The War of Resistance: My Expedition, My Country

Huang Wei led the 200th Regiment and the 599st Battalion of the 600th Regiment of the 1th Division as the vanguard of the 5th Army. They advanced northward, advancing north of Bhamo and west of Myitkyina. They cut paths through the wilderness and attacked key points held by small Japanese forces. Japanese blocking forces were well positioned, attempting to halt Huang Wei's advance. However, Huang Wei and his men remained undaunted and resolutely charged the enemy.

Gunfire echoed through the air, bullets whizzed by. A fierce exchange of fire ensued, and for a moment, flames shot up into the sky, and smoke filled the air. Recklessly charging forward, the soldiers engaged the Japanese in close combat. Using bayonets, grenades, and unwavering resolve, they fought the enemy to the death.

Huang Wei, Kuang Zhengqi, and others personally led the charge, fighting on the front lines and repelling the Japanese attacks. The soldiers of the 599th and 600th Regiments, working closely together, formed an indestructible force, continuously breaking down the Japanese defenses.

At the same time, the battlefield of Bamao was filled with smoke. The 200th Regiment of the 598th Division and part of the Provisional 55th Division fought repeatedly with the main force of the Japanese 56th Division on the western front. Dai Anlan led the way and fought on the front line with the soldiers. Under his inspiration, the soldiers of the 55th Division, who had originally had low morale, burst out with amazing perseverance. The shouts of killing and the sounds of gunfire were intertwined. For several days, the Japanese army could not move forward.

Du Yuming, leading the 5th Army's direct troops, the 96th Division, and a large number of overseas Chinese, trudged forward through the rugged wilderness. Heavy rain, strong winds, and muddy roads slowed their progress. Enemy pursuers frequently loomed behind them. Du Yuming had no choice but to order the destruction of bulky artillery, tanks, and armored vehicles, and persuaded the overseas Chinese to abandon unnecessary belongings and travel light. With much difficulty, they finally managed to escape the Japanese pursuit.

Luo Zhuoying led his headquarters and the Huang Xiang Guerrilla Detachment, gathering scattered troops while advancing northwest. He kept his focus on the elite 5th Army, closely monitoring their retreat. Upon learning of the fall of Wanding, he immediately telegraphed Du Yuming, demanding the 5th Army change course and retreat to India. Du Yuming, however, had his own ideas. He was unwilling to go to India. He replied to Luo Zhuoying, expressing his desire to return home with his troops. He also sent a telegram to Chiang Kai-shek, seeking guidance from higher authorities.

On May 5, Chiang Kai-shek telegraphed Du Yuming, "Our troops should immediately move to Myitkyina and Pianma. Do not hesitate or pause any longer." After receiving this order, Du Yuming decided to follow Chiang Kai-shek's instructions and continue his retreat along Myitkyina toward Pianma and Tengchong.

On the 9th, Du Yuming and his men encountered the pursuing Japanese 56th Division again in the Jiesha area. Led by Division Chief of Staff Hu Yibin, the 96th and 288th Regiments of the 287th Division fought desperately to resist the Japanese attack, buying time for the army and the rest of the army. Meanwhile, Du Yuming received news of the fall of Bamao. Huang Wei, who was at the vanguard, also reported that the Japanese had occupied key passes leading to Pianma and Tengchong, temporarily preventing access.

Du Yuming held urgent discussions with Luo Youlun (Chief of Staff of the 5th Army), Yu Shao, and others, deciding to move westward from the area west of the Manmi Railway toward the Mengguan and Daluo lines. He notified the rearguard, the New 22nd Division, to quickly follow after breaking away from the Japanese. He also notified Dai Anlan and Huang Wei to move westward.

However, Dai Anlan disagreed with this method of concentrated retreat and decided to continue heading north. On the way, he joined forces with the 5th Army's training department and joined forces with Huang Wei and others west of Myitkyina. They prepared to use the dense forests west of Myitkyina as cover, cross mountains and ridges, and continue to evacuate towards Pianma and Tengchong.

Upon receiving Du Yuming's telegram, Liao Yaoxiang's fury ignited. He was deeply dissatisfied with his superior's indecisiveness and his constant fear of danger and difficulty. Then, Dai Anlan's telegram offered him a revelation. Liao Yaoxiang decided not to obey Du Yuming's orders, but to lead the new 22nd Division on its own, seeking a new route of retreat.

At that time, northern Burma was drenched in torrential rain, turning the land into a swamp. The roads were fraught with danger and fear. To make matters worse, the Japanese deployed massive aerial bombing raids, while ground forces pounced like hungry wolves. The Japanese 15th Army even issued an order requiring all squadrons and battalions to completely destroy the Chinese Expeditionary Force and drive them out of northern Burma.

On the morning of the 10th, Harada's troops from the Japanese 33rd Division, having made a detour from the west, arrived at the outskirts of Imphal. The British troops guarding the area, upon seeing the enemy approach, panicked and fled westward. Just as Harada thought he could easily capture Imphal, the new 38th Regiment of the 113th Division, led by Cai Yong, took over the British defenses. What awaited the Japanese was the iron willpower and unwavering determination of the Chinese soldiers!

Fierce fighting ensued upon contact. After a bloody night of fighting, the 113th Regiment successfully repelled the Japanese attack. This victory astonished the British. They had previously believed that the Chinese could not hold Imphal, but now they were forced to take a new look at the Chinese army.

The news thrilled the British soldiers who had fought alongside the 38th Regiment of the new 113th Division. Upon hearing that the 113th Regiment had stopped the Japanese at Imphal, they detached themselves from their units and returned to Imphal to join the 113th Regiment. Tanks and armored vehicles that had been abandoned were reactivated, forming new formations to join the fight to defend Imphal.

The next day, Yang Hong arrived at Imphal with the 114th Regiment. He brought more troops and equipment, further strengthening the defense. Meanwhile, Pu Zhengsong, Liu Wu, and others, who had been preparing to bomb British supplies near Imphal, also joined the defense of Imphal with their special forces.

Yang Hong knew the importance of morale, so he decided to have everyone fly the flag of the Allied First Division again and fly the flag of the Dragon Army high over Imphal. This move not only inspired the fighting spirit of the soldiers, but also made everyone realize the determination and courage of the Chinese soldiers in this war.

That night, Sun Liren also rushed to Imphal with the division headquarters, the 112th Regiment and the remnants of the New 28th Division. He strongly agreed with the decision of Yang Hong and others. After discussion, Sun Liren, Liu Bolun, Yang Hong and others jointly sent a telegram to Luo Zhuoying, Du Yuming, Stilwell and others: Our Allied 38st Division (New 28th Division) and the New th Division of the Expeditionary Force will defend Imphal to the death and reserve a road for the expeditionary force to retreat westward. We swear to defend the dignity of soldiers to the death, never be discouraged, never give up, and fight to the last man!

History has officially been rewritten from this moment on!

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