The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Two armies of the Y Force (Western Yunnan Expeditionary Force), which was originally planned to be used to open up the Burma Road, were suddenly withdrawn to support the central China front. Stevenson's XYZ plan was completely over.

Fortunately, at least these two armies went to fight the Japanese, and the supporting weapons were not wasted. Stevenson accepted it with a pinch of his nose.

After asking Wei Junru and learning that the Yunnan-Western Expeditionary Force was still capable of fighting, Stevenson finally decided to proceed according to the original plan.

After all, there are less than 1 Japanese soldiers in Tengchong and Songshan areas, and there are only 13 people left in the Western Yunnan Expeditionary Force. Even if the Japanese soldiers' defense is good, they can win just by outnumbering, right?

As November approaches, the rainy season in Bago gradually ends.

As soon as the heavy rain that covered the sky stopped, the horn of attack was immediately sounded.

With the completion of the road across the Savage Mountain, Stevenson immediately deployed the four 105mm and 155mm howitzer regiments he had been holding. (They were formally part of the Qian Kingdom's garrisoned poison troops, but in reality, Stevenson didn't trust the White Party at all, so he simply took charge of them himself.)

The overwhelming artillery fire enveloped the Japanese 33rd Division stationed in Xinpingyang.

Then the new 22nd and 38th Divisions, which had been trained for a whole year, rushed out with the flames of revenge.

The sound of gunfire from the direction of Xinpingyang rang out from day to night. Kong Zhongneng commanded the new 38th Division to cross the Naga Mountains, overcame several Japanese defense lines along the way, and headed straight for Xinpingyang, the northern gate of the Hukawng Valley.

The stunned 33rd Division immediately asked for help from the 18th Division stationed in Mandalay, but the 18th Division did not dare to send any reinforcements.

Because the rainy season had just ended, the water level of the Irrawaddy River was still high, and the three Clemson-class destroyers of the People's Army Navy could go down the river from Myitkyina to attack Mandalay at any time.

Although General Terauchi Hisaichi, commander of the Southern Army, racked his brains to figure out how Zhang Chi managed to sail the destroyer inland despite the blockade of the Japanese artillery batteries at the mouth of the Irrawaddy River.

But the three destroyers were objectively there. After losing 19 Type 1 land attack planes but causing only minor damage to the three destroyers, Terauchi Hisaichi completely gave up the idea of ​​sinking the three warships in the river by air strikes.

"When the sky is about to rain, the mother is about to marry. He Zhang Chi has destroyers, and our Great Fusang Locust Army has the top of the sky. It's nothing more than a 102mm naval gun. Let our army brothers suffer."

The navy's sarcastic remarks put an end to Terauchi Hisaichi's idea of ​​asking the navy for help.

Therefore, the three destroyers in the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy River were like the sword of Damocles, hanging over the heads of all the Japanese troops stationed on the riverside.

-----

The gaze returned to Zhang Chi.

The atmosphere in the headquarters in Myitkyina was tense and serious at this moment.

Senior officers from various units of the Anmin Army sat together inside. Zhang Chi stood in front of the map, holding a pointer in his hand, and swept his sharp eyes over each general.

After three months of military expansion during the rainy season, Zhang Chi's army, navy and air force, including air force ground crew and navy and army logistics personnel, have expanded to 220,000 people.

Although most of the new Air Force pilots have only flown 100 hours of actual aircraft, and the Army recruits have only undergone three months of basic infantry training, it seems a bit inhumane to send them to the battlefield at this time.

But Zhang Chi knew very well that time waits for no one. If the Chinese people at home and abroad want to get a share of the post-war pie, they must achieve great results in this war as soon as possible.

A kind army cannot be commanded, so even if the training is not sufficient, Zhang Chi must send them to the battlefield to fight the Japanese.

As for the gap in training, Zhang Chi can only make up for it with more advanced weapons and more ammunition.

Now the lives of these 22 soldiers depend on Zhang Chi. The heavy pressure makes him feel a little breathless. The only thing he can guarantee is to ensure that the blood of every soldier is not shed in vain.

After a moment of silence, Zhang Chi spoke. His voice was deep and powerful, as if every word could hit everyone's chest.

"Next, the 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions, plus the 11th Motorized Brigade and the 101st Mobile Artillery Brigade. Move south along the railway lines of Mengyang, Naba, and Wenduo, and approach Mandalay from the west. Qi Quan, you will be the commander-in-chief of the Western Route Army." Zhang Chi paused, his eyes like knives, slowly sweeping towards Qi Quan.

