As the "three-week decisive battle" envisioned by army top brass extended into months, the Japanese troops taking part in the "Battle of Imphal" soon realized they were in trouble. Disease and starvation set in when supplies and reinforcements failed to arrive. When the retreat order was given in July 1944, the real suffering still lay ahead. Completely cut off from provisions, survivors trudged through the wettest area on earth. 60% of the 30,000 who perished died after the operation was called off.