Chinese Expeditionary Force, Myanmar's Desolate Will

Author: Sun Kegang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: "When we fought alongside the 38th Division, we feared nothing." (Quote from an ordinary American soldier in Myanmar) In 1942, the Japanese army broke through Xing and Ma, swept across the Southeast Asian Peninsula, advanced into Myanmar, and declared they would meet the Nazi army of Hitler in the Middle East, turning the World Anti-Fascist War situation into a critical one. In response to the needs of the war, the Chinese Expeditionary Force swore an oath to enter Myanmar in April of that year, achieved the first major victory at Rangun, severely damaging the enemy; then rushed to the jungles to support the Allied forces in Myanmar, helping them retreat to India. During their stay in India, the Expeditionary Force was reorganized into the Chinese Expeditionary Force in India, training hard and preparing for battle. By winter of 1943, they launched a counterattack into Myanmar, starting the second Myanmar campaign. In the desolate wilderness of the dense jungles, the Chinese soldiers, with a shared sense of hatred for the enemy and a loyal spirit to their country, used their wisdom and courage to overcome countless difficulties, capturing city after city, winning battle after battle. They fought in over 700 battles, killing over 100,000 Japanese soldiers, and by 1945, they had (opened the China-India Highway) and returned home in triumph, creating a glorious record in the history of the Chinese army's battles against Japan. The author, Sun Kegang, is the nephew of General Sun Liren and followed the army throughout the campaign, describing the real battle scenes he witnessed in detail. The book focuses on the combat journey of the main force of the 38th Division under the command of General Sun Liren, the thrilling battles against the Japanese, the perilous obstacles in the mountains and forests, as well as the local customs, history, and the bond between the expatriates and the local people in India and Myanmar. Reading it, the scenes come alive before your eyes.