Take Taobao to fight against Japan

After the war entered 1944, the United States had fully grasped the strategic initiative on the Pacific battlefield.

In particular, the "one-sided" ending of the Mariana naval battle caused the Japanese combined fleet to be severely depleted again.

Under the increasingly difficult and dangerous war situation, Japan's domestic conflicts suddenly intensified. Japanese ministers without exception pointed the responsibility for the failure to Prime Minister Tojo, which triggered a domestic political change.

As the former "Japanese national hero", the war madman Tojo dared to challenge the United States, swept across Southeast Asia, and won repeated battles, which made the islanders' self-esteem unprecedentedly inflated.

But sooner or later they have to pay back. Now that the Japanese army has been beaten to pieces by the Allied forces and has lost consecutive battles, it is natural for such an ending to stand up and take the blame. Only by driving Hideki Tojo out of power can they calm down the hearts of the people.

However, at this time, "infighting" also occurred within the US military.

What is strange is that the protagonists of this "infighting" are still MacArthur and Nimitz.

Compared with the last quarrel, this time the quarrel is more intense, even to the point of tearing up the face and falling out completely. Why is this?

This also starts with a freshly released battle plan.

Just like Japan, the U.S. Army and Navy have also always been at odds with each other and are disgusted with each other.

It's just that the contradiction between the US, the land and the navy is still a reconcilable "contradictory among the people". In the face of a big enemy, we can completely unite with sincerity.

But even so, in the early days of the Pacific War, in order to better play the role of the troops, the American government still consciously separated the combat tasks of the two services, so as not to look at each other and affect the battle situation.

Thus, on the Pacific battlefield, there were the Pacific Theater and the Southwest Pacific Theater.

The battles in the two directions didn't interfere much with each other, but they all fought smoothly, and gradually formed a pincer offensive until the two sides approached the Philippine Sea. When the situation was good, this pair of old enemies had a major disagreement again. up.

Chapter 1624 Hitting Weakness

It turned out that for the next stage of combat missions, Admiral Kim, Nimitz and others of the U.S. Navy Department believed that the "leapfrog tactic" should continue to be adopted, crossing Luzon Island in the Philippines, directly attacking Taiwan and Xiamen occupied by the Japanese army, and cutting off the The supply line between them and Nanyang, so that the heavily defended Luzon Island will "win without a fight."

First of all, it saves trouble and takes the shortest time.

It can be seen from the map that the island is the largest island in the Philippines, with an area of ​​11 square kilometers. From a tactical point of view, it will take time and effort to seize the island. It is better to cut off its supply line and let it "fend for itself". The effect is also obvious.

Second, the impact is great.

The Chinese military and civilians have persisted in the war of resistance for many years. Once Taiwan is captured and landed on the Chinese mainland, it will greatly boost the confidence of the anti-fascist military and civilians.

At the same time, it will definitely shake the Japanese army's offensive in the Chinese battlefield, thus accelerating the decline of the Japanese army in Southeast Asia until it is completely defeated.

More importantly, the casualties of American soldiers can be minimized.

Armed with the spirit of "Bushido", these Japanese troops resisted like wild beasts, vowed not to surrender, and launched "suicide" charges many times, which brought huge psychological pressure and casualties to the frontline officers and soldiers.

Therefore, Nimitz firmly believes that, like the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Aleutian Islands, "offensive over the island" should be adopted to cut off water and food, and without sending a single soldier, he can completely defeat the Japanese army. Why not do it for the loss?

However, MacArthur firmly opposed the use of this tactic. Instead, he insisted on cutting off Wright Gulf and then attacking Luzon Island.

Everyone knew MacArthur's true intentions well, knowing that his purpose of doing this was to fulfill his promise.

At that time, MacArthur almost committed suicide in the Philippines, and finally fled the Philippines in a hurry under the repeated persuasion of the American government and Mr. President.

At that time, MacArthur swore to the sky in front of the people who saw him off: "I will definitely come back."

After waiting so hard for so many years, the opportunity to fulfill his promise and get rid of his shame is finally ushered in. How could MacArthur just stand by and "get through the door"?

But these days, the Allied forces have experienced too many brutal and bloody battles on the Pacific battlefield, and they have truly seen the madness and terror of Japanese soldiers.

