In fact, MacArthur has always been dissatisfied with Angel's appointment as commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces in East Asia. He believed that he was more suitable for this position than Angel.
Unfortunately, the situation is stronger than the people. The U.S. military's strength in East Asia is far inferior to that of the Southern African Expeditionary Force. MacArthur's ability has been questioned due to the failure of the Philippine Campaign, so MacArthur had to accept Angel's command.
Ability comes second.
The key is that at the last moment of the Philippine Campaign, MacArthur abandoned the U.S.-Philippine coalition forces and fled alone. It was too shameful. If MacArthur served as the commander-in-chief of the East Asian Allied Forces, then I am afraid that the East Asian Allied Forces would have to be careful.
God knows if MacArthur will repeat his old tricks again if he encounters that kind of situation again.
MacArthur also knew his situation. Not to mention the Southern African Expeditionary Force, even in the US military, there were many people who dissatisfied with MacArthur, so he could only accept this arrangement.
Lang Man, commander of the US Seventh Division, did not think highly of MacArthur.
The 7th Division of the U.S. Army is also a veteran unit. This unit was established in 1917 and participated in World War I. It is called the dripper division because they are as accurate as timers when performing combat missions.
After the end of World War I, the 7th Division was disbanded. After the outbreak of World War II, it was reorganized and went to fight against Japan. It performed bravely in the Philippines and Okinawa battles.
The 7th Division has three regiments under its jurisdiction, namely the 17th Regiment nicknamed "Buffalo", the 32nd Regiment under the Queen's personal command, and the 31st Regiment that is very familiar to Chinese people.
The 31st Regiment was the polar bear regiment whose regimental flag was captured and almost wiped out.
In the Battle of Okinawa, a total of seven US divisions participated in the battle, including the 7th Division.
The 7th Division suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Okinawa. After the battle, it was withdrawn to the Philippines to rest for six months. It was then sent to Japan to participate in "Operation Olympic". In MacArthur's offensive plan, the 7th Division assumed the role of a prominent arrow.
, we must take the initiative to launch an attack on the Japanese army.
"Without air force support or naval support, and without the participation of friendly forces, how can we fight such a battle?" Lang Man looked at the military map in front of him at a loss.
MacArthur really risked the world's disapproval this time. Not only did his plan fail to get Angel's consent, but it was also opposed by Pacific Fleet Commander-in-Chief Nimitz.
Even so, MacArthur still insisted on going his own way, because he knew very well that this was his last chance.
The war in Europe is over, and Russian troops are gathering in East Asia. Once the Russian troops are assembled, the war in East Asia will soon end.
So now there is not much time left for MacArthur. If he wants to defeat Truman and Eisenhower in the election two years later, he must seize every opportunity to gain honor.
The title of conqueror of Japan is still very attractive to MacArthur.
But if MacArthur doesn't take the initiative, then after the war is over, this title is more likely to belong to Angel.
"Our principal probably believes that as long as we can drive tanks to Tokyo, the King of Japan will surrender." Langman's chief of staff, Brandt, also lacked respect for MacArthur.
American businessmen and politicians are very hateful, but soldiers still have a strong sense of honor. For ordinary soldiers to escape from battle, they would have been shot long ago.
As the former president of West Point Military Academy, MacArthur was a role model and idol for all American soldiers. After escaping from battle, he escaped unscathed and returned to East Asia to continue being the commander-in-chief of the U.S. military. It is really disgraceful.
In particular, the scene in which MacArthur repeatedly waded into the water to land on a beach in the Philippines to make a show for the media was even more disgusting.
It is the photo that has been widely circulated. It is said that in order to get the best shot, MacArthur and his staff went back and forth several times before they got the photo that satisfied MacArthur.
It is indeed difficult for such a commander-in-chief to convince the public.
"Then let our commander personally command the battle. I can't carry out such an order -" Lang Man was very angry. This was making war a trivial matter.
But this is in line with MacArthur's consistent style.
From MacArthur's perspective, everything around him was serving his honor.
"Don't be impulsive. You don't need to take risks for such a person." Brandt disagreed. Soldiers have a bounden duty to obey orders. No matter how bad his character was, MacArthur was still the commander-in-chief of the US military in East Asia and the immediate boss of Langman and Brandt.
"Then I'll send a telegram to the War Department -" Lang Man hoped that the War Department could make MacArthur rational.
It took time for the telegram to be sent from East Asia to Washington, and the War Department also needed time to evaluate the risks of MacArthur's plan, but MacArthur couldn't wait.
