CHINESE ARMY INDIA-BURMA CAMPAIGN V

Chinese Army in India-Burma Campaign – China-Burma-India Theater of World War II

http://cbi-theater-1.home.comcast.net/~cbi-theater-1/cai/cai.html

After the victorious conclusion of the Burma campaign, the New First Army was assembled at Myitkyina to await orders for its triumphant return.

Towards the end of June, 1945, our Allied Air Force placed more than 30 air transports of the C-46 and C-47 models for the transportation of the New First Army back to China. The general counter-offensive in the China Theatre was to be launched, and the New First Army was to take up the task of the offensive against the enemy on the Liuchow Peninsula, to coordinate with the operations of our Allies in the Pacific.

While the New First Army was marching towards its new destination from Nanning in August, 1945, the Japanese announced their unconditional surrender. The Army was then commissioned with the new task of accepting the enemy’s surrender in the Canton area.

THE CAUSES OF VICTORY

The brilliant victories scored in Burma by the Chinese Army in India were neither accidental nor sheer luck. The general conception that the success was chiefly due to the EFFORTS OF OUR ALLIES was also EXAGGERATED.

Of course, air support, efficient supply lines, and excellent first aid service by our Allies contributed much to the outcome, but the MAIN SOURCE OF SUCCESS LAY IN THE HARDY FIGHT PUT UP BY OUR OWN MEN.

High morale and capacity for endurance marked the principal characteristics of the C.A.I. The operations carried out over difficult terrain in northern Burma were further complicated by the roundabout movements which were employed on more than one occasion to surprise the enemy.

The stamina and ability for physical endurance displayed by the Chinese troops made a GREAT IMPRESSION on the UNITED STATES MEDICAL CORPS, and EVEN ON THE ENEMY who prided his bushido.

Superior strategy and efficient command also marked the Burma campaign where the Chinese Army usually took the initiative in the engagements.

The INTENSIVE TRAINING received by the C.A.I., which was continued even during the campaign when no actual fighting took place, was ANOTHER FACTOR which ensured victory.

***WE SALUTE ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR GREAT COURAGE AND SACRIFICES IN DRIVING OUT THE BARBARIC AND INHUMAN JAPANESE MILITARISTS. FIGHTING TOUGHER BATTLES IN DIFFICULT MOUNTAIN TERRAIN AND IN THICK JUNGLES INFESTED WITH MALARIA, YOU MADE IT MUCH EASIER FOR THOSE OTHERS ADVANCING ON THE PLAINS.***