"It was over. This time, it was completely over. Breaking through the German defensive line was no longer possible." Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō closed his eyes in anguish.
The two divisions that the 28th Army had deployed in this operation had not only been battered bloody against the German defensive line and suffered grievous losses, but were now being wantonly slaughtered by the German fleet. It could be said that they had suffered a devastating blow.
Granted, after this round of bombardment by the German fleet, the Island Nation's Army's 2nd Division and 54th Division might still have a considerable number of troops left. But their morale had been shattered, and they were desperately short of supplies. Under such circumstances, continuing the attack and breaking through the German defensive line was already impossible.
Rear Admiral Iwapachi Gōyū remained silent, dejected as a rooster that had lost a fight.
Clearly, no one had any confidence left in this battle. The appearance of the German fleet had utterly dashed their hopes and doomed the Island Nation's Army to defeat in this battle.
The German fleet's attack continued until four in the morning on March 4. Afterward, the German fleet turned and withdrew from the Sulu Sea. Although German Air Force fighter planes would take off after daybreak to escort them, meaning they need not worry about attacks from the Island Nation's Army Air Force, it was still better for the fleet to withdraw early and avoid unnecessary losses. That way, the navy's strength could be preserved.
Although the German Navy had won the previous naval battle, its own casualties had not been small. Thus, every warship was precious to the German Navy Pacific Fleet and the Indian Ocean Fleet.
Once the German fleet withdrew, the Island Nation's Army troops on the beach