Because the new 22nd Division and the 200th Division cooperated well with each other, especially Commander Liao's allocation of the three main regiments' positions just right, the large force did not give the Japanese an opportunity to take advantage of it, and successfully crossed the Pew River and reached the jungle on the east bank of the Pew River.
After regrouping, the two division commanders discussed the next course of action for the troops.
"Commander Dai, according to Commander Du's order, since Lashio has been lost, our two divisions have nearly 20,000 men, and there is no chance to return home from the Burma Road. I plan to lead my troops to march north along the jungle, and then reach a distance from Lashio.
About 100 kilometers away, turn to the east, look for a suitable location, and cross the Lancang River to return home. What do you think?" said Commander Liao.
Commander Dai pondered for a while and expressed his different views. Commander Dai said cautiously: "Commander Liao, thank you for helping me in times of crisis. However, the 200 Division is the main force of the Fifth Army. Commander Du leads the military headquarters
It must be a difficult and dangerous road to advance north and retreat to Yeren Mountain. There is no reason for our 200 Division to just withdraw to the motherland in times of crisis. I plan to continue to advance north, although I am no longer able to capture Lashio and open up a passage for the expeditionary force to return home.
But I think if I can meet up with Commander Du, I can always give Commander Du some protection; even if I can't find the military headquarters, I can still carry out guerrilla warfare in northern Myanmar. This time the 100,000-strong army went abroad for an expedition, I just put it in my heart.
I’m not willing to give in.”
"Commander Dai, the 200th Division held on to Tonggu on the 12th. It was not easy to do so when it was surrounded by enemies on all sides and carried out many street battles. Now the overall battle situation is beyond the control of one or two of our divisions. Besides, after the breakout,
The 200 Division has suffered at least more than 4,000 casualties, and there are more than 7,000 people left. In Myanmar, if you want to fight guerrilla warfare, it may be difficult to get the support of the local people, and logistics and supplies are a big problem." Commander Liao said it truthfully.
"A real man has been trained for many years and holds an elite division of the national army. He should always do his best for the party and the country. I think we say goodbye at this point. Please take care of yourself, Commander Liao."
As soon as Commander Dai said this, Commander Liao understood that Commander Dai had decided to follow Commander Du. Everyone has his own ambitions. Besides, he led his troops to retreat. The route could be decided based on the battlefield situation. There was nothing wrong with it, so they had to cooperate with each other.
Respect each other with military salutes and say goodbye with regret.
Luo Yuesong listened to the conversation between the two teachers, and his respect for Teacher Dai greatly increased.
When the troops began to march, Luo Yuesong led the troops to follow the division headquarters and look for opportunities to report his ideas to Commander Dai.
Seeing the tired look on Mr. Dai's face, Luo Yuesong handed Mr. Dai a kettle: "Sir, please drink some water."
Commander Dai took the kettle, took a sip, and said with a smile: "Commander Du is really discerning. He came all the way to invite you and your brothers from the fifth theater. Although the battle situation of this expedition is unfavorable, the
You, Captain Luo, are indispensable. Not only did you send back a large amount of detailed information on the Japanese army in a timely manner, I heard that you also annihilated many Japanese soldiers. If the 200 Division wants to fight guerrillas in the future, I will have to learn more from you."
"Commander, I am too modest. I am just making a small fuss. When it comes to the feelings of family and country, Commander Dai is a model for the generals of the national army, and even more so for me. When it comes to leading troops to fight, you are a rare true general for the party and the country."
, Master Wen Tao's military strategy, I will never be able to match it if I study for eight more lifetimes." Luo Yuesong has always been very conceited, but in front of Master Dai, he really felt ashamed of himself.
"I'm worried. Now I have lost contact with the division headquarters and can't contact the radio station. I don't know how Commander Du is doing now. Not even the locals can survive in Savage Mountain. Commander Du led 20,000 troops to enter.
In the deep mountains, logistical supplies will be the biggest problem, but unfortunately, there is nothing I can do." Commander Dai said while walking with the large troops.
"Teacher, I have something to say in my humble position, but I don't know whether to say it or not."
"Let's talk about it. Captain Luo is now only called division commander, without the word "dai". Is there anything else that can't be said, right, haha."
"Commander, I don't agree with the 200 Division staying in northern Myanmar to fight guerrillas. The Burmese people have been colonized by the British for many years and are very disgusted with the British-Burmese army. Our army and the British-Burmese army are allies. I heard that the Japanese army on the eastern front crossed the jungle to attack Lashio.
, it was the Burmese who led the way. I also saw with my own eyes that the Japanese light infantry were the Burmese who acted as guides. A large force of several thousand people fought guerrillas. Without the support of local people, logistics and supplies would definitely be difficult to solve. So I suggest that you still lead the 200 Division.
The bulk of the troops will first withdraw to the motherland, fight guerrillas, familiarize themselves with the terrain, collect intelligence, and fight again in the future. Please leave such matters to me, division commander."
"You are right. The analysis is all based on the facts we have. However, even if we don't stay to fight guerrillas, we will still go all the way north. Commander Du's kindness of knowing and meeting him must be repaid by An Lan."
"Admiration, admiration." Yuesong already knew that he could not change the division commander's mind. "Bi Zhi only has one request. Please allow me to lead the divisional reconnaissance team to stay in Myanmar to prepare intelligence for the second expedition. Please allow the division commander's permission.
"
Commander Dai stopped, looked at Luo Yuesong seriously, and said solemnly: "Captain Luo, Commander Dai Anlan of the 200th Division agrees to your request."
"Thank you, sir." Yuesong stood at attention and saluted.
"Cherish it." Teacher Dai stretched out his hands and held hands with Luo Yuesong for a long time.