After the Japanese army failed in the battles of Saipan and the Mariana Islands, the Philippines and Taiwan became the last lifeline for Japan’s “Southern Line” resources to be transported to the mainland. Indigenous links will be completely severed.

Luzon Island is the largest island in the Philippines, with an area of ​​11 square kilometers. The current total defense force of the Japanese army exceeds 40, which is undoubtedly an extremely difficult nut to crack.

In view of the experience of many brutal and bloody battles, Nimitz will naturally not sacrifice the lives of countless American soldiers because of one person's face and obsession.

So under such circumstances, MacArthur and Nimitz had irreconcilable differences of principle, until in the end both of them blushed and had thick necks, completely tearing their skins apart.

On the surface, it seems that the quarrel between the two is just not pleasing to the eyes of each other, but in fact, it seems to have escalated into a contest between the US Army and Navy. Even the Chief of Staff Marshall did not work to mediate, and finally had to be handed over to the President again .

Standing in his seat, looking at a room full of people with ugly faces, MacArthur knew very well that he was a bit "unreasonable". Objectively speaking, Nimitz's tactics were correct.

However, MacArthur paid more attention to his face and the promises he made, and his inner obsession did not allow the implementation of island-hopping tactics against Luzon.

This supreme commander, who was once awarded the rank of "Marshal" in the Philippines, refuses to wash away the "shame" of the past, and ignores the country that brought him glory.

However, what made MacArthur uncomfortable was that the true thoughts in his heart could not be brought to the stage in an open and aboveboard manner.

"Mr. President, General Marshall, General Nimitz, first of all, I must admit that from a tactical point of view, skipping Luzon Island and going straight to Taiwan and Xiamen is the most sensible choice.

However, I cannot but emphasize the following two strategic-level stakes that must be considered. "

After taking a deep breath for a while, MacArthur could only find another way, throw out the trump card he had prepared long ago, and play the emotional card to talk about humanitarianism:

"First of all, the Philippines has always been a colony of the United States in the Far East. Western civilization has long taken root there. There are 1700 million Christians. They have been looking forward to the great American army to liberate them.

If we bypass them for some reason and allow the Japanese to continue to ravage and commit violence against them, we will be unable to bypass them emotionally and morally. "

"Secondly, there are still 3700 American prisoners of war held on Luzon Island, and they are looking forward to their early liberation every day.

If we implement island-hopping tactics and cut off supplies, then these prisoners of war will bear the brunt and be unlucky. Once that time comes, the Japanese army will only let the prisoners of war starve to death, and they will all die in despair. "

"this,……"

Hearing this, Nimitz's eyelids twitched suddenly. The reason for the American prisoners of war hit his "soft spot" all of a sudden, because the tactical plan he formulated was of the greatest significance to avoid American casualties.

Yes, in order to avoid excessive casualties of the U.S. military, is it possible to disregard and ignore the lives of the 3700 prisoners of war who have already suffered?

This is just right. From this point of view, "Mai Shuai" has already done enough homework and came here completely prepared.

At this time, MacArthur continued to add: "The Japanese army in Luzon Island is strong, and the difficulty of attacking is definitely not small.

But what I want to say is that we also have extremely superior combat conditions. The United States has operated in the Philippines for many years and has a good mass base.

Today, under the cruel oppression of the Japanese army, the Filipino people have very strong anti-Japanese sentiments. The local guerrillas have a large scale and have made significant progress in many battles.

As long as we launch a landing operation in the Philippines, we will definitely get all possible help from them.

Therefore, I have every reason to believe that the actual difficulty of capturing Luzon Island is not as serious as imagined, but the strategic significance of the final acquisition is inestimable. "

Speaking of this, MacArthur paused, and after scanning the crowd with earnest eyes, he said sonorously and forcefully: "So, once again, I implore Mr. President, General Marshall, General Nimitz, and all the generals here to consider carefully. About the strategic request to seize Luzon Island!

Not for anything else, even if it is only for the 3700 American prisoners of war who have been tortured for a long time on Luzon Island and are looking forward to the rescue of the motherland day and night, so that they can go back alive to reunite with their families! "

After speaking, MacArthur bowed to everyone with red eyes and tears in his eyes.

Chapter 1625 Better late than never

After MacArthur's affectionate voice fell, the room fell into a strange silence, and everyone frowned carefully chewing on what MacArthur said just now.

