When everyone heard Master Pao say this, they could only sigh and shake their heads. This is the situation now, the Wehrmacht has taken down Jiangsu and Zhejiang, drove out the Japanese and obtained a large number of prisoners.

These are all good things, but there are too many captives and it is troublesome to deal with. First of all, these people have to be separated, so many people are gathered together, and if something happens, it will be a big deal.

And there are hundreds of thousands of captives, and there are no fewer people to be assigned to escort them everywhere. If you run so many or so, it is likely that you will harm one party. Although these are scumbags, they are people who have touched a gun and been on the battlefield.

They can't beat the Wehrmacht, but they are definitely good at bullying the common people. Therefore, we have to send troops to escort them all the way, and we must not let them run away halfway and harm the common people.

Several military districts of the National Defense Forces also have to make certain internal adjustments. Front-line veterans over the age of forty-five should see if they can be turned into non-commissioned officers or lieutenants, and if not, they must be put in the rear to monitor the work of prisoners.

These fighters are old, and their physical strength and energy do not allow them to continue to stay on the battlefield. In the past, it was to fight a national war with the Japanese, and there was no way for them to come out to fight.

Now that the war at home has subsided, it is natural to rely on young soldiers to fight abroad. It's also an opportunity to train your team. Those who are a little older will be transferred to the rear to serve as non-commissioned officers or lieutenants.

When you reach an age, you will retire. They may become civil servants or work in a company owned by the coalition government after further training. Some people who really don't want to enter the enterprise are given retirement resettlement payments according to the number of years they have served, so that they can return to their hometowns to start a small business.

When they are old, the coalition government will also give them pensions and living allowances.

And the selection, registration, and placement of these people...... Waiting for work will consume a lot of time and energy, and the three months mentioned by the cannon master is already very efficient.

After all, if you count the veterans of the Wehrmacht, then I am afraid that the number of people to be resettled will exceed a million. During this period, it was necessary to take into account conscription, spring ploughing, factory relocation, construction of new factories, and the distribution and resettlement of workers...... And so on and so forth.

The Wehrmacht was having a headache, and the new commander-in-chief of the Southern Army of the Great Japanese Empire, Sugiyama Moto, was laughing wildly at the headquarters of the Japanese Southern Army in Saigon, Annam. This was a new battle plan drawn up for him by his staff officers.

This Lu Shi did not go to the Japanese army in the 12th period, but he was one of the leaders of the radical faction of the Japanese army. At the same time, Sugiyama was one of the core figures in the decision-making center of the Japanese army.

launched the war of invasion and occupation of Northeast China, the war of all-out aggression against China, and the war of the Pacific...... and other major decisions, and his opinions played a major role, and this time he finally chose to jump out of the foreground because he was impatient and always stood behind the scenes.

After the formation of the Southern Army, the Japanese Army also had a headache about who to send. Because this was sent, it must have been sent directly to face the fierce Wehrmacht.

Now the Japanese army has been beaten by the Wehrmacht and is a little frightened, and the Japanese army has lost about 700,000 people in China. And almost all of them were the most capable troops, which made the Japanese army feel a lot of pain.

So this created a problem for the battalion: who is going to be the commander of the Southern Army?! Those who go can't be lightly qualified. Those who defeated Southeast Asia were all arrogant soldiers, and if they were not qualified enough, they would not be able to suppress them.

But there are not many people with enough qualifications now. And sending to Southeast Asia would mean fighting the Wehrmacht head-on. Okamura Ninji and the others were directly locked up after returning to the future, and there is no explanation now.

This made no one dare the other veterans to take this stubble. Fortunately, Sugiyama Moto, an old advocate, couldn't sit still after all, and he chose to jump into the front and come directly to the Southern Army as the commander-in-chief responsible for dealing with the Wehrmacht and arranging the strategy of Japan against India.

"The British are now defeated by our German allies, and even their capitals are occupied. Other words. The time is ripe for our war against India! Sugiyama Moto's eyes lit up with a feverish light, and he looked at the commander of the Burmese Front of the Southern Army in front of him.

"This time, we must tell Your Majesty with our record! His imperial army has not degraded in any way! We are still the best fighting force in Asia! ”

Sugiyama Motomo seemed confident, but unfortunately his chief of staff, Shimizu Rules, didn't seem to see it that way.

"Your Excellency, Commander, although the situation is very favorable to us in this operation. However, we also need to take into account that due to the fact that there is no way to send supplies from the soil for the time being, we can only use our ammunition and weapons in reserve for the time being......"

Shimizu is obviously thinking a lot more than Sugiyama Moto, a fanatical old guy. But he saw him facing a few people at the meeting: "And now we are fighting against the Wehrmacht, and the ammunition consumed is extremely ......."

