Republic of China: Ace Pilot

"Boom—Boom—Boom!"

The continuous explosions were deafening, and flames instantly engulfed the No. 2 bombing site in the southern part of the port area.

Two Type 88 75mm anti-aircraft guns and five Type 98 20mm anti-aircraft machine guns were deployed here. After the bombs landed and exploded, the shock wave directly overturned the gun positions. The gunners had no time to dodge and were engulfed by the sea of ​​fire. Broken gun barrels and twisted gun carriages flew out and scattered all over the ground.

Immediately afterwards, bombing also occurred at bombing points 3 in the north and 1 in the west of the port area. The remaining 1 Type 88 75mm anti-aircraft gun and 7 Type 98 20mm anti-aircraft machine guns were destroyed one by one in the intense bombing. The anti-aircraft firepower that was originally firing wildly at the air became sparse in an instant.

"Most of the anti-aircraft gun positions have been destroyed!" the bombing squadron leader reported over the radio, his voice brimming with barely concealed excitement.

"Very good!" Fang Wen's tone was calm, and he immediately adjusted the orders. "All bombing squadrons switch targets. Bombing squadrons 2 and 3 will focus on bombing points 3 and 2 in the west of the port area. Bombing squadron 1's target is bombing point 1 in the east. Zhou Hengli, lead your squadron to keep watch in the airspace and prevent Japanese warplanes from returning to support you!"

The targets in this order were still referred to using air raid terminology: West 3 bombing point was a tank assembly area, West 2 bombing point was an ammunition depot, and East 1 bombing point was a ship berth in the dock area.

"Received!" Zhou Hengli responded immediately, leading 10 P-40 fighters from the Taishan Salvation Air Force to climb to a height of 4000 meters above Haiphong Port, keeping a close watch on any activity in the Beibu Gulf and guarding against a surprise attack by Japanese Zero fighters returning to base.

After the order was given, the air strike group immediately adjusted its formation and launched an all-round bombing.

Thirty P-40 fighter planes split into three groups and swooped down toward different targets. The aerial bombs landed with precision, and each explosion was accompanied by screams of pain from the Japanese soldiers and the destruction of their equipment.

In the direction of the dock, eight transport ships were neatly moored on the shore, with a large amount of unloaded materials and equipment piled on their decks.

The P-40 bombers of the 1st bombing squadron swooped down and bombed the deck of the transport ship. The ammunition and fuel in the hold were detonated. The huge explosion shattered the ship's facilities, sending debris flying and turning the seawater black. The transport ship, damaged and flooded, slowly sank into the sea.

The fuel drums piled up at the dock were affected by the bombing, causing fuel to leak and ignite instantly. The fire spread rapidly along the dock, turning the entire dock into a sea of ​​fire, with thick smoke billowing into the sky, clearly visible from dozens of kilometers away.

The tank assembly area was a scene of utter devastation.

More than a dozen Type 95 light tanks had just arrived at the assembly point and had not yet been deployed when they were attacked by bombs.

A tank was blown open, its ammunition compartment was detonated, and the violent explosion blew the tank turret off its surface.

Flames and black smoke mingled together as tanks, which had been neatly arranged, fled the bombing zone in panic.

Their movement became their fatal consequence, as they were struck by aerial bombs that should not have hit them.

The five tanks were reduced to piles of burning wreckage.

Meanwhile, in the West 1st District, the Type 97 medium tank being hoisted was destroyed by a bomb along with the crane. The crane collapsed, crushing the Japanese soldiers below into a bloody pulp. The unassembled tank parts were scattered all over the ground, rendering it unusable in battle.

The ammunition depot was located in a grove of trees on the west side of the port area. The warehouse was piled high with ammunition boxes and was an important storage place for Japanese troops during this landing.

The bombers of the 3rd Bombardment Squadron also targeted this area, with bombs whistling down one after another.

