Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1939, The Seven Inches Are Taken by the Hand

Chapter 1939, The Weak Point is Taken
"coming!"

"coming!"

The first to enter was a French-made 155mm howitzer.

Since it's a fierce battle, large-caliber artillery is definitely needed. It will be useful for both assaults and carpet bombing.

With enough shells, 155mm howitzers could make countless Japanese soldiers willingly and consciously return to their hometowns to see the cherry blossoms.

Since it's a heavy artillery piece, it naturally needs to be towed by a truck.

We also need trucks to help transport artillery shells and such.

Therefore, each army was initially equipped with twelve 155mm howitzers, which is equivalent to one heavy artillery regiment.

As an auxiliary to the heavy artillery regiment, each corps was also equipped with 150 trucks.

However, the supply point is not in Huoshan, but in Tongcheng.

There is Xizi Lake near Tongcheng, which makes it convenient for the system to be replenished by water.

In addition, for air defense purposes, each army must be equipped with more than one hundred 20mm Solothurn machine guns.

This versatile unit can defend against air attacks and breach enemy lines. The more the merrier.

The Japanese had an airfield in Anqing, where they stockpiled a large number of aircraft. Once the battle began, Japanese warplanes would be deployed.

Changsha Airport is about 500 kilometers away from Anqing Airport. Relying solely on fighter jets from there to provide reinforcements is unrealistic. Too much trouble will only make things worse.

Therefore, it is necessary to be prepared to launch an attack on Anqing without air cover.

However, before the battle begins, it is still necessary to destroy as much of the Anqing Airport's combat capabilities as possible, thereby weakening the Japanese air force.

Activate the 5C communication center. First, connect to Changsha Airport. Contact Min Gang.

"Commissioner!"

Min Gang's tone was clearly agitated.

Finally, Zhang Yong called back. He had finally made his move.

The current battle situation is chaotic. Panic has spread to Changsha. Many people have begun to quietly evacuate the city.

Japanese fighter planes also appeared intermittently over Changsha. Brief exchanges of fire occurred between the two sides, but neither suffered losses.

"Deploy all bombers immediately."

"Yes."

"Order the fighter jets to stand by."

"Yes."

Zhang Yong didn't stand on ceremony.

Give orders directly.

First, a bomber squadron was dispatched to bomb Anqing Airport.

Bombing during the day.

Although it was a bit risky, it had to be done.

The Japanese will definitely scramble fighter jets to intercept. Then, a fighter formation will provide escort.

The BA-65 fighter jet, in terms of overall performance, was certainly no match for the Japanese Zero fighter. However, it could be lured away.

then……

Then, a formation of bombers from Luoyang made its appearance.

SB-2 bombers taking off from Luoyang will launch a devastating attack on Anqing Airport in an attempt to expand their gains.

Meanwhile, Japanese fighter planes from Hankou Airport would also join the fray.

What will the final outcome be? It's unclear.

No one can predict it.

Then the I-16 fighter jets taking off from Luoyang Airport will also join the battle...

The main theme is chaos.

Having a God's-eye view allows one to see every detail.

But the Japanese invaders didn't. Certain mistakes were bound to occur.

This is my opportunity.

"Commander-in-Chief Xia, you are in charge of the eastern route, attacking towards Tongcheng."

"Commander-in-Chief Li, you are in charge of the western route, attacking towards Qianshan."

"No need to wait. Launch the attack immediately."

"They will meet up on the outskirts of Anqing."

After arranging the Nationalist Air Force's actions, Zhang Yong ordered his troops to launch an attack.

He doesn't actually need to be deeply involved in ground offensives. But he needs to personally coordinate and command air battles.

"quick!"

Changsha Airport is bustling with activity.

All the bombers began to line up for takeoff. They were all fully fueled and loaded with bombs.

Previously, some fighter jets had been deployed to cover the Nationalist army's operations, but these efforts had little practical effect.

The main reason is that without Zhang Yong's guidance, it is difficult to find a target.

All the bombers lined up in the air and then, following Zhang Yong's instructions, headed towards Anqing.

Thanks to Zhang Yong's guidance, all the crew members were in high spirits and full of energy.

They all understood perfectly well that the Commissioner's guidance was like having the strongest talisman, a guarantee of victory.

"quick!"

Subsequently, Luoyang Airport was also bustling with activity.

Two squadrons of SB2 bombers also took off quickly, heading towards Anqing.

After the bombers took off, two formations of I-16 fighter jets lined up on the runway, awaiting orders to take off.

The movement at Luoyang Airport quickly became known to the entