Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 663 The new air force of the Guangxi-Guangdong war zone reactivates the Guangzhou covert operations.
Fang Wen stood up and faced the group of local generals with composure.

He first looked at the podium: "Director Bai, I have something to say about the airplane."

"General Manager Fang, please come up here." Director Bai smiled and waved, even changing his form of address.

"No need, this is fine." Fang Wen raised his voice. "Gentlemen, I know you are anxious. The Japanese devils are about to launch another attack, but we don't have any tough weapons and can hardly deal with the Japanese tanks and planes. I, Fang Wen, also fought my way up from the Guangzhou battlefield, and I know this feeling better than anyone else."

These words were like a warm bath poured over everyone's hearts, and Brigade Commander Chen from western Guangdong sat back down in his chair with a relaxed expression.

Fang Wen continued, "But our Taishan Aircraft Manufacturing Plant is also really limited in production capacity. To tell you the truth, our Taishan Aircraft Manufacturing Plant was originally located in Yangon, and it only produced civilian passenger seaplanes. It wasn't until the Japanese attacked Beiping that we began to transform into producing military fighter jets. The transition from civilian to military was fraught with difficulties, and even after production started, our production capacity still couldn't compare with foreign military aircraft manufacturers. It's not that I'm unwilling to supply Taishan Aviation with gunboats, it's just that we really can't produce them in time. At most, we can produce 10 aircraft per month, all of which are based on a pre-arranged supply plan."

Whispers immediately broke out in the audience, and some people looked disappointed. Chief of Staff Zhang pressed on, "The plan that Regiment Commander Fang mentioned, is it referring to the troops involved in the air battle in southern Guangxi?"

Fang Wen shook his head, his gaze sweeping across the room: "It's for the brothers north of the Yellow River who are persisting in the war of resistance, and also for those in Chongqing; they need these planes just as much. But the South China defense line is equally vital, and I can't watch you all be trapped in this predicament. Therefore, I need to come up with a solution that satisfies both sides."

"What's the solution? General Manager Fang, please tell us quickly, don't keep us in suspense," Brigade Commander Chen said impatiently. The officer next to him quickly tugged at his collar to stop him from interrupting.

But at this moment, everyone wanted to know Fang Wen's win-win plan.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Fang Wendao said, "We not only lack airplanes now, but also pilots. A year ago, I met an American named Nader, who said that the Nationalist government wanted to establish an international air force to recruit foreign pilots and purchase fighter jets to strengthen the air force for the War of Resistance. I also had the same idea, so I also set up an anti-Japanese national salvation air force in the United States. Currently, a group of pilots have been recruited and are undergoing training in the United States. My idea is that this air force will serve as the air power of the Southwest Theater, used to fight against Japanese fighter jets and suppress Japanese ground troops at the same time."

Upon hearing this, the people attending the meeting began to discuss it amongst themselves.

Today, China's air force has been significantly weakened, with only a little over a hundred combat aircraft, distributed in the Northwest (strategic bases) (Lanzhou, Hanzhong), the Southwest (main bases) (Chongqing, Chengdu), and the Central and Southern regions (frontline bases) (Huaihua, Guilin, Liuzhou, Laohekou, Enshi).

The air force support for Guangxi and Guangdong mainly relies on the two military airfields in Guilin and Liuzhou.

Guilin served as a transit point for air transport of supplies, while Liuzhou was the only frontline support airport.

Only the three fighter planes of the 3rd Squadron were stationed there. In times of war, other Nationalist Air Force squadrons would fly from Guilin to Liuzhou to participate in the war.

Therefore, what Guangxi and Guangdong lack is a permanent air force that can support their offensive operations at any time.

Therefore, the generals on both sides were thinking of purchasing military aircraft from Fang Wen to build their own air force.

Fang Wen's suggestion was actually better than them establishing their own air force. After all, training a qualified military pilot is not easy, and it also requires mechanical maintenance and ground crew, which is quite complicated.

Director Bai stepped down from the stage and walked up to Fang Wen.

