Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Chapter 501: Burmese Volunteer Force; Learn to Pack (Subscribe)

Although within the joint command.

General Stilwell was finally convinced by Chu Yunfei's calm analysis and detailed data, and reluctantly agreed to the decision to temporarily set the end line of the counterattack north of Mawlamyine.

However, the burning desire in his heart to pursue the victory and drive the Japanese army out of Southeast Asia in one fell swoop was not completely extinguished.

Especially for the British Burmese 1st Division, which seemed a little timid during the pursuit.

Stilwell was actually very angry (he didn't know that a vanguard battalion of the British Burmese 1st Division had been defeated by the Japanese and almost wiped out).
In his opinion.

If Major General Smith had been more proactive and decisive.

The expeditionary force's victory in the direction of Mindang might have been even more glorious.

The remnants of the Japanese 18th Division also found it more difficult to escape.

In order to ensure that the Allied forces could be more effectively integrated in subsequent operations, Stilwell decided to go to the British command in person, intending to persuade Major General Smith, or at least make him understand.

In the next battle, we must coordinate more closely with the expeditionary force's actions instead of acting on our own or even lagging behind.

British Burmese Army Headquarters.

The atmosphere at this moment is also not relaxed.

Although Major General Smith and his 1st British Burmese Division nominally participated in the "victory" in the Mindan direction, they suffered few casualties and captured very few spoils, which was in stark contrast to the vigorous advance of the Chinese Expeditionary Force.

This made Smith, who always thought highly of himself, feel quite embarrassed and uncomfortable.

When General Stilwell showed up at his headquarters with several American staff officers, Major General Smith was wary. He vaguely guessed that the purpose of Stilwell's visit was probably related to coordinated operations and command.

He neither wanted to obey the Chinese completely, nor did he want to offend the American general who held the power to distribute American aid.

Smith tried to force a smile and shook hands with Stilwell. "General Stilwell, welcome."

Stilwell was not polite and said straight to the point: "General Smith, I came here this time to talk to you about the issue of combat coordination in the next stage.

The Joint Command has formulated a detailed combat plan, with the goal of completely eliminating the remaining Japanese forces in the area north of Mawlamyine before the end of the rainy season and further consolidating the defense line around Yangon.

I hope that the 1st British Burmese Division can more actively undertake the corresponding combat tasks in this operation, cooperate closely with the expeditionary force, and jointly annihilate the enemy. "

Although Stilwell's tone was relatively polite, the unquestionable pressure made Smith feel very uncomfortable.

He knew that the "close cooperation" Stilwell mentioned probably meant that they had to further obey the direct orders of the Joint Command, that is, Stilwell.

But Smith did not dare to refuse Stilwell directly. He knew the temper of the American general and was aware of the consequences of offending him.

He could only say vaguely: "General, our 1st British Burmese Division is naturally willing to contribute to the victory of the Allied Forces. However, our troops have just experienced a long journey and continuous fighting. The soldiers are in urgent need of rest, and ammunition and supplies also need to be replenished.

Moreover, I need to learn more about the joint command's follow-up combat plan and report to my superiors for instructions."

Stilwell was so smart that he would surely not fail to hear Smith's perfunctory words.

He snorted coldly and said, "General Smith, on the battlefield, opportunities are fleeting!"

"I hope you understand that now is not the time to negotiate conditions or show off qualifications!"

"If you cannot effectively command your troops, or are unwilling to obey the unified dispatch of the joint command, I will not hesitate to recommend to the Supreme Command of the Allied Forces to replace the commander with a more competent one!"

These almost threatening words made Smith's face even uglier.

He knew that Stilwell's words were not alarmist.

On this basis, after an unpleasant "communication" with Stilwell, Smith immediately reported the situation to his superior commanders General Alexander and Field Marshal Wavell far away in India.

Alexander and Wavell also found it very difficult to deal with after learning of Stilwell's tough attitude and his aggressive offensive plan.

They were unwilling to completely hand over the command of the British army in Burma to China and the United States, but they also knew that under the current circumstances, if they did not make some gestures, even the aid from the United States would be affected.

Ultimately, they intended to ask London to decide how to maintain the "interests" and "dignity" of the British Empire in Burma while "taking into account" the overall situation of Allied cooperation.

