In another timeline, even during the First Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese Army did not have a significant advantage in terms of weaponry and equipment when facing the Qing army.
It was only after the Sino-Japanese War that the Japanese grew increasingly powerful.
They surpassed all other Asian nations in military capabilities.
By the time of World War II, when the Japanese launched a full-scale invasion, they possessed an overwhelming advantage in terms of weapons and equipment.
However, in this timeline, the Japanese were at a disadvantage in terms of weaponry and equipment when facing the Beiyang Army.
The Japanese soldiers were indeed superior in individual combat skills.
After all, they had been strengthening their military since the Meiji Restoration.
For twenty years, they had embraced Westernization, training their army using Western infantry tactics.
Their superior physical fitness and combat skills compared to the Beiyang Army soldiers were understandable.
But war was never a one-on-one duel; it required considering all factors.
Since the Beiyang Army was inferior to the Japanese in individual combat ability, they needed to surpass them in other areas.
This was the only way for the Beiyang Army to have a chance of victory in battle.
On March 14, 1789, Yamagata Aritomo, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Army's Qing Expeditionary Force, held a meeting with the commanders of several infantry divisions at his headquarters to discuss the upcoming deployment.
Lieutenant General Miyosi Sijo, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Lieutenant General Sakuma Zomata, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, Lieutenant General Kurokawa Togu, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Lieutenant General Takashima Tomonosuke, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, all gathered in the meeting room at the headquarters.
Prince Arisugawa Taruhito, Chief of Staff of the Expeditionary Force, was also present at the meeting.
“Gentlemen, the mission of our Qing Expeditionary Force is to crush the Beiyang Army and help the Qing Dynasty suppress the Beiyang Army's rebellion. We have decided that we will launch the initial attack and crush the Beiyang Army that is gathering in Tianjin!” declared Yamagata Aritomo.
“Hai, Commander!” replied the several division commanders.
The Japanese Army had a strict hierarchy.
Superiors held almost absolute authority over subordinates.
Therefore, the division commanders did not question why the Japanese Army was launching the initial attack; they simply obeyed orders.
Moreover, Yamagata Aritomo was known as the Father of the Japanese Army. He held immense influence within the Japanese military.
No commander dared to oppose or question him.
“The importance of this battle for our Empire is clear to all. If we defeat the Beiyang Army, we will not only obtain the Korean peninsula from the Qing, but also three million taels of silver in war funds.
More importantly, we will launch an invasion of Qing in the near future.
A weak and corrupt Qing is like a piece of fat, waiting for us to take a bite!
In this battle, we must win; we cannot afford to lose!”
Yamagata Aritomo continued.
The division commanders' breathing became rapid.
“Please rest assured, Commander. We will surely defeat the Beiyang Army in this battle!” said Lieutenant General Miyosi Sijo, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division.
“Yes, Commander. For the Empire, for His Majesty Emperor Tenno, we will win this battle!” Lieutenant General Sakuma Zomata, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said with fervor in his eyes.
“Tenno Heika Banzai! Nippon Teikoku Banzai!”
The Japanese Army officers all shouted with fervent zeal.
Yamagata Aritomo nodded in satisfaction. He was pleased to see their enthusiasm and confidence.
“Prince, please explain the specific arrangements to everyone,” Yamagata Aritomo instructed.
“Hai, Commander!” replied Prince Arisugawa Taruhito.
“Gentlemen, according to headquarters' plan, the main targets of our attack this time will be the Beiyang Army units deployed in Qingxian, Dacheng, and Wen'an.
According to our intelligence, the forces deployed in these locations are the Beiyang Army's 7th Infantry Division, 13th Infantry Division, and 5th Infantry Division.
The 7th and 5th Infantry Divisions, which were formed earlier, are stronger in combat effectiveness.
The 13th Infantry Division, on the other hand, is a newly formed unit. They have never seen battle and are nothing but greenhorns.
This time, we will give these greenhorns a good lesson, so they can learn how cruel the battlefield truly is.
The 2nd Infantry Division will be responsible for attacking Dacheng. Not only must we take it, but we must also crush the Beiyang Army's 13th Infantry Division, ideally annihilating them.
Of course, if they run like rabbits, we will still inflict heavy casualties, rendering them combat ineffective.
The 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions will attack Qingxian and Wen'an, pinning down the Beiyang Army's 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions.
Once the 2nd Infantry Division completes its mission, it will cooperate with the 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions to severely damage the Beiyang Army's other forces.
The 4th Infantry Division will serve as the reserve force!”
Prince Arisugawa Taruhito ordered.
“Hai, Prince!” replied the several division commanders.