"General Manager Fang, what you said is feasible. I can apply to Chongqing to set up a new air force base at Guilin Airport to support the war effort in Guangxi and Guangdong. If it's approved by the higher-ups, you must keep your word and get us an air force that can go to the battlefield."

Fang Wen nodded, "I will never go back on my word."

"Alright, a gentleman's word is as good as his bond." Director Bai shook Fang Wen's hand: "Let's all applaud General Manager Fang and thank him for his contributions to the military and civilians of Guangxi and Guangdong."

Applause erupted as the officers present were delighted to have gained another air force unit.

After the applause subsided, Director Bai returned to the stage.

"Now let's talk about the joint war conference. After the Battle of Guinan, the Japanese army occupied the coastal area but did not attack Nanning again. They wanted to use this to completely blockade our sea transport. But the Japanese army will not stop there. According to the latest intelligence, the Japanese army is gathering troops in Guangzhou and preparing to launch a new offensive. At that time, western Guangdong, southern Guangdong and northern Guangdong will all become the targets of the Japanese army's attack."

As he spoke, two officers pushed over a wooden sign with a map attached.

Director Bai pointed to Guangzhou on the map: "The Japanese 21st Army has assembled two divisions, an armored regiment, and an air squadron in Guangzhou. According to intelligence from Chongqing, a major battle is imminent. Everyone, come up here and discuss how the Japanese will fight."

People in the audience stood up and went up to the stage to look at and discuss the map.

"If the two Japanese divisions were to be deployed in full force, none of our defensive zones could withstand them."

"Impossible. If the Japanese want to control Guangzhou, they won't send out their entire army. I think they will concentrate their attack on one place."

"Attacking northern Guangdong? It's all mountainous terrain, which is not conducive to the Japanese mechanized forces' offensive. Besides, there are large forces of our 12th Army Group in northern Guangdong, so they shouldn't be so reckless."

"I think the Japanese army will attack Zhaoqing. Zhaoqing is the core of western Guangdong, connecting northern and southern Guangdong, and it also has warships there. If they attack here, they can cut off the connection between northern and southern Guangdong, thus preparing for a divided attack later."

"It's also possible that they will attack southern Guangdong. After all, they have already captured Jiangmen. If they continue to advance, they can reach the coast of Yangjiang."

At this point in the discussion, everyone couldn't help but look at Fang Wen.

Fang Wen's Taishan Independent Regiment was stationed in Yangjiang and was the largest anti-Japanese force in Yangjiang.

Fang Wen also shared his opinion on this.

“I think there are several possibilities for the Japanese army’s offensive routes, and it may even be a three-pronged attack: one route is to send troops from Jiangmen to attack the three places of Kaiping, Pingtai, Enping and Yangjiang, so as to cut off the rear of western Guangdong and control the southern coastline; another route is to attack Zhaoqing to prevent northern and western Guangdong from supporting southern Guangdong; and the third route is to attack Qingyuan. In this way, the three sides cannot support each other, and we will be in greater danger.”

Director Bai nodded: "Indeed, without the enemy's movement, all our simulations are just theoretical. Whether they launch a heavy attack on one route or a three-pronged attack, we need a countermeasure. Let me state my position first: to resist the Japanese offensive, the Fifth Army of the Central Army and our Second Route Army of the Guangxi Army have jointly dispatched 2 troops, which have already departed from Nanning, passed through Binyang, Guigang, and Yulin, and are now assembling in Luoding. Luoding can simultaneously support Zhaoqing and Yangjiang, and can promptly deploy troops once the true movements of the Japanese are discovered. However, the Japanese are cunning and may use changes in their marching to deceive our army. Therefore, I would like to ask Mr. Fang to conduct wartime reconnaissance."

After saying that, he looked at Fang Wen with a sincere expression. "Although this is a bit of a waste of talent, Commander Fang's flying skills are unmatched. Guinan is able to keep track of the Japanese army's movements thanks to Commander Fang's aerial reconnaissance. This time, we hope that Commander Fang can also contribute to the war effort once again."

So that's how it is. The reason we invited Fang Wen here this time wasn't just about the plane, but also for this reason.

The Independent Regiment was stationed in Yangjiang, and Fang Wen certainly wouldn't ignore it.