The ammunition depot was detonated by a series of explosions, and towering flames and explosions resounded throughout the Haiphong harbor. The shockwave snapped the surrounding trees in half, and fragments of ammunition boxes flew out, creating a deadly kill zone.

The originally concealed ammunition depot was exposed by the fire, with flames soaring into the sky and thick smoke billowing out. The ammunition inside continued to explode, completely destroying the Japanese army's supply depot.

The Japanese troops on the ground were already in complete chaos.

The soldiers, who were busy unloading supplies, were terrified the moment the air raid came. They dropped their tools and fled in all directions. Some hid in bunkers, some jumped into the sea, and some were hit by bombs and bullets, falling into pools of blood and screaming in agony.

Motorized vehicles were hit by artillery shells, fuel leaked, and caught fire. The drivers tried desperately to escape, but most of them were engulfed by the flames.
Marines and bicycle-mobile battalion soldiers, having lost command, ran around in disarray amidst the explosions.

Fang Wen piloted the Taishan first-generation aircraft, overlooking everything from high above. His mechanical perception ability clearly captured every detail of the battlefield, constantly adjusting the bombing orders to ensure that the bombing operation was completed faster and better.

At the same time, he had to focus on three things at once: the Beibu Gulf and the French offensive west of Haiphong.

Five aircraft can be seen flying towards this area in the Beibu Gulf.

Clearly, they were a Japanese warplane formation that had taken off on patrol as planned, unaware of the scale of the air raid. Sending five warplanes over would be suicide missions, so Fang Wen decided to leave them for the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Air Force to practice on.

As for the Japanese warplanes that took off to rescue Haiphong after receiving the distress telegram, they had not yet entered Fang Wen's radar observation range at this time.

West of Haiphong, French ground forces launched an attack according to plan immediately after the air raid on the port area.

Six lightly armed mobile infantry regiments and one armored assault battalion advanced rapidly along the roads and mountains toward the coastal port, launching a fierce attack on the Japanese outer defensive positions.

At this moment, the 10 gunboats that Fang Wen had arranged arrived and, together with the French troops, launched an air strike on the Japanese defensive positions west of Haiphong harbor.

They launched a two-pronged attack from both the air and the ground, striking the Japanese troops defending the front lines.

The trenches dug by the Japanese army could only defend against frontal attacks by ground troops, but could not defend against aerial fire, especially sustained air attacks from gunships and aircraft.

On the position, apart from the bunkers and shelters, the Japanese troops all huddled together, unable to organize effective fire defense.

However, the French attack was not fierce.

Since it was mainly composed of new troops, Lieutenant Colonel Le Maire did not want to reveal his strength too early and therefore did not send the strongest French troops to fight.

This resulted in a force twice the size of the Japanese army failing to immediately capture the outer positions despite air fire suppression.

Fang Wen looked unwell; this was the last thing he wanted to see.

The original plan was for ground troops to rely on their superior equipment and numbers to break through the Japanese outer defenses with the support of air raids, strike as many Japanese forces as possible in Haiphong Port, lay the foundation for future operations, and also use this opportunity to conduct actual combat training and improve troop morale.

But clearly, Fang Wen's idea was too idealistic.

These are not Chinese soldiers; the French recruit them. They may be very brave and fierce, but they are not very motivated to fight for the French.

That's why, even with American equipment, they fought only moderately.

Fang Wen picked up the microphone and called the French front-line commander.

"Airborne call to the ground, this is Fang Wen."

A voice came through the radio: "This is Lieutenant Colonel Sullivan, the frontline commander."

"Sullivan, you must organize your forces and take over the outer positions as soon as possible. If you can't even do this, how will you fight the Japanese in the future?!"

Fang Wen's cold words stung the French officer.

The young and strong French officers who had joined Free France and fought on still had their own pride and did not want to be looked down upon by Fang Wen.

Subsequently, French officers led their soldiers in an attack.