Six hours after receiving the combat order, MacArthur's second telegram arrived at the 7th Division.
"Don't we need preparation time to launch an attack?" Lang Man was furious. MacArthur gave the 7th Division almost no preparation time.
Also arriving at the 7th Division at the same time as the second telegram was Colonel Christopher, the combat staff officer from the U.S. East Asia Command.
Colonel Christopher served as MacArthur's adjutant and was MacArthur's confidant. His mission in coming to the 7th Division this time was to supervise the battle.
"The Japanese army has run out of ammunition and food. We don't need to prepare for a long time at all. As long as we launch an attack, the Japanese army will collapse." Christopher resolutely carried out MacArthur's order.
This is also correct.
At present, Japan's organic army still has 1.7 million troops. If the temporarily recruited second-line troops are included, the total strength can reach 7 million.
Both of these figures are uncertain. Among the 1.7 million regular troops, the number of troops that can still fight is estimated to be less than one-tenth.
As for the 7 million second-line troops, they are just cannon fodder and can indeed be completely defeated with a single charge. This has been proven in previous Allied operations.
Of course, under Angel's command, not to mention the current Japanese army, even the Japanese army in 1931 would not be able to survive the attack of the East Asian Allied Forces for too long.
The gap between the two sides is really too big.
The East Asian Allied Forces prepared for the Olympic plan for two years.
In the past two years, not counting various artillery shells and aerial bombs, the East Asian Allied Forces have accumulated tens of millions of tons of combat materials. The intensity of artillery bombardment and air strikes has been unprecedented. Hundreds of heavy bombers have been dispatched at every turn to attack Japanese cities and Japanese positions.
Carpet bombing, leaving no one alive.
This is the advantage of fighting in enemy territory.
You have nothing to worry about, no need to worry about personal and property losses, the effect will be as good as it is.
Unlike the Allied Forces in East Asia, which are recharging their strength, Japan is getting weaker as it gets bigger. Its current industrial capacity is not even as good as it was in 1920. Soldiers can only carry ten rounds of ammunition when fighting. When they run out, they have to use bayonets.
The Allies did not give the Japanese a chance to bayonet, or even a chance to shoot, because it was difficult for the Japanese to find targets to shoot on the battlefield. Every Allied attack was preceded by tanks, and as we all know
Unfortunately, the Japanese army lacked anti-tank weapons.
This was especially evident after the invasion of Japan.
"We have at least 200,000 elite Japanese troops in front of us, and we only have 50,000. Without the participation of more troops, it will be difficult for us to defeat the Japanese army." Lang Man hoped that MacArthur could take back his life and that the Japanese army would still be able to resist.
Among the 200,000 Japanese troops in front of the 7th Division, there was the Guards Division, a veteran force of the Japanese army.
The Guards Division is one of the seven earliest divisions formed in Japan and one of the 17 Category A standing divisions.
In 1895, the Guards Division participated in the Sino-Japanese War of Sino-Japanese War, and thereafter it was absent from World War I. During World War II, the Guards Division was expanded into the First and Second Guards Divisions, which participated in the Malay Campaign and the Philippine Campaign respectively.
After the Malay Campaign and the Philippine Campaign, the Guards Division suffered heavy losses and was withdrawn to Japan for rest and recuperation. It never went overseas to fight again.
The Guards Division is also the only unit in Japan with combat capabilities.
After the Allied forces in East Asia adjusted their combat methods, there were approximately 150,000 Allied troops confronting the Japanese.
If these 150,000 people launched an attack together, it would be a piece of cake to defeat the Japanese army in front of them. It would be very easy.
But if only the 7th Division launches an attack, then the 7th Division will be in danger.
"These are all excuses. You didn't even try." Christopher did not listen to Langman's explanation. He and MacArthur had the same attitude.
We cannot leave the Southern African Expeditionary Force, as the U.S. military will lose its ability to fight independently.
"Are you asking me to risk a soldier's life? I can't do it!" Lang Man refused again.
"Then please leave here. The general will appoint a new commander for the 7th Division." Christopher's attitude was tough and could not be argued.
Lang Man had no choice but to follow MacArthur's order and launch an attack.
At this time, it had been more than a month since the East Asian Allied Forces stopped attacking. During this month, the Japanese army mobilized countless manpower to build defense lines, and the effect was still there.
After all, they have fought with the Allies for so long. Even if they have no memory, the Japanese have learned a lot of experience. At least the anti-tank trenches are dug wide and deep. It would really cost a lot for the American Sherman to climb over.
strength.