He replied seriously, "Okay, Mr. Fang is willing to cooperate."

The joint war conference lasted only one day, and the Guangxi Army's gunboats and aircraft escorted the Guangdong Army generals back.

Fang Wen also piloted the plane towards Yangjiang.

During the flight, Fang Wen made a point of observing the terrain along the way.

The entire Guangdong region, except for the Pearl River Delta plain around Guangzhou, is mountainous.

The only difference is the number of mountains.

Therefore, the Japanese army stopped after capturing Jiangmen, because if they continued fighting, it would be difficult for their mechanized units to deploy.

But now, why is the Japanese army launching an offensive?

Fang Wen couldn't help but frown.

With this in mind, he landed at the Yangjiang base's water airport.

The plane landed, and Gong Xiuneng got off to secure the cables. Fang Wen followed him off.

Wu Yingzong, the deputy commander of the Independent Regiment, came to greet them with officers from the regiment.

The group returned to the regimental headquarters conference room.

Fang Wen presided over the meeting and said, "During this joint war meeting in Guilin, we obtained a major piece of information: the Japanese army is very likely to launch an attack soon, and Yangjiang, where we are stationed, will be a major target of the Japanese attack." Upon hearing that a major battle was about to take place, the officers of the Independent Regiment were not panicked at all, but rather somewhat excited.

Even the usually composed Wu Yingzong couldn't help but say, "Commander, we've trained for this for a long time, and we've finally waited for this day."

Fang Wen could understand his behavior.

The Independent Regiment is very different now than it was last year.

The newly established 4th Ground Mechanized Battalion has 10 Taishan Pine medium tanks and 3 rocket launcher vehicles.

The 2nd Air Battalion also had 15 gunboats.

They also have anti-aircraft weapons and man-portable anti-tank weapons.

This configuration could be used against any mechanized unit of the Japanese army.

Fang Wen smiled and said, "I will definitely give you the opportunity to fight with all your might. But now, we must have a better understanding of the Japanese army so that we can perform better in the upcoming battles. Alright, everyone except Wu Yingzong, you may leave."

The officers of the Independent Regiment got up and left.

Gong Xiuneng stood outside the door; only Fang Wen and Wu Yingzong were in the meeting room.

Fang Wen then asked, "Do you keep in touch with Tang Yuandong?"

Tang Yuandong was the leader of the Guangzhou Maintenance Association's self-defense team. He was Fang Wen's mole in Guangzhou. Tang Yuandong had greatly helped Fang Wen in his air raids on the Japanese Guangzhou Command. Later, Fang Wen entrusted Wu Yingzong with the task of contacting Tang Yuandong.

In response, Wu Yingzong said, "We make contact twice a month. For this purpose, I sent two people to infiltrate Guangzhou to act as his single-line liaisons. But to avoid exposing our identities, I did not give them any tasks."

Fang Wen nodded: "Now we can activate it. Have our people notify him to find out the Japanese military operations as soon as possible."

"Yes." Wu Yingzong accepted the order and went out to make arrangements.

The radio waves were sent from the Yangjiang Independent Regiment's base and traveled to Guangzhou, 190 kilometers away.

Guangzhou today has long lost its former vibrant commercial atmosphere.

Approximately 2.5 Japanese troops were stationed throughout the region, turning the entire city into a military camp.

The core area included the military headquarters, military police and Shahe military supply depot along Huiai Road (now Zhongshan Road), which was guarded by the regiment directly under the 104th Infantry Division. There were sentries every three steps and every five steps, and armored vehicles patrolled the streets every day.
Armored squadrons and anti-aircraft machine gun positions were deployed around the Pearl River Wharf, Guangzhou Station of the Guangsan Railway, and Baiyun Airport to guard against air attacks and underground armed sabotage.

Forward outposts were established in Panyu, Conghua, and Zengcheng, forming a coordinated force with the Japanese troops in Foshan and Jiangmen.

In this city, there was also a security maintenance committee composed of surrendered puppet troops and traitors, which was responsible for managing the city for the Japanese.

Tang Yuandong, the leader of the self-defense team of the maintenance committee, was patrolling the streets with his team as usual today.

After completing one patrol, the officers stopped a pedestrian.

"Show me your certificate of good conduct."

The pedestrian pulled out his ID: "Sir, I am a law-abiding citizen. The Japanese officer often eats at my shop."

The officer quickly reported to Tang Yuandong: "Captain, I've seen this man before. He's the second manager of the restaurant up ahead, and he has a good relationship with Captain Ono."

Tang Yuandong took the certificate of good citizenship, glanced at it, and said coldly, "The photo doesn't look like him. Take him back and we'll find out more details."

This meant there was money to be made, and his officers smiled as they tied up the second-in-command and took him away.

Tang Yuandong did not go back, but instead instructed, "You guys handle it. If his family doesn't come to pick him up, don't release him. I'm going to have some tea."

"Don't worry, Captain." The officer dragged the second-in-command away.

After everyone had left, Tang Yuandong headed towards the restaurant where he often came to have morning tea.

People in the restaurant treated him with utmost respect when they saw him, but behind his back they pointed and whispered about him.

Tang Yuandong didn't mind, ordered his usual tea snacks, and sat down.

After a while, a waiter brought over tea and snacks.

He put down his tea and snacks and said in a low voice, "The regiment has given you orders to investigate the current movements of the Japanese army. It would be even better if you could find out their military action plans."

"Okay." Tang Yuandong said in a low voice, handed the note in his hand to the waiter, and leisurely enjoyed the tea and snacks by himself.

The Yangjiang Independent Regiment's garrison.

Fang Wen is inspecting the situation of various units of the Independent Regiment.

What he saw and heard were consistent: the Independent Regiment was indeed in a very good state of combat readiness.

"Commander, we've received a coded telegram from Guangzhou." Wu Yingzong came over with a telegram.

"You got a reply?" Fang Wen asked in surprise as he took the telegram.

The above was a translated telegram, but it wasn't about the military intelligence he wanted; instead, it was Tang Yuandong's report on the situation of the puppet regime.

The current puppet regime is under the management of the Japanese military intelligence department and has established three methods to control the residents in the city.

First, there was the "Good Citizen Certificate System," which required citizens aged 12 and above to carry a Good Citizen Certificate with their photo on it at all times. Japanese guard posts and self-defense groups would conduct random checks at any time, and those without certificates would be treated as "rebels."
The second system was "collective responsibility". Ten households formed a "jia" and ten "jia" formed a "bao". The bao chief was required to report the situation in his jurisdiction to the Japanese army every day. If one household "colluded with the enemy", the entire bao would be held accountable.

Thirdly, there was "material control." Grain, cloth, steel, and other supplies were classified as "military supplies" and monopolized by the Japanese army's "South China Materials Development Company." People had to obtain ration certificates to purchase them, and those who violated the rules were punished for "aiding the enemy."

At the end of the secret telegram, there is also Tang Yuandong's description of the implementation of these measures.

Every day, dozens of transport ships from the Pearl River wharf carried looted strategic materials such as sugarcane, tungsten ore, and silk to the Japanese mainland, while the people suffered from an extreme shortage of daily necessities.

The price of rice in Guangzhou had increased 20 times compared to before the fall of the country. Each person could only exchange half a catty of brown rice per day with their ration coupons, and much of it was mixed with sand and gravel. Cloth was subject to "rationed supply," and ordinary citizens could only receive one zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) of coarse linen per year. Refugees wearing patched clothes or even burlap sacks could be seen everywhere on the streets.

To survive, black markets emerged. In the arcades of Shangxiajiu Road, vendors secretly sold smuggled Nanyang rice and Cantonese cured meat. If caught by the military police, the goods would be confiscated and the vendors would be severely beaten.

Upon seeing this, Fang Wen's face turned cold; even though he had seen so much, he still felt angry.

This anger can only be repaid through war.

He got up and went to the telegraph room. Before Tang Yuandong could provide any intelligence, he also wanted to contact Yoshida, a key figure in Tokyo, in order to learn more about the movements of the Japanese high command in the rear.

(End of this chapter)