moment.

The 371st Regiment also rushed to Juancheng and met with the retreating reconnaissance battalion. After learning about the situation, Cheng Gang made an defense on the spot while reporting what he knew.

The defender of Juancheng was the 131st Regiment of the 66th Brigade of the 22nd Division. The regiment commander was Xue Mingliang. After receiving the news, he immediately mobilized his troops to arrange defenses and prepare to block the Japanese army.

However, in the unknown situation, he did not dare to send troops to reinforce Dongkou easily, and chose to stick to Juancheng, waiting for orders or rescue.

This is a stupid way, but it is also the best way.

At this time, the Japanese army did not discover the existence of the Honorary First Division. Although the brief fire exchange in Dongkou and the reconnaissance battalion directly under the 37th Brigade surprised the Akiyama team, this did not arouse the Japanese army's vigilance.

On the contrary, after occupying Dongkou, the Japanese army quickly advanced towards Juancheng. This was a good opportunity to win Juancheng. How could Colonel Yuanshan, who was commanding the Battle of Crossing the River, easily missed it?

To be continued^
Chapter completed!