"General MacArthur is right. The Philippines is indeed a hurdle we cannot avoid!"

After a while, Mr. President heaved a long sigh. Obviously, the words of "Mai Shuai" moved him and convinced him.

But what really makes Mr. President make up his mind is actually the interests of the United States in the Far East. If the Philippines is bypassed, it will be a great "harm" in terms of national relations and emotions.

At this point, Nimitz is indeed still a little "tender". He did not consider the issue from the national strategic level, but simply measured gains and losses from a military perspective.

"Since this is the case, then our navy must go all out to attack Wright Gulf, capture Luzon Island, and rescue the captured American soldiers as soon as possible!"

Things have progressed to this point, and Nimitz naturally has no way to stick to his principles, whether it is in terms of emotions or the overall situation.

Thoughts command actions. Now that the tone has been set, Nimitz stopped moaning. He immediately dispatched troops and generals after returning to push General Halsey, known as the "Bull" after his recovery from illness, to the forefront again. .

If the most valiant and valiant American general who fought in the European battlefield of World War II was undoubtedly General Patton, then Halsey could be compared with Patton on the Pacific battlefield on the other side of the world.

Like Patton, this admiral is also fiery, bold and fierce, full of courage, full of rough work, friendly to his subordinates, and desperate to fight.

It's just that Patton used tanks when he beat the Germans, while Halsey used warships when he slammed the Japanese.

Halsey galloped in the Pacific all his life, and he can be seen in every corner of the Pacific War.

The battles commanded by him were basically tough and victorious, and he was nicknamed "The Bull" because of his brave style.

But he is not irritable and serious when he treats his subordinates, especially the grassroots soldiers. On the contrary, he is very easy-going. He is deeply loved by his subordinates and is also known as the "Admiral of the Sailors".

Admiral Nimitz once wrote an article himself:

"He was professional, competent, militarily aggressive and at the same time careful and not blindsided.

He is a rare combination of resourcefulness and boldness, and he can detect even cat-meowing risks in combat planning, and once he succeeds, he will pursue victory to achieve greater results.

He possesses extraordinary leadership skills, which won him the support of the vast number of officers and men in the army.

His only enemies are the Japanese. "

This passage of General Nimitz is not only a high evaluation of Halsey, but also a true portrayal of Halsey's life.

It's just that, so far, although Halsey has commanded several naval battles, he has never had the chance of an aircraft carrier decisive battle. It was dark.

It is the greatest "punishment" for a general not to participate in the battle, especially seeing his subordinates shine, which has long been unbearable for the proud Halsey.

Now that he finally had the opportunity to lead the U.S. fleet and the Japanese fleet to a decisive battle at sea, Halsey was naturally screaming with excitement.

Although at this time the Japanese aircraft carrier fleet could no longer be compared with the early days of the war, it had already been skinned layer by layer by the Allied forces, and it had long lost the courage of the past, and it had almost become a scarecrow-like empty shelf.

But, better late than never!

After receiving the official order, Halsey "rolled up his sleeves and started working" with great excitement, commanding more than 18 ships including 700 aircraft carriers, and began air strikes and shelling on Wright Gulf, Luzon, and Okinawa.The Japanese military airports and warships in Taiwan and other places cleared the way for the army to land.

On the other side is "Mai Shuai", who is also impatient, leading 18 army troops, eagerly waiting for the last moment to land in Wright Gulf.

The Japanese side is also very clear about the offensive tactics of the Allied forces.The Supreme Commander of the Combined Fleet, Deputy Takeshi Toyoda, formulated four plans in a targeted manner:

Battle Plan 1 is a major naval battle plan for the Philippines, Battle Plan 2 is a plan for Taiwan, and Plan 3 and Plan 4 are battle plans for the Ryukyu Islands and the Thousand Islands, respectively.

In another time and place, all four plans were desperate, complex, and daring plans of action that would bring all of Japan's power into one decisive battle.

Especially the Jie 1 combat plan, even though it knew it could not beat the U.S. fleet at all, the Japanese Navy Combined Fleet still tried its best, and finally suffered a devastating blow in the Wright Gulf naval battle.

The reason for this is that as far as Japan is concerned, once the Philippines is lost, the connection between Japan and Southeast Asia will be completely cut off, so that the oil resources in Southeast Asia will not be able to be transported back to the country.

