Chief of Staff Lu continued to explain the situation on a large map: "This is the location of the first division of the British-Burmese Army plus an armored brigade. According to the first line of the reconnaissance team led by Major Leng, which approached Chencha, here, here, and here all appeared
The main force of the Japanese 33rd Division and the 18th Division should have an obvious intention, which is to encircle and annihilate the 1st Division and an Armored Brigade of the British-Burmese Army."
Luo Yuesong raised his hand and asked to speak.
Chief of Staff Lu stopped to explain: "Captain Luo, please speak."
"Chief of Staff, the equipment and numbers of a division of the British-Burmese Army are higher than our 200 division. Although the aircraft have basically been lost, there is still an armored brigade. This kind of combat power is not fully in place, let alone defeating the Japanese two armies.
With our division, it would be very simple just to open a gap and break out on our own." Yuesong expressed his opinion.
Commander Dai stood up, walked slowly, and said: "Army operations, weapons and equipment, and the right time and place are all very important. If I have a regiment of heavy artillery and sufficient shells, the one attacking my 200th Division now will not be Du.
The 55th Division next to me, I can kill two of his companies at any time, and Watanabe's headquarters does not dare to stand on the top of the mountain blatantly. What the army ultimately wants is harmony, the command and courage of the commander.
The faith and will of the soldiers. Unfortunately, the British-Burmese army only regards Burma and India as their colonies, so they are unwilling to sacrifice themselves for Burma. This is lack of faith, retreating at the first touch, and retreating in disorder. This is command.
Officials don’t have wisdom. We have it, but the British-Burmese army doesn’t have it. However, the British-Burmese army has it, but we don’t have it. Stilwell is even more pathetic. Not only does he have no men and guns, but his judgment of the basic situation is also very problematic.
Yes, Commander Du understands this very well, but Stilwell is the chief of staff of the war zone and has a high position of authority, second only to the chairman of the general committee. Alas, it’s hard to describe in just one sentence.”
A staff officer brought the tea cup to the division commander. Commander Dai took a sip, returned to his seat, sat down, and said, "Lao Lu, please continue talking."
"Yes, division commander." Chief of Staff Lu continued to explain the situation: "I received news from Commander Du yesterday. According to Major Leng's reconnaissance, a Japanese brigade is likely to occupy the Pingqiang River ferry today, which is here. According to the battle of the British and Burmese troops,
Once the Japanese army occupied the ferry, it meant that a large number of British-Burmese troops and equipment could not quickly withdraw from the encirclement formed by the Japanese army. The British-Burmese army was not only our ally, but also all the British-Burmese troops retreated to British India.
, neither assisting in defending the western front positions of our expeditionary force, nor attacking the Japanese army, but it is also a potentially huge threat to the Japanese army. After all, the Empire on which the sun never sets still regards Myanmar as its territory. Join this
After the defeat of the Battle of Mandalay, our expeditionary force will inevitably withdraw to the country. The most optimistic estimate is that it will form a temporary confrontation with the Japanese army with the Lancang River as the boundary. In this way, the Japanese army will have the Chinese Expeditionary Force in front of them, and the British Expeditionary Force in the back will return to British India.
The Burmese army is attacked from both sides, which creates a good situation for our possible second expedition. At that time, we can attack the Japanese army from both sides. Therefore, Commander Du's opinion is that the situation of the British and Burmese troops being surrounded and annihilated must be broken."
Luo Yuesong understood the whole battle situation, stood up and asked: "Excuse me, two officers, which unit is the headquarters planning to send to relieve the siege of the British and Burmese troops?
"Currently, the headquarters plans to ask General Sun Liren of the 66th Army's New 38th Division to send a regiment there first. General Sun returned from studying at the U.S. Military Academy and has experience in fighting tough battles. The New 38th Division was also stationed in Mandalay during the Mandalay Battle.
The main force, but unfortunately the equipment of the New 38th Division is not very good. I heard that their soldiers all wear straw sandals. However, the British-Burmese Army finally did some personnel work for themselves and promised to give the New 38th Division some weapons and equipment, and also returned
Each soldier is provided with a pair of leather shoes exclusive to the British and Burmese troops." Commander Dai said with a smile.
"Commander, what is my mission?" Luo Yuesong asked eagerly to fight.
"Your mission is to immediately go to the Pingqiang River area to reconnoiter the movements of various Japanese troops. At the same time, I heard that Major Leng's reconnaissance team lost nearly half of its troops. Although I basically have no hope for this Mandalay battle, from now on
In the long run, our expeditionary force will definitely fight back. I need a reconnaissance force that can exist behind enemy lines for a long time. You, Luo Yuesong, are the best choice. At the same time, Commander Du also hopes that you and Major Leng will join forces to do this.
Be prepared for long-term operations behind enemy lines." Commander Dai said earnestly.
"Commander, please rest assured and promise to complete the mission." Luo Yuesong stood up and saluted, turned around and prepared to leave the division headquarters.??