Cap Mandrake -> Double Rations! Huzzah! (11/9/2007 5:55:08 PM)
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Attacking the retreating Jap forces leaving the Myitkyina perimeter seems to make military sense. The rearguard is revealed to be 18th Division, which must have suffered in its retreat from Yenen well over a month earlier. Camping out in the Burmese jungle for weeks cannot have been very salubrious either. The real question is what to attack with? Only an Indian brigade and the 14th Chindit are recently arrived at Myitkyina, but they are fatigued from the long foot journey from Ledo. Perhaps some of the Colonial troops can participate? ***********His Majesty's 5th Royal Malaria Hospital, Myitkyina, Burma , October 6, 1942******** L. Gen Alexander, Burma Corps, Commanding: <the General is not privately not pleased with what he sees as he enters 3rd ward. To his left a bed rattles on the wood floor from a patient with rigors. He stands upon an upturned bedpan and begins his plea> Men, we have an historic opportunity to give the Japs a bloody great black eye! The enemy is retreating toward Mandalay with his tail between his legs. Now is the time to hit him! His Majesty needs every able-bodied man to pitch in and drive the littel yellow bastards back to the sea. There will be double rations of quinine for everyone! Who's in this with us? Pvt. #1: <a wan figure with a sheen on his forehead streps forward> I am sir! L. Gen Alexander, Burma Corps, Commanding: Splendid! Pvt. #2: Me too sir. L. Gen Alexander, Burma Corps, Commanding: There's a fine lad. Anyone else? <a total of 6 vounteer> Sargeant, get these men some proper, laundered uniforms. <he turns to leave, but after 5 or 6 steps, he hears a commotion. The first soldier has tottered over in his weakened state and three others have tripped over the obstacle. Quietly, he says> Oh Dear God.
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