nycdaug Chapter 136 Battle of Guadalcanal (6)
Chapter 136 Battle of Guadalcanal (6)
The American forces were thrown into chaos, a situation that stunned even the ambushing Japanese 16th Regiment. Responding swiftly, Regiment Commander Tatoji Yu unhesitatingly ordered an all-out attack, intent on annihilating the American force in one fell swoop.
In an instant, the Japanese army surged out like a tidal wave, launching a fierce attack from multiple directions. Like hungry wolves pouncing on their prey, they attacked from both sides, while also rapidly circumventing the enemy's retreat route, attempting to cut off the US 3rd Regiment.
The Japanese were far more familiar with the island's terrain than the Americans, and their soldiers nimbly moved through the dense undergrowth. In contrast, the Americans were in a state of disarray, forced to retreat along previously cleared roads, with tanks and armored vehicles closely following, providing protection on both sides. Abandoned engineering vehicles and towed artillery pieces, abandoned due to delays in their movement, were scattered everywhere.
William didn't have time to pay attention to Brand, who had fled alone. He immediately took over command and, with the support of a group of professional sergeants, organized a limited force to block the Japanese attack. He remembered what the Chinese engineer battalion commander had said and used every artillery piece he could find, especially the multiple rocket launchers. Without hesitation, he unleashed a barrage of fire in the direction of the Japanese. The retreat route was narrow, and the vehicles, the chaotic crowds, and the constant grenades from the Japanese made it extremely crowded. To survive, some soldiers had to hide on the sides, using every possible means to block the Japanese's frantic charge. To a certain extent, they prevented the Japanese encirclement and saved themselves.
Upon receiving the emergency notification, the US Navy Air Force swiftly sprang into action, dozens of aircraft taking off like birds of prey and descending directly upon the Japanese forces. The swiftness of the US Air Force's response caught Tato off guard. Seeing that the goal of encircling and annihilating the US forces was unattainable, Tato decisively ordered all units to evacuate immediately.
The simple, winding road on the South Pacific tropical island, about ten miles long and four meters wide, was now a mess. Abandoned American military equipment and supplies were scattered everywhere, dead and wounded soldiers lay scattered on the roadside, and destroyed armor and vehicles were still burning, sending billowing black smoke.
William gazed wearily at the dismal scene, a mixture of emotions welling up in his heart. Aside from the soldiers on guard duty, the 3rd US Regiment, still terrified, sat lazily along the roadside. Many secretly congratulated themselves on escaping this disaster, their former romantic appearances of chewing gum and elegantly puffing on cigars gone.
Deputy Division Commander Robert arrived at lightning speed and relayed the divisional order to William: William was temporarily appointed acting commander of the 3rd Regiment. Brand was not only dismissed from his post but also immediately arrested by the military police and faced severe punishment under military law. Robert urged William to quickly reorganize his forces, inventory his losses, and temporarily withdraw to the beachfront for rest and recuperation. The 2nd Regiment would soon arrive to take over their defense, so whether to continue the advance would likely require further instructions.
The 3rd Regiment's actual casualties were not significant, with 313 killed and 421 wounded. However, morale was severely damaged, and it was unlikely that they would be able to carry out combat missions in the short term. Fletcher had to urgently recall Holcomb to the battleship and also invited Cai Yong to discuss the next steps.
Fletcher no longer doubted Cai Yong's earlier prediction of the Japanese troop strength on Guadalcanal, and he was forced to ask Cai Yong for his opinion on the war situation. Fletcher asked in a friendly and consulting tone, "Dear Cai, your assessment of the Japanese is undoubtedly correct. I'm sure you have a strategy to counter it. Why not share it with us so that Holcomb and I can discuss it?"
Holcomb had no choice but to bow his head and said to Cai, "General Cai, I deeply regret not taking your advice seriously, which resulted in the US 3rd Regiment suffering heavy losses. This is very detrimental to the Guadalcanal campaign. General, do you have any ideas for resolving this situation?"
As an Allied force, Cai Yong knew that they would need the support of the US military for a considerable period of time. He knew that this was not the time to hide anything. He thought for a moment and said, "If the Japanese army really has a considerable force on Guadalcanal as estimated, and has built many fortified positions, the Allied forces with the US 2nd and 113th Divisions may be insufficient. Most importantly, if the Japanese army adopts a defensive strategy and does not seek a face-to-face decisive battle with us, the war will probably be delayed for a long time."
Fletcher immediately understood what Cai Yong meant and added, "General Cai is saying that fighting at sea is the key to resolving the Guadalcanal campaign?"
Cai Yong nodded. "Guadalcanal is so small. The more Japanese troops there are, the greater their material consumption will be. The Japanese army will have to provide continuous supplies. The naval battle will determine the final outcome of the Guadalcanal Campaign."
Holcomb asked doubtfully, "You mean to say that the fighting on the island is suspended?"
Cai Yong said: "No, the battle plan must continue, and it must be more intense! We need to seize the island's airport as soon as possible to gain an advantage in manpower and firepower. We must also use the airports already built by the Japanese army to launch long-range bombing of New Guinea!"
Fletcher immediately understood Cai Yong's intention and stood up, saying, "We can force the Japanese to engage in decisive battles on the islands and at sea, thereby accelerating the resolution of the Guadalcanal campaign! General Cai, your idea is very feasible!"
Fletcher took a few steps and thought for a moment, "Guadalcanal was not only a battle, but also a testing ground for the Allies to practice island warfare."
Fletcher suddenly turned around and said to Cai, "I will contact General Nimitz immediately and transfer the reserve US 1st Division as soon as possible. General Cai, I entrust you with the trouble of temporarily taking over as the commander of the ground operations on Guadalcanal. Major General Holcomb and the US 2nd Division will be under your command for the time being!"
Cai Yong and Holcomb quickly arrived at the base of the US 2nd Division and immediately convened a meeting of officers at the regimental level and above. Cai Yong had already briefed and discussed with Holcomb on the way that the US 2nd Division should not lose its fighting spirit because of a single defeat, but should take immediate action and launch a full-scale attack.
This was exactly what Holcomb wanted, and the furious Holcomb needed a victory to vent his anger. Under the stern orders of his two superiors, the 2nd Division moved at high speed. Cai Yong's battle plan surprised the 2nd Division's units. Rather than halting the attack, Cai Yong ordered the 2nd Division to split into two groups. The 2nd Regiment would continue to advance along the path opened by the 3rd Regiment, but with a different approach, expanding in all directions rather than a single, open-line advance. The 9th Regiment would maneuver along the coastline, operating lightly. Cai Yong transferred the 113th Division's Special Operations Battalion to support the 9th Regiment's operations and, at the same time, allow the 9th Regiment to observe how the Chinese army conducted combat.
As for the US 3rd Regiment, Cai Yong obviously did not give up. He asked them to immediately organize a reinforced battalion to cooperate with the 2nd Regiment in combat. The landing base would be commanded by Deputy Division Commander Robert. At the same time, he would coordinate to continue to improve the defense and infrastructure and mobilize the logistics personnel for combat.