"Remember, the Japanese 2nd Guards Division stationed in Homalin, west of Mandalay, cannot be ignored. We must always be vigilant on our flanks. Those Johns who are facing off against the Japanese 2nd Guards Division on the border are not reliable."

Qi Quan nodded, stood at attention and replied: "Yes, Commander, I will complete the mission!"

With two divisions and one motorized brigade with all personnel riding on half-track vehicles, plus the 101st Mobile Artillery Brigade with two self-propelled artillery regiments under its command, Qi Quan's Western Route Army was strong in both men and horses.

There are more than 400 light tanks alone, more than 200 self-propelled artillery and towed artillery with a caliber of 75mm and above, and the total force exceeds 5.

There are also railway lines to transport supplies, and ammunition is available for open use.

Therefore, Qi Quan's answer was full of confidence.

Zhang Chi nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Bai Minghui.

"The 2nd and 4th Infantry Divisions, plus the 102nd Artillery Brigade, will attack Bhamo. After taking Bhamo, continue eastward along the former Burma Road, attacking enemy strongholds like Manxi and Ruili, and penetrate directly into the enemy's rear in Longling, western Yunnan. Bai Minghui, you will be the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Route Army."

His tone held a commanding tone that left no room for doubt: "I'll give you one week to capture Bhamo and enter the Burma Road section between the Gaoligong Mountains."

Bai Minghui straightened his back and answered without hesitation, "Yes, I will definitely live up to your trust!"

He had two infantry divisions and an artillery brigade called the 102nd, which consisted of 96 towed artillery pieces, totaling nearly 40,000 heavy troops. They were not short of firepower or manpower. Their only worry was that supplies might be scarce after entering the mountainous area.

But Bai Minghui still loudly issued a military order, "Your Majesty, I don't need 7 days, give me 72 hours at most, and I can capture Bhamo. If it takes more than 72 hours, I will bring my head to you."

Zhang Chi's mouth curled up, unmoved: "Why do I need your head? Just make a battle plan based on 7 days."

Having said this, he continued to give orders:

"Hao Yi, I'm handing over the Infantry Training Division and the 7th Armored Division to you. You'll be the overall commander of the Central Army. Your mission is, after Bai Minghui captures Bhamo, to immediately advance south along the road from Bhamo to the east of Mandalay. Quickly sever the connection between the 55th Division in Lashio and the 18th Division in Mandalay, ensuring the complete rupture of the enemy's supply lines."

A cold look flashed in Hao Yi's eyes, and he quickly responded: "Understood, our troops will surely have no obstacles."

Zhang Chi waved his hand and wanted to say that the four words "unimpeded" were unlucky and he should not say them again, but he held it back.

Finally, he said angrily, "Zhang Guangjun's navy will go south along the Irrawaddy River to deliver supplies and provide naval gunfire support for you. Although your armored forces are advancing quickly, be careful not to run into the enemy and have your supply lines cut off."

The armored forces' assault speed far exceeds that of the infantry, but while they cut off the enemy's supply lines, their own supply lines are also under threat from the enemy. Therefore, Zhang Chi specially sent the navy to assist.

"Just wait and see, Your Excellency!" Hao Yi patted his chest, unable to maintain his seriousness, and started to act funny again.

Zhang Chi ignored Hao Yi. He looked around the room, his gaze as calm as a deep pool.

"The two newly formed Infantry Divisions, the 5th and 6th, have a large number of recruits and, along with the Armored Training Division, will serve as the general reserve, led by me."

The armored training division, composed of students and teachers from the armored forces school, and the commanders of the two recruit divisions immediately stood up and saluted.

"The fate of the entire army is in your hands. If the situation is urgent, the reserve force will be my last resort." After saying that, Zhang Chi waved his hand and asked them to sit down.

At this time, Zhang Chi's voice became more firm, and seemed to carry a natural sense of oppression.

"The minimum objective of this campaign is to open up the Burma Road on the border and fulfill Allied General Stevenson's strategic vision." He paused, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. "As for Mandalay, this major city in central Taiwan, if all goes well, we will capture it in one fell swoop. If the Japanese put up fierce resistance, we will focus on killing their active forces and weakening their combat effectiveness."