"It's over, it's completely over now. If we want to break through German defensive line, it's impossible." Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō closed his eyes in pain.
28th Army The two divisions dispatched this time not only suffered a bloody blow in front of German defensive line, but also suffered heavy losses. Now they are being slaughtered wantonly by German fleet. It can be said that they have suffered a devastating blow.
Of course, Island Nation's Army 2nd Division and 54th Division may still have a lot of troops left after this round of bombardment by German fleet. However, morale was severely damaged and supplies were severely lacking. Under such circumstances, it is already impossible to continue the attack and break through German defensive line.
Rear Admiral Iwapachi Gōyū also said nothing and looked dejected, like a defeated rooster.
Obviously, everyone no longer has much confidence in this battle. The emergence of German fleet completely frustrated their hopes, and also made Island Nation's Army doomed to fail in this battle.
The German fleet attack lasted until 4 a. m. on March 4. Afterwards, German fleet turned and evacuated Sulu Sea. Although, German Air Force fighter planes will take off after dawn to escort them, so there is no need to worry about being attacked by Island Nation's Army Air Force. However, in order to avoid unnecessary losses, it is better for the fleet to evacuate as soon as possible. In this case, it can be ensured that the strength of the navy will not be damaged.
German Navy won the last naval battle. But its own casualties are not small. Therefore, every battleship is precious to German Navy Pacific Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet.
After German fleet evacuated, Island Nation's Army on the beach breathed a sigh of relief. The heart that had been hanging around finally returned to the stomach. Although the losses were very heavy, at least they no longer had to worry about German fleet's shells hitting their heads.
"How is the situation with 2nd Division and 54th Division?" Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō asked.
"Your Excellency Commander, 2nd Division and 54th Division have suffered very heavy losses. Now, 2nd Division's remaining troops are less than five thousand. 54th Division's troops probably only have more than eight thousand." Rear Admiral Iwapachi Gōyū reported.
Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō's face suddenly became even more ugly. The two main Infantry Division regiments have a total strength of more than 40,000. Now there are only a few people left. It can be said that both divisions suffered a devastating blow. There is obviously no way to continue this battle.
"Where are the transport ships and merchant ships at sea? How many are left?" Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō then asked.
"Your Excellency Commander, under the massive attack by German fleet, our transport fleet suffered heavy losses. Now I am afraid there are only more than 20 transport ships and merchant ships left. The artillery units and their equipment remaining on the ship. There are also other rear troops who have suffered heavy losses. Our war supplies have also suffered heavy losses. Without enough war supplies, it is obvious that we can no longer launch a large-scale attack." Rear Admiral Iwapachi Gōyū continued.
Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō 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? Germany people can't just send a fleet to attack us." Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō asked.
"33rd Army was also attacked by German fleet. Their losses were similar to ours."
Hearing such an answer made Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō feel relieved. As long as 28th Army is not the only one who suffers heavy losses. Then, when taking responsibility, you should be relatively light. Originally, he thought that maybe he would be asked to commit seppuku. But now it seems that it may not be necessary. After all, it was not because of him that such a big loss was caused, but because Germany was too strong.
"Send Telegram to Area Army Headquarters! They have to decide what to do next." Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō said.
"Hi, Mr. Commander." Rear Admiral Iwapachi Gōyū immediately went to send Telegram.
Zamboanga, Island Nation's Army lanyin Area Army Headquarters.
Commander Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō and Chief of Staff Major General Nakahashi Tarō also stayed up all night and have been paying attention to the battle ahead. The attack during the day yesterday failed and suffered heavy losses, which made both Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō and Major General Nakahashi Tarō very anxious. After learning that both Lieutenant General Sakurai Shōzō and Lieutenant General Honda Masanori pinned their hopes on the night battle. They also have great hopes for this. If the situation can be opened up in tonight's night battle, the situation will not be too bad. But if the night battle still fails, the consequences may be very serious.
Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō had been smoking all night, making his office filled with smoke, as if there was a fire.
"Zhongyong Jun, is there any news from the front line?" Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō asked. Even he himself forgot how many times he had asked the same question.
"Sir Commander, there is no news yet. I will go to the Telegram room to have a look." Major General Nakahashi Tarō said.
Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō nodded.
Soon, Major General Nakahashi Tarō returned. However, his face was very ugly.
After noticing this, Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō's heart continued to sink. He knew that the war on the front line might be very unfavorable to them again. In tonight's night battle, Island Nation's Army may have failed again.
"What's wrong? Zhongyong-kun?" Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō asked.
"Your Excellency, Commander, when we were about to succeed, the German fleet suddenly appeared. The German fleet not only sank the navy's warships, but also launched a violent bombardment on our transport ships and merchant ships, as well as the landing troops. Now, many transport ships and merchant ships have been sunk, and there are not many left. The landing troops were also violently bombarded by the German fleet's large-caliber naval guns. The troops suffered heavy casualties. They are no longer able to continue the attack." Major General Taro Nakayaga reported.
Such a result made Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō stunned. Although he expected that Island Nation's Army might lose in the night battle, he still did not expect that it would be such a result.
"How many more people do we have in Borneo?" Lieutenant General Kawabe Masazō asked.
"General, the total landing troops of the 28th Army and 33rd Army total less than 30,000 people. Moreover, they are being suppressed. General Sakurai Shōzō and General Honda Masanori have sent Telegram requesting tactical guidance." Major General Nakahashi Tarō reported.