Iron Germany

"It's over, this time it's completely over. It's impossible for us to break through the German defense line." Lieutenant General Sakurai Shozo closed his eyes in pain.

The two divisions dispatched by the 28th Army this time not only suffered a bloody encounter in front of the German defense line, but also suffered heavy losses. Now it has been slaughtered wantonly by the German fleet. It can be said that they have already suffered a devastating blow.

Of course, the 2nd Division and the 54th Division of the Japanese Army may still have a lot of troops left after this round of bombardment by the German fleet. However, morale was hit hard and supplies were severely lacking. Under such circumstances, it is impossible to continue to launch attacks and break through the German defense line.

Major General Yanpan Haoxiong also didn't say a word, with a dejected look, like a rooster who has lost a fight.

Obviously, everyone has no confidence in this battle. The appearance of the German fleet completely dashed their hopes, and also made the island army doomed to fail in this battle.

The attack of the German fleet continued until 4:00 am on March 4. Afterwards, the German fleet turned to withdraw from the Sulu Sea. Although, after dawn, the Luftwaffe fighter planes will take off to escort them, without worrying about being attacked by the army aviation of the island country. However, in order to avoid unnecessary losses, it is better for the fleet to evacuate as soon as possible. In this way, it can be guaranteed that the strength of the navy will not be damaged.

Although the German Navy won the last naval battle. But their own casualties are not small. Therefore, every warship is precious to the German Navy's Pacific Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet.

When the German fleet withdrew, the island army on the beach breathed a sigh of relief. The heart that had been hanging all this time was finally put back into the stomach. Although the loss is very large, at least there is no need to worry about the shells of the German fleet hitting their heads.

"How is the situation of the 2nd Division and the 54th Division?" Lieutenant General Sakurai asked.

"Your Excellency, the 2nd Division and the 54th Division have suffered huge losses. Now, the remaining troops of the 2nd Division are less than 5,000 troops. The 54th Division may only have more than 8,000 troops. .” Major General Yanpan Haoxiong reported.

Lieutenant General Sakurai Shozo's face suddenly became even uglier. The two main infantry divisions have a total strength of more than 40,000 troops. Now there are only a few people left. It can be said that both divisions have suffered a devastating blow. Obviously, there is no way to continue this battle.

"Where are the transport ships and merchant ships at sea? How many are left?" Lieutenant General Sakurai Shozo then asked.

"Your Excellency, our convoy has suffered heavy losses under the massive attack of the German fleet. I am afraid that there are only about 20 convoys and merchant ships left. The artillery units and their equipment left on board. And The other rear troops suffered heavy losses. Our war materials also suffered a relatively large loss. Without enough war materials, it is obviously impossible to launch a large-scale attack." Major General Yanpan Haoxiong continued.

Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōsan sighed. Obviously, this time the landing operation was considered a failure. He had no idea what to do next.

"What's the situation with the 33rd Army? It's impossible for the Germans to just send a fleet to attack us." Lieutenant General Shozo Sakurai asked.

"The 33rd Army was also attacked by the German fleet. Their losses were similar to ours."

Hearing such an answer, General Sakurai Sho Sanzhong breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it is not only the 28th Army that has suffered heavy losses. Then, when taking responsibility, it should be relatively light. Originally, he thought that if he didn't do it, he would be asked to apologize by harakiri. But now it seems that maybe not. After all, it was not because of him that he caused such a big loss, but because the Germans were too strong.

"Send a telegram to the Front Army Command! It's up to them to decide what to do next," Lieutenant General Sakurai Shozo said.

"Hi, Your Excellency, Commander." Major General Yanpan Haoxiong immediately went to send a telegram.

Zamboanga, the headquarters of the Lanyin Front Army of the island country.

Commander Lieutenant General Kawabe Shozo and Chief of Staff Major General Taro Nakanaga also stayed up all night, keeping an eye on the battle ahead. Yesterday's daytime attack failed and suffered heavy losses, which made Lieutenant General Kawabe Shozo and Major General Nakayagataro very anxious. After learning that Lieutenant General Sakurai Shousan and Lieutenant General Honda Masai put their hopes on the night battle at night. They also reported great hopes for this. If the situation can be opened up in the night battle tonight, then the situation is not too bad. But if the night battle still fails, the consequences may be very serious.

Lieutenant General Kawabe Shozo had been smoking all night, making his office smoky, as if a fire had broken out.

"Nakae-kun, is there any news from the front line?" Lieutenant General Kawabe Shozo asked. Even he himself forgot how many times this was the same question.

"Your Excellency, Commander, there is no news yet. I will go to the telegraph room to check." Major General Taro Nakayaga said.

Lieutenant General Kawabe Shozo nodded.

Soon, Major General Nakayagataro returned. However, his face was very ugly.

After noticing this, Lieutenant General Kawabe Shozo's heart sank continuously. He knew that the battle on the front line might be very unfavorable to them again. In the night battle tonight, the island army may have failed again.

"What's the matter? Nakae-kun?" Lieutenant General Kawabe Shozo asked.

"Your Excellency, when we were about to achieve success, the German fleet suddenly appeared. The German fleet not only sank the naval warships, but also launched a fierce bombardment on our transport ships, merchant ships, and landing troops. Now , Transport ships and merchant ships were sunk a lot, and there are not many left. The troops who landed were also violently bombarded by the large-caliber naval guns of the German fleet. Major General Nakayataro reported.

Such a result made Lieutenant General Kawabe Masanori stunned. Although he expected that the island country army might lose in the night battle, he still did not expect such a result.

"How many people do we have in Borneo?" Lieutenant General Kawabe Shozo asked.

"General, the combined landing forces of the 28th Army and the 33rd Army are less than 30,000 people. Moreover, they are under suppression. Generals Sakurai Shozo and General Honda Masai have sent requests for tactics The instruction telegram has arrived." Major General Taro Nakayaga reported.