The first to leave their position and attack the Japanese army was the famous Polar Bear Regiment.
The attack of the Polar Bear Regiment was immediately noticed by the 5th East India Division, which was adjacent to the position of the 7th Division.
The Fifth East India Division was established relatively early and has relatively advanced weapons and equipment. It was one of the first East Indian armies to be equipped with southern African weapons.
The world war is about to end, and the weapons and ammunition accumulated in southern Africa need to be cleared. Even aircraft carriers can be sold out, and army equipment is available as much as it needs.
After being equipped with southern African standard weapons, the equipment level of the Fifth Division has ranked among the top ranks among the Allied Forces in East Asia, and is even a level higher than that of the U.S. Seventh Division.
The U.S. 7th Division just changed its equipment to Garand rifles that can fire continuously at the beginning of this year.
Some officers and soldiers in the 5th Division are already equipped with assault rifles, and the tanks have been replaced by Tigers, which are more powerful than Shermans.
Even though the Tiger was equipped with troops earlier than the Sherman, in terms of combat capabilities, there is still a big gap between the Sherman and the Tiger, not to mention the more advanced Lion.
"The Americans have really moved out, are we really not moving?" Wang Qi, who had been paying attention to the 7th Division's position, exclaimed. He did not want to sit in a Tiger tank and watch the excitement.
When the Fifth Division was equipped with Tiger tanks, Operation Olympic had already begun. The Japanese army was defeated like a mountain. The Tiger tanks of the Fifth Division had not really experienced a bloody battle. The officers and soldiers of the Fifth Division were holding their breath and wanted to fight on the battlefield.
prove yourself.
Wang Qi is of Chinese descent and does not need a reason to hate Japan.
"Let's take a look -" Commander Chen Yin carefully observed the movements of the US military through the periscope in the turret. This was considered early detection.
Like the European Allies, there is also extensive competition within the East Asian Allies.
Previously, due to the stubborn resistance of the Japanese army, the competition was not very obvious.
Since the secret negotiations between the United States and Japan were exposed, the atmosphere within the East Asian Allied Forces has gradually become tense.
If there are no major surprises, Germany was divided up by the Allies, each with its own sphere of influence.
What about Japan?
Southern Africa, the United States, Russia, Britain, and France all participated in the attack on Germany, so they were all eligible to participate in the carving up of Germany.
The East Asian Allied Forces are mainly composed of the Southern African Expeditionary Force and the U.S. Army. The East Indian Army and the Australian Army are also important components. In addition, there are the British Army and the Malay Peninsula Servant Army. In theory, these countries or regions are all divided by Japan.
qualifications.
From Chen Yin's standpoint, he hoped that the Southern African Expeditionary Force would monopolize Japan.
In this way, Chen Yin might be able to become a member of the occupying army and slowly settle accounts with the Japanese.
The US military was indeed in considerable trouble. As soon as they arrived at the first anti-tank trench, the Sherman tanks were blocked by water at the bottom of the anti-tank trench.
Anti-tank trenches were one of the few ways the Japanese army could counterattack Allied tanks. Although they could not destroy Allied tanks, they could delay the advance of Allied tanks and buy more time for the Japanese army.
Digging trenches is a laborious job without much technical content, which is very suitable for Japan today.
It is now midsummer, with continuous rain. It rained just a few days ago, and there is some water at the bottom of the anti-tank trench.
Under normal circumstances, the use of explosives can effectively destroy anti-tank trenches. This is the experience summed up by the Southern African Expeditionary Force during World War I.
It is difficult to use explosives with water accumulation. They also need to be matched with steel plates or temporary bridges to more effectively break through anti-tank trenches.
The U.S. military's attack was sudden and there was a huge lack of preparation. There were no temporary bridges and there were not many steel plates. As a result, dozens of tanks were blocked in front of the anti-tank trenches, unable to advance or retreat.
boom--
At the Japanese position in the distance, a handful of heavy artillery began to fire. These heavy artillery were dismantled from warships and were about to run out of ammunition. They had rarely fired before.
Although the Allies did not launch a ground offensive, routine artillery bombardment and bombing were essential every day.
The Japanese army was able to fight back at first, and the two sides fought back and forth.
Later, the Japanese counterattack became weaker and weaker. After Germany surrendered, the Japanese heavy artillery had not fired for a long time.
The effect of heavy artillery on tanks is still very good. This was reflected in Operation Husky, so the US tanks next to the anti-tank trenches were out of luck.