This means that even if the Japanese combined fleet can survive, it will become a pile of useless scrap iron due to lack of fuel.

Under such circumstances, the Japanese fleet could only carry it to the end, even if the entire army would be annihilated, it would be better than turning into a pile of scrap iron and letting the Allied forces slaughter it.

It’s just that the current time and space are different. With the large-scale construction of coal liquefaction plants and the early discovery of the super-large oil field in Sakhalin Island, the oil resources in Southeast Asia are no longer the lifeblood of Japan.

At the same time, coupled with the vigorous development of the Manchukuo Industrial Zone and the Far East Industrial Zone, it can not only provide Japan with considerable strategic supplies, but also provide sufficient strategic defense depth.

Therefore, there is absolutely no need for them to bury all their naval power in the Philippines. They have sufficient capital and reasons to continue to resist layer by layer.

But the homework that needs to be done has to be done. After all, Luzon Island is also a large island with an area of ​​11 square kilometers, which has extremely important strategic significance. No matter how bad it is, it may trade space for time to slow down the Allied forces' attack on Japan. landing operations.

Therefore, in the face of the violent bombing of the Allied fleet, the Japanese side did not sit still, but resisted with all their strength in accordance with the Jie 1 combat plan.

The Japanese army not only organized ground-based anti-aircraft artillery to intercept, but also mobilized a large number of combat aircraft to take off to fight, and even sent bombers to attack the US aircraft carrier fleet.

Through multiple transactions with Germany, Japan has acquired a large amount of advanced military technology, which naturally includes 88mm anti-aircraft guns.

And this anti-aircraft gun with the best performance in World War II has also been greatly affirmed and appreciated by the Japanese side. It has become one of the ace weapons of the Japanese army and is widely used in air defense and anti-tank.

After more than ten days of bombing and artillery preparations, Japan has lost a total of more than 1200 aircraft, which is almost the entire Japanese air force in Taiwan and the Nanyang region.

As a result, the Japanese navy basically lost the protection of the air force.

However, if you kill one thousand enemies, you will lose eight hundred. Under the tenacious Japanese air defense operations, the losses of various types of combat aircraft of the Allied forces are also quite serious, with a total of more than 800!

Chapter 1626 In the end, we have to rely on strength to speak

Wright Island is located in the central part of the Philippines, with Cebu Island and Bohol Island in the west and Samar Island in the northeast.

The capture of Wright Island cuts off the Philippine Islands and at the same time provides a forward base for attacking Luzon Island.

Therefore, the battle on Wright Island was naturally brought to a prominent position.

MacArthur plans to land in Tacloban and Durag on the northern section of the east coast of Wright Island and the port of Ormoc on the west coast.

After landing, it goes straight to the port of Caligara on the north bank, which is 500 kilometers away from Manila. Air and naval bases can be established as a springboard for attacking Luzon.

Then land with 4 divisions from Lingayen Bay on Luzon Island, and the north and south will attack Manila.MacArthur requested the immediate allocation of sufficient landing ships,

Halsey's 3rd Fleet was ordered to support the Southwest Pacific Theater, and MacArthur was worried that the Navy would interfere too much in the attack on Wright, so he advanced the date of attack to October 10.

Vice Admiral Kincaid's Seventh Fleet's old battleships and escort aircraft carriers were used to support the landing force, and Admiral Halsey's Third Fleet aircraft carrier task force was used to cover amphibious operations and seek out the Japanese fleet.

Prior to this, the Japanese base camp did not know the specific route of the US military's advance. They had to strengthen the defenses of Taiwan and the Philippines at the same time. It was not until mid-October that the Japanese base camp realized that the situation on Wright Island was becoming tense.

Subsequently, the Japanese army dispatched the aviation regiments in Manila, Kaohsiung, and Taipei to launch a counterattack, and took the initiative to attack the US fleet in the waters east of Taiwan.

However, there was more than enough heart but not enough energy. After more than ten days of intense consumption, the Japanese air force in Taiwan and the Nanyang region was finally exhausted.

When the time came to October 10, after full artillery preparations, a huge fleet composed of more than 20 allied ships in the Southwest Pacific Theater entered the waters east of Wright Island, officially launching the Wright Island landing campaign.