"Qing Shui San, I have already considered the problem you said!" Sugiyama snorted coldly, "Do you know why we have to fight Imphal?!" ”

Sugiyama Moto, pointing to the map, said in a deep voice, "After the British were driven out of Burma, they built Imphal into a huge military and logistical supply base. Here, here, and here. It's all lined with barracks, hospitals, armories, ammunition depots, and munitions depots! ”

"As Commander-in-Chief, I know better than you what we are in now. But if it is only to resist the strong attack of the Wehrmacht, it will not be enough for us at all. Only one district of the Wehrmacht was dispatched, and most of the Wehrmacht's air force did not arrive. Do you think that once these troops arrive on the battlefield, we will face a war that will be less intense than it is now?! ”

"This ......" Qing Shui was dumbfounded, he obviously didn't think about this problem. And after listening to Sugiyama Moto's words. He was silent for a moment before he said, "Your Excellency, I admit that what you said has a point. But I also think that's why we should be cautious about Imphal. ”

"The fact that the British put all their supplies and war readiness there, shows that they have great confidence in holding on there. I've also been to see the local terrain. From Myanmar to India, you have to cross the jungle, cross the fast-flowing Chindun River, and climb over the Arakan Mountains, which are more than 2,000 meters high......"

"It's going to make it difficult for us to move forward. But these are not the most important things, the most important thing is that the heavy tropical jungle and the harsh terrain are completely unsuitable for heavy vehicles. This leads to a logistical root that is difficult to replenish on ......"

"This time, we are facing the British fortress. The bunkers and permanent fortifications were specially designed and built by the British, and without heavy weapons we don't know how many casualties and how much ammunition would have to be spent to take them......"

"Red Okanoro!! As Teijin, we should learn to rise to the occasion when we face difficulties! Instead of counting here how many difficulties will be faced! Sugiyama was a little annoyed. Qing Shui rule's words are too shameless in his opinion.

"I know all these difficulties you mentioned, but I also know that they can be overcome! Now that the British territory has been occupied, the Indian defenders certainly have little intention of fighting. I have sent the men of the 'Indian National Army' back to contact their forces, and when the time comes, they will join us in the fight!" ”

"I've also taken into account the supply problem, except for heavy weapons, I'll let the rest of the infantry all carry bicycles and go directly. Try to minimize the consumption on the road, as long as we take a few highlands in Imphal within a week, we will be considered to have laid the foundation for this battle! ”

"I have also contacted the battalion, and they will use the plane to give us some supplies. And in order to support the operation, I will send the Third Air Force to fully assist us in the operation......"

Sugiyama Mototo's head and face were covered with a big face. There wasn't even a chance for Shimizu to rule the socket. The chief of the General Staff knew that his commander had made up his mind, and it was useless to say more.

"How?! Qing Shui, do you still have any questions after listening to my plan?! Sugiyama Moto's eyes looked at the rules of Shimizu, if he didn't understand the rules this time, Sugiyama Mototo, he would not hesitate to ask the camp to remove him.

"Hay. Shimizu understood. I will ask Your Excellency the Commander to give the order......"

Sugiyama Motoko snorted coldly and did not speak. Seeing that the atmosphere was deadlocked, the newly appointed commander of the Burma Front of the Southern Army, Kawabe Shozo, hurriedly said: "Your Excellency Commander, since you have drawn up a strategy, then I will implement the tactics!" ”

"This time I want to send Muta-san's 15th Army...... "Shozo Kawabe, the former chief of staff of the Chinese Dispatch Army, was not punished after the defeat in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Campaign.

The corresponding responsibility has been shouldered by Matsui Ishine and Okamura Ninji. And the several operations commanded by Shozo Riverside were quite remarkable, so the big battalion sent him to the Southern Army to serve as the commander of the Burmese Front.

"Mutian-san has always been one of the bravest of my emperors, he is brave and good at fighting, and he has never flinched in battle." Riverside paused three times. He continued: "Therefore, my subordinates suggested that the 15th Army be sent to carry out this combat mission. ”

At the same time, his subordinates also suggested that the operation should be carried out in secret. Let the Fifteenth Army quietly move to Imphal, and receive heavy weapons and some supplies. before launching a full-scale offensive ......"

Commander Shozo Kawabe used to be the chief of staff, and he has been the chief of staff for a short time. He understands the handling of this kind of thing better than the rules of Qing Shui. Confronting the commander is childish behavior.

Especially in the Japanese Army, which is extremely particular about seniority and prestige. The reason why Kawabe Shozo was able to prosper all the way is because he extremely abided by the rules that he should not easily contradict his boss.

And he will leave more room for his boss in the middle of his words. And filling the loopholes in the plan will definitely not embarrass the boss.

"Yo Si! Kawabe-kun said it very well, this battle will be commanded by you. Sugiyama was lamenting. Why don't you have a sensible chief of staff like Shozo Kawabe?!

Qing Shui rules, this guy is stunned, right?! You can't say these things euphemistically?! At this time, Sugiyama had already decided to send a report to the big camp and send this idiot to the reserves. It's better that he stays there for the rest of his life and doesn't let himself see it again.

"The Third Air Force, I will let them assist you in the battle, do a good job!"

"Hay!"

In Imphal, India, the camp of the British army was full of mourning. The British soldiers stationed here were a little distracted. News of the occupation of the British Isles by the Germans had reached here, although the Cabinet had been temporarily retained by the Cabinet in Canada.