A new game centered around command and strategic dominance quietly unfolded among the Allied top brass.

at the same time.

Just as Stilwell was conducting "difficult" negotiations with the British side.

Chu Yunfei has turned his attention to longer-term strategic planning.

He knew very well that to completely defeat the Japanese army, it was far from enough to rely solely on the existing military force, and that the new and cutting-edge troops that were being trained must be transformed into truly powerful forces as soon as possible.

then.

After the joint command issued the specific combat task of pursuing and annihilating the Japanese army to the Mawlamyine line to Du Yuming, Huang Baitao and others.

Chu Yunfei, accompanied by Zhao Pengcheng and a few other core staff officers, secretly set out for northern Myanmar to investigate the recruitment and training of the newly formed 12th Army.

The newly formed 12th Army, with Wu Ziqiang as its commander, plans to give priority to equipping the troops with American weapons.

It is a crucial piece in Chu Yunfei's future strategic chess game.

He not only hoped that this force could become the strategic reserve of the expeditionary force and the spearhead of the counterattack.

We hope to develop it into a team that can adapt to the complex environment of the Southeast Asian rainforest.

It is a multifunctional force that can independently carry out tasks such as clearing, pacification, and even establishing and consolidating rear bases.

Everyone knows how difficult the battle will be when Japanese is heard in the trees.

These opponents who don't care about their own lives at all are actually very difficult to deal with.

Especially in Southeast Asia where the visibility conditions and infrastructure are extremely poor.

Look, Chu Yunfei and his group were riding in an American jeep, trudging along the muddy and bumpy mountain road.

The roads in northern Myanmar are more rugged and difficult to travel than those in southern Myanmar.

Most of the people we saw along the way were Burmese people who had been displaced by the war, as well as Chinese people who were working hard to reclaim wasteland and build roads.

"Your Excellency, I didn't expect our roads to be extended to this location. It's only about 150 kilometers from here to Mandalay, right?"

Chu Yunfei nodded slowly, and at the same time became more determined to establish a stable rear in northern Myanmar.

The determination to achieve military and civilian self-sufficiency.

When Chu Yunfei arrived at the temporary headquarters of the newly formed 12th Army near Myitkyina.

Wu Ziqiang had already led several key military officers to wait in the rain.

"Your Majesty!"

Seeing Chu Yunfei getting off the jeep, Wu Ziqiang gave a standard military salute with a loud voice and eyes full of excitement and joy.

Chu Yunfei patted Wu Ziqiang on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Ziqiang, you have worked hard."

How is the situation of the troops? Is the work of receiving and replacing American equipment going smoothly? "

Wu Ziqiang led Chu Yunfei into the simple military tent and reported the situation: "Report to Your Majesty! The first batch of American weapons and equipment (mainly M1 Garand rifles, Thompson submachine guns and 60mm mortars) has arrived. According to your instructions, I have equipped an infantry regiment first, and it is currently undergoing adaptive training."

Chu Yunfei asked: "Just what?"

Wu Ziqiang looked embarrassed: "There is a severe shortage of qualified grassroots officers and technical arms.

Many soldiers had never even touched a gun before, let alone operated these sophisticated American weapons.

Moreover, the climate in northern Myanmar is humid, and the maintenance of weapons is also a big problem. Although we have drawn a group of backbones from the domestic and other expeditionary forces, it is still a drop in the bucket compared to training a fully American-equipped army. "

Chu Yunfei nodded. He had anticipated these situations. One of the important purposes of his trip was to solve these problems.

"Zi Qiang, the difficulties are temporary." Chu Yunfei's tone was calm and confident, "I have discussed with General Stilwell that the United States will send more military advisers and technical instructors to assist us in training and equipment maintenance.

At the same time, I will also strive to attract more talents for you from the country, especially from military academies and technical arms schools.

As for the quality of the soldiers, it depends on your hard work in training!

The new 12th Army I want is not only American-style equipment, but also modernized in terms of tactical thinking and fighting will!"

He paused, a sharp light flashed in his eyes: "Also, this time I came, I also brought you a special 'training ground'."

Wu Ziqiang was invigorated when he heard this: "Please give me your instructions, Your Majesty!"

Chu Yunfei walked to the map, pointed to some areas where northern Burma and the Siamese Japanese-occupied areas intersect, as well as the mountainous areas where the Burmese Independence Army was active, and said, "These places are the best 'grindstones' for your new 12th Army!
After completing basic training, I will authorize you to serve in battalion and regiment units.

Launch continuous, small-scale clearing and harassment operations against the Japanese and puppet troops and the Burmese Independence Army in these areas!

Use battle to train! Use the enemy's blood to test your training results and sharpen your fighting will!"

"Yes! Your Excellency!"

Wu Ziqiang responded excitedly, he knew that this was exactly what he expected!
Only in actual combat can we truly forge an elite army that is capable of fighting hundreds of battles!
Chu Yunfei looked at Wu Ziqiang's eager look, nodded with satisfaction, and continued: "In addition to actual combat training, the training of reserve forces is also crucial.

In addition, the training of new recruits in China is currently being carried out in an orderly manner. The first batch of combat troops is expected to be as high as 13,000 people. All of them are future grassroots officers with a junior high school education or above. In time, all of them will become the backbone of our expeditionary force.

I have already coordinated with Chongqing. After completing basic training, this group of soldiers will be given priority to be assigned to your new 12th Army and other units of the Expeditionary Force with outstanding combat achievements.

You must be prepared to accept and further train them in advance, and turn them into true "pride of the army."

"This is great!" Wu Ziqiang was so happy that he almost danced with joy.

He knew very well how important the quality of soldiers, especially grassroots officers, was to a modern army.

With this group of highly qualified soldiers as a foundation, the future of the new 12th Army is limitless.

He then said, "Your Excellency, there is something else I would like to discuss with you."

"Just say it." Chu Yunfei signaled him not to be so reserved.

"Do you think it is possible to recruit some Burmese people to join our team?" Wu Ziqiang put forward a slightly bold idea.

Wu Ziqiang paused, then went on to explain: "Currently, propaganda work is underway in the entire northern Myanmar border area, and the stability is very high. Basically, there is no sentiment against us Chinese."

"And we thought that if we could use the war to deepen our relationship with these people, it might be helpful in confirming the existence of the fact in Myanmar."

Seeing Chu Yunfei's eyebrows slightly raised, as if waiting for his explanation, Wu Ziqiang paused, and then continued to explain: "Your Excellency, I have also done some investigations in northern Myanmar during this period.

Ever since our expeditionary force won a great victory in Mindan and cleared out some of the surrounding Japanese and puppet strongholds, our propaganda work is being actively carried out throughout the northern Myanmar border area. The people are very stable and there is basically no resistance to our people.

Many Burmese people, who were also deeply oppressed by the Japanese invaders and the scum of the Burmese Independence Army, actually had expectations and good feelings towards our expeditionary force. "

"Moreover." Wu Ziqiang lowered his voice, with a hint of foresight in his tone, "I have also discussed this privately with Chief of Staff Sun (Sun Ming).

We thought that if we could take advantage of the war to deepen our relationship with these local Burmese people, for example, we could recruit their young and middle-aged men into our auxiliary forces, or even incorporate them into the combat sequence after strict screening and training.

Perhaps this will be of great help to our future 'actual presence' in Myanmar."

He carefully observed Chu Yunfei's expression and continued, "On the one hand, the local soldiers in Myanmar are familiar with the terrain and climate and are good at jungle warfare. They can make up for the shortcomings of our army in this regard, act as guides, scouts, and even participate in some special guerrilla warfare missions to reduce the casualties of our officers and soldiers.

On the other hand, by recruiting and treating Burmese soldiers well, we can further win the hearts of the Burmese people, undermine the propaganda offensive of the Japanese army and Ba Maw, Aung San and others, and lay a more solid mass foundation for us to establish a stable base in northern Burma. "

Wu Ziqiang's eyes sparkled with wisdom: "In the long run, Myanmar's strategic position is extremely important. It is not only related to the lifeline of our war of resistance, but also to our influence in the entire Southeast Asia after the war.

If we can sow the seeds of friendship here and cultivate a group of pro-China Burmese military forces, it will be a far-reaching and brilliant move for maintaining long-term peace and stability in the southwestern border and for gaining the initiative in international affairs in the future!"

