12dz Chapter 550 Heavy Rain Makes a Difference
Chapter 550 Heavy Rain Makes a Difference
550 Heavy Rain Makes a Difference
Artillery position of the Fifth Army on the morning of May 3rd.
Hundreds of large-caliber artillery pieces from the two artillery divisions were ready.
"fire!"
At the command, all artillery opened fire.
Boom boom boom!
The sound of artillery fire was deafening, and dense artillery shells covered the positions defended by more than 10,000 remaining Japanese devils in Mandalay.
Everywhere you look, there are explosions.
Whoosh!
A sharp whistling sound came from the sky. It was the air force flying over from Lashio Airport, dropping heavy bombs on the Japanese positions.
Boom boom!
The ground shook violently.
After one aerial bomb was dropped, only a handful of Japanese soldiers within a radius of several dozen meters could survive.
"Haha, fried well.
It’s time to let the Japanese know what it feels like to be bombed.
That’s how war should be fought.”
Liao Yaoxiang stood on a hilltop, looking at the Japanese positions in front of him, which were covered by artillery fire and aerial bombs, and couldn't help but cheer.
"If only we had this kind of firepower during the Battle of Shanghai.
How can we let the Japanese win so easily? "
The other expeditionary generals nearby expressed the same sentiment.
"Okay, let's get off topic.
After the artillery fire stopped, all the regiments of the division launched a general attack on the Japanese according to the predetermined plan.
There's no feint today, it's all about the damn attack."
Liao Yaoxiang couldn't wait any longer.
The shelling and bombing lasted for two hours.
It is unknown how many of the more than 10,000 Japanese soldiers who remained in Mandalay were killed in the bombing, and their positions were blown to pieces.
"Come on!"
By nine o'clock, Du Yuming's Fifth Army's three main divisions, cavalry regiment, and engineering corps all launched the attack.
Thirty thousand expeditionary soldiers rushed into Mandalay like tigers.
Before, the Japanese troops defending Mandalay were numerous and the expeditionary force could not break in.
However, as the main force of the Japanese 15th Army broke out from the vicinity of Mandalay, the main force of the Japanese left.
There were more than 10,000 Japanese soldiers, except for a Japanese regiment that stayed behind to guard the rear.
The others were the logistics and supply troops of the Japanese 15th Army, as well as the communications battalion, engineering corps, field hospital, etc., which were non-combat troops.
The armored assault group commanded by Zhang Kedi attacked too suddenly.
It directly cut off the connection between the main force of the Japanese 18th Division, which had already withdrawn from Mandalay, and the follow-up force of more than 10,000 Japanese soldiers.
This is also the result that Ye Qingshan wants.
After dividing the Japanese like this, it would be much easier for the Expeditionary Force to defeat them.
"Come on!"
The morale of the soldiers of the Fifth Army was also high.
The general offensive lasted from morning till evening.
These 10,000 Japanese devils were basically wiped out, and the process was smoother than Du Yuming had expected.
"Commander, why did the devil suddenly become weaker?"
When Du Yuming received reports from the attacking forces on the front line at the military headquarters, many expeditionary generals could not believe it.
“That’s to be expected.
Not only have the Japs become weaker, but more importantly, we have become stronger.
Look at our firepower this time, and then look at the Japanese side, who have been besieged by us for so long.
The Japanese soldiers probably only have a few bullets left in their guns as they cannot get any ammunition.
In this situation, our Fifth Army will launch an all-out attack to defeat these mere 10,000 Japs.
It would be strange if we still can’t make unstoppable progress.”
Du Yuming said cheerfully.
"Sent a telegram to the headquarters, more than 10,000 Japanese soldiers who were cut off in Mandalay have basically been annihilated.
Our unit will leave some troops behind to clean up the battlefield.
The main force will move south tonight."
Ye Qingshan received Du Yuming's telegram in the evening and was very happy: "The Fifth Army did a great job.
The first battle was a success! "
"Next, I will eat up this huge monster, the Japanese 15th Army, bite by bite.
I'd like to take a look at you, Yamashita Tomoyuki, you old devil.
How can we rescue these 100,000 devils of yours?"
At this time, Chief of Staff Luo Zhuoying also came over and said with a smile: "Commander, the Fifth Army has sent a victory report.
I have good news, too.”
"Oh? Is it good news from General Stilwell?"
Ye Qingshan turned his head and speculated.
"Yes, Commander.
Just received the latest news from the British Army.
Although the Japanese army broke through the coastal defense line of Rangoon, the main force of the 100,000 British troops was not annihilated by the devils.
Most of the British troops withdrew.
At present, General Stilwell and British Commander Robert are strengthening the second line of defense along the area from Daizhi to Zelun Town.
The Japanese who landed at the two landing points have not yet reached the British army's second line of defense."
After listening to Luo Zhuoying, Ye Qingshan nodded and said, "This is indeed good news.
The Japs' actions seemed to be slow this time.
Logically speaking, shouldn't the Japanese follow the retreating British troops and kill their way to the British army's second line of defense?"
Luo Zhuoying chuckled: "Commander, you are right.
The Japs were indeed planning to do this.
Fortunately, God blesses me.
Since last night, heavy rain has been falling in southern Myanmar.
Heavy rain fell all night, causing the roads in southern Myanmar to become muddy.
The Japanese mechanized troops and their pack horses were all stuck in the mud, greatly slowing down their marching speed.
So, it’s not that the Japs don’t want to attack quickly and strike while the iron is hot.
But it can’t be done.”
"This rain came just in time."
“However, this does serve as a reminder to us.
The rainy season has arrived in Southeast Asia, and we have to watch out for rain in the north and central parts of the country.”
“Don’t worry, Commander, you explained it once before.
Therefore, most of our soldiers are equipped with raincoats in case it rains heavily.
It definitely affects the devils more than us.”
*
*
Let’s turn our attention back to the British army on the southern battlefield.
At this time in the town of Zelen, inside Stilwell's headquarters.
Stilwell is listening to the report from the new British commander Robert.
“Commander-in-Chief, the number of troops we are withdrawing from Yangon this time is about 60,000.
Now, we have all withdrawn to our second line of defense."
Robert was speechless.
In just one battle, 40% of the 100,000 British troops were killed, and only more than 60,000 people returned.
The loss ratio is too high.
But after hearing this, Stilwell breathed a sigh of relief.
Stilwell could still accept that more than 60,000 of the 100,000 British troops could be withdrawn to the second line of defense.
For this, we have to thank the heavy rainfall last night.
The sudden heavy rain caused the Japanese pursuit troops to sink into the mud, making them unable to pursue the fleeing British troops.
Otherwise, the British army's losses would be even greater.
“Just withdraw and let them have a good rest.
Robert, I came to you this time mainly to discuss other things with you."
Stilwell then told Robert the main reason for the failure of this battle.
"Robert, we must find a way to solve the problem of soldiers' serious psychological fear of the Japanese army.
This problem is not solved.
The battles will be more difficult later on."
Stilwell looked at Robert and said worriedly.