But the British were captured, which was still unacceptable to them. Viscount William Joseph Slim, the commander of the British and Commonwealth forces stationed here, looked at the dejected soldiers and did not know how to comfort them.

The British were quite attentive in India, where they left 3 infantry divisions, 1 armored brigade and 1 paratrooper brigade. At the same time, the 4th Indian Army was formed to defend the key area against the Japanese attack.

"Those damn Germans......" Viscount Slim cursed in a low voice. In fact, from a personal point of view, he should be grateful to the Germans for occupying London.

Historically, he did not receive the title of viscount until 1960. Now, due to the urgency of the situation, the commander stationed in India has been canonized as a viscount by King George VI of England.

Viston Slim knew very well why George VI would do this, India was the brightest jewel in the crown of the British king. If this place falls into the hands of the Japanese. Then they could use this to join the Germans in Europe.

If this happens, then the price that Britain will have to pay for fighting back in the future will be even greater.

George VI gave him the title of viscount with the simple meaning that India must hold on no matter what. But looking at the soldiers who were not dying, Viscount Slim smiled bitterly. In this state, can India be saved?! He didn't know anything about it.

He didn't, but the Japanese, who were trying to attack Imphal, were sure of the battle.

After coming out of the headquarters, Kawabe Shozo went straight to the station of the 15th Army of the Burma Dispatch Army. Subsequently, the commander of the 15th Army of the Southern Army's Burma Dispatch Army, Mu Taguchi Lian, began to order the troops below to assemble.

At the same time, a large number of bicycles, rice balls and other supplies were sent to the 15th Army. When the entire Fifteenth Army saw this, they knew that their days of freedom were coming to an end.

These things are coming, so it means that the fight will start again soon. Really. The Fifteenth Army, which had received all kinds of supplies three days later, received an order to immediately and secretly open out.

"Krishna, now Britain is finished! It's time for us Indians to call our own shots! "Also in Imphal, in the Indian Fourth Army, groups of people were gathered.

"The old homes of the British are occupied, and they are nothing now and will not have any support." A man in the uniform of the Fourth Army had his eyes shining and said excitedly: "Now is the best time for us to drive them away completely!" ”

"I've made contact with the Japanese 15th Army in Burma. The Japanese promised us that as long as the British were driven out, they would recognize our independence. When the time comes, we will no longer be a British colony......"

"But, Udaya Kumar. What if it fails?! "This Indian, named Krishna, was a battalion commander in India's Fourth Army. He has hundreds of troops on his hands.

"Trust me! We can't fail! Udaya Kumar patted his chest and said in a big way: "I have seen those whites defeated by the Japanese, and these whites are not worth mentioning in front of them. ”

"And the Japanese will agree to our independence, you look at Annan. How much better were they than we used to be?! But now it is independent from the French. I believe. As long as we work hard, we can also do what the Great Annan people do. ”

As he spoke, Udaya Kumar looked at Krishna's eyes excitedly and said in a low voice, "Do you hope that your son will still be colonized by the British in the future?!" ”

This sentence completely moved Krishna, but he saw the battalion commander grit his teeth and said fiercely: "Success!" I'll do it! ”

This happened constantly in the Indian Fourth Army garrisoning Imphal. If it were usual, such a tandem would have been discovered by the British long ago. It's a pity. Now the British are too busy to take care of themselves, where do they have time to take care of them.

And the Indians in the Fourth Army of India are even less likely to talk to the British about these things. Although there were quite a few Indian National Army soldiers who came to woo them, some Indians from the Fourth Army said they wanted to see them.

On the one hand, the pillboxes and permanent fortifications in Imphal are well built, and they themselves patrol here, knowing very well that this place is not so easy to attack.

But on the other hand, now that the British Empire has even occupied its capital, who knows if they will have a chance to make a comeback?! The base capital of Southeast Asia fell into the hands of the Japanese army. It also captured many British and American soldiers, which shows the combat effectiveness of the Japanese army.

So these indecisive officers chose neutrality very cunningly, neither expressing their support for the Japanese army nor going to the British army to inform. Anyway, whoever has the upper hand will follow whomever the time comes.

The Indian troops patrolling the periphery of Imphal were quietly replaced by units that had been rebelled by the Indian National Army. Lieutenant General Mutaguchi Ryoya, who received the order, rushed to Imphal day and night with three divisions, the 15th, the 31st, and the 33rd Division, which belonged to the 15th Army.

Heavy weapons and supplies came with the troops behind.

The British troops stationed in Imphal did not even know that they were in for a catastrophe, and at least half of their Indian troops had betrayed them and chosen to join the Japanese.

Now they were waiting for the order given to them by the British Cabinet that had been evacuated to Canada. And what they are most concerned about are those relatives who stay in the UK.

In just a week's time, three divisions of more than 70,000 troops had actually been ambushed on the outskirts of Imphal. At the same time, a large number of heavy weapons are constantly being sent.

The appearance of Japanese planes was somewhat frequent, which finally caught Slim's attention. However, the Indian Fourth Army, which had been on reconnaissance earlier, told him that there was nothing going on on the periphery.

Slim could only order everyone under his command to strengthen their guard and prepare for battle.