Chu Yunfei listened quietly to Wu Ziqiang's analysis with an approving smile on his face.

He didn't expect that.

Wu Ziqiang has not only become more mature in military command, but has also made great progress in strategic vision and political considerations.

These words coincided with some of his own long-term plans.

"Zi Qiang, it's great that you can think of this." Chu Yunfei spoke slowly, with an affirmative tone: "'Using barbarians to control barbarians', or 'using Burma to control Burma', is indeed a strategy that can be considered. However, this matter is of great importance and must be handled with extreme caution."

He stood up, walked to the map, and scanned the vast territory of Myanmar: "Recruiting local Burmese to join our army has its advantages and disadvantages.

The benefits, as you said, can make up for the shortcomings of our army, win the hearts of the people, and even make long-term plans.

But the drawbacks cannot be ignored.”

Chu Yunfei's expression became serious: "First, there are many ethnic groups in Myanmar, and the relations between the ethnic groups are complicated, and there are also different political forces such as pro-Japanese and pro-British intertwined.

When we recruit soldiers, we must strictly identify their backgrounds and motives to prevent infiltration by Japanese and puppet spies and people with ulterior motives.

Otherwise, once you let the wolf in, the consequences will be disastrous."

"Secondly, differences in language, culture, living habits, and possible ethnic barriers will bring difficulties to the management and coordinated operations of the troops.

How to effectively integrate these Burmese soldiers, make them truly integrated into our army, and bring into play their due combat effectiveness requires us to invest a lot of energy and wisdom.”

Chu Yunfei's tone became more serious: "Third, this matter will inevitably arouse the vigilance and dissatisfaction of the British. They regard Myanmar as their colony and do not want to see China cultivate its own military power in Myanmar and affect their post-war rule.

We must carefully handle our relationship with the UK to avoid unnecessary friction and diplomatic disputes."

Wu Ziqiang listened carefully and nodded repeatedly: "Your Excellency is right. I have not considered it carefully enough."

Chu Yunfei waved his hand: "You have this idea, which is worthy of recognition. As for how to implement it, we can start with a pilot."

He pondered for a moment and said, "Well, I authorize you to try to form a 'Burmese Volunteer Battalion' in the newly formed 12th Army, with a size controlled within 500 people.

The recruitment of soldiers must be based on the principle of voluntariness and must undergo strict political review and physical examination.

The Burmese soldiers who join our army should be treated equally with our officers and soldiers, and even given appropriate preferential treatment in some aspects to win their loyalty. "

"This volunteer battalion will initially undertake auxiliary tasks such as guiding, reconnaissance, transportation, and fortification construction. Their performance will be evaluated in actual combat, and those who perform well and are loyal and reliable can be gradually promoted, and even considered for inclusion in combat units. However, the command must be firmly in the hands of our own people."

Chu Yunfei emphasized, "We must also strengthen the political and ideological education of these Burmese soldiers, publicize to them the just position of the Chinese Expeditionary Force in resisting Japanese aggression and helping the Burmese people to fight for true liberation, expose the ugly faces of Japanese fascism and traitors such as Ba Maw and Aung San, and strive for them to truly identify with us ideologically and fight side by side with us."

"As for the British side." Chu Yunfei showed an unpredictable smile, "We can package this as 'assisting the Allies, jointly resisting Japan, and using local forces to wipe out the remnants of the Japanese puppets'.

I will communicate with General Stilwell personally.

As long as we do it cleverly, even if the British are dissatisfied, they may not be able to find any substantial evidence to use against us."

"Yes! Your Excellency is wise!" Wu Ziqiang responded excitedly.

He knew that Chu Yunfei agreed to his plan and also pointed out the specific implementation direction and key points that needed attention.

Chu Yunfei felt more relieved when he saw Wu Ziqiang's energetic appearance.

In his vision, the newly formed 12th Army will not only be an elite force that is good at fighting, but also an important chess piece for him to manage northern Myanmar and expand China's influence in Southeast Asia.

And Wu Ziqiang, the capable subordinate whom he promoted, is also growing at an astonishing rate, gradually showing his potential to be a leader on his own.

He looked down at the watch on his hand, then said, "It's almost time. Have you prepared dinner tonight?"

"Everything has been arranged. Your Excellency, please come this way..."

(End of this chapter)