This attack was much fiercer, and the Japanese outer positions were finally captured.

Without their outer positions, the Japanese troops retreated to the edge of the coastal city and continued to resist using the second layer of defense.

Emboldened by their victory, the French launched an even more intense offensive, forcing the Japanese to fight on desperately.

Time passed slowly, and the air raid had been going on forty minutes.

Haiphong Harbor was completely engulfed in flames. The docks, tank assembly areas, ammunition depots, and Japanese camps were all bombed. Four transport ships were hit, two sank, and more than a dozen tanks were reduced to burning wreckage. Mountains of ammunition and fuel were completely detonated. Japanese soldiers suffered heavy casualties, and the remaining troops fled in all directions, no longer able to organize effective resistance.

The Japanese army's second line of defense in Haiphong had been captured by the French, and they retreated into the city and the port area to continue their defense.

By doing so, the effects of this airstrike and ground offensive have been achieved.

If the fighting continues, the French army will likely suffer significant losses.

Even though they suffered losses and captured Haiphong city, they couldn't take Haiphong port.

After all, there were still thousands of Japanese troops there.

Moreover, the Japanese fleet in the Gulf of Tonkin is about to arrive at Haiphong port. When it arrives, the French army will have no chance of taking down this tough nut to crack, in conjunction with the Japanese forces in the port area.

Fang Wen picked up the microphone: "Airborne call to ground, Sullivan, please respond if you hear me."

A voice came through the radio: "This is Sullivan."

"Ground troops can withdraw."

"Retreat now? Our troops are about to retake Haiphong City."

“Recapturing Haiphong is not part of our plan. The Japanese fleet is about to arrive. If we cannot eliminate the thousands of Japanese troops in the port area, the loss or gain of Haiphong will be meaningless.”

"Okay, I understand what you mean. Now let the troops retreat."

After the call ended, the ground troops fighting on the front lines received the order to retreat via walkie-talkie, and all soldiers withdrew in an orderly manner.

The Japanese troops inside the city were unaware of what had happened, and were relieved that their attack had finally come to a halt, so they did not leave the city to investigate.

In the air, Fang Wen continued to issue orders.

"Attention all squadrons! The air raid mission is complete. Cease bombing immediately and return to base along the designated route. Do not stop! Fourth squadron, follow me to cover the rear and ensure the safe withdrawal of the bombing squadron!"

"Roger!" all the pilots responded in unison, pulling up their fighter jets, adjusting their course, and heading back towards the Hanoi military airport.

Ten gunboats and aircraft also changed course and returned to Hanoi.

Over Haiphong Harbor, only 10 P-40 fighter planes of the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Air Force led by Fang Wen and Zhou Hengli remained.

Fang Wen piloted the Taishan first-generation aircraft as the lead aircraft in the formation. With his mechanical perception superpower fully activated, he used the integrated radar to clearly capture the flight paths of the five Japanese warplanes flying from the direction of the Beibu Gulf.

"Attention all crews, five Japanese warplanes have appeared in the Beibu Gulf." Fang Wen's voice came steadily through the radio to the cockpit of each P-40 fighter. "This operation is a real combat training exercise to familiarize you with the rhythm of air combat. Use the tactics I have taught you before, take advantage of the firepower of the P-40, fight with more men than women, and try to take down all the opponents."

Zhou Hengli took the lead in responding: "Yes, General Manager, please give the order."

Fang Wen instructed, "We will divide into two formations. Zhou Hengli, you will be in charge of the frontal containment of the first formation, which consists of fighters numbered 1-6. I will lead the second formation, which consists of fighters numbered 7-10, to outflank the enemy from the left flank and form a pincer attack."

Under his orders, the aircraft group split into two parts. Zhou Hengli led six P-40 fighters to remain in place, while Fang Wen led another four P-40s to climb and hide.

Ten minutes later, five Japanese Type 96 fighter planes approached the airspace above Haiphong Harbor. The Japanese pilots had obviously just discovered the battlefield after the air raid, looking down at the sea of ​​fire and then seeing six fighter planes coming towards them.

Faced with roughly the same number of fighter planes, the Japanese pilots chose to engage in direct combat.

Zhou Hengli also led 5 fighter jets to meet the challenge head-on.

As the two sides clashed, Fang Wen led the second formation to begin a high-altitude flanking maneuver.

At this moment, the confrontation in the airspace below has already begun.

Zhou Hengli led six P-40 fighters, strictly following the tactics previously taught by Fang Wen. Instead of rashly engaging in close-range dogfights, they maintained a certain distance and took advantage of the P-40's firepower to launch the first attack.

The fighter's six 12.7mm machine guns opened fire simultaneously, creating a dense barrage of bullets that sprayed towards the Japanese Type 6 fighter group.

The experienced Japanese Type 96 fighter pilots immediately swerved to avoid the attack, splitting into two groups: one group of three fighters engaged the enemy head-on, while the other group of two fighters attempted to flank Zhou Hengli's formation and launch a surprise attack.

The Type 96 carrier-based fighters they were flying, though not as agile as the Zero, were better than the P-40. Equipped with two 20mm cannons and two 7.7mm machine guns, their firepower was not to be underestimated. Oncoming shells exploded into black smoke clouds around Zhou Hengli's formation, and bullets grazed the wings of the fighters, making a piercing whistling sound.

"First formation, take note! Two Japanese warplanes on the left are attempting to flank us. Immediately adjust your course, two at a time, and cross-strait to contain them. Do not give them a chance to launch a surprise attack!"

Zhou Hengli calmly gave the order to maneuver his P-40 fighter jet to roll and evade, while simultaneously pressing the firing button.

A bullet hit the wing of a Type 96 fighter plane charging head-on, piercing a large hole in the wing. The enemy plane tilted slightly but was still able to continue its attack.

However, Zhou Hengli's wingman kept a close eye on this opponent.

Inside the wingman's cockpit, the young pilot, Lin Yinzong, gripped the control stick tightly, his palms sweating profusely.

This was his first time participating in actual combat, and the Japanese warplanes and intense artillery fire that had just come towards him made his heart pound wildly.

Now, his eyes were only on the enemy plane. With the nose of the plane aligned, he pressed the firing button without hesitation. A dense barrage of bullets shot out, forming multiple arcs. Two of them hit the enemy plane's fuselage. Watching the Japanese warplane emit black smoke, Lin Rui felt a surge of fighting spirit, and the tension instantly dissipated.

Meanwhile, Fang Wen's second squadron successfully bypassed the Japanese army's rear.

Since it was a training exercise, Fang Wen's main role was to command and he did not intend to launch an attack.

He picked up the microphone and ordered four P-40 fighters to tail him from behind.

The fighter jets sprinted out, locked onto two Japanese fighter planes, and unleashed a barrage of bullets.

One of them was hit and crashed into the sea, billowing black smoke.

In that brief encounter, the Japanese lost two aircraft, and the remaining three were scattered.

The Japanese pilots panicked and sent out retreat signals, trying to escape the area.

How is that possible?

Under Fang Wen's guidance and orders, the other three were also shot down in succession.

The entire air battle lasted only twelve minutes.

Fang Wen issued an order via radio: "Attention all aircraft, all Japanese warplanes have been shot down. Check the condition of your own aircraft and, after confirming that there are no abnormalities, follow me back to base along the predetermined route!"

"Roger!" all the pilots responded in unison, their voices filled with the joy and confidence of victory.

They reported the status of their aircraft one by one. Of all the aircraft, only one had minor damage and there were no casualties.

Immediately, the two temporary formations merged, and ten P-40 fighter jets lined up neatly behind the first-generation Tai Shan aircraft, forming a flight formation and speeding towards the Hanoi military airfield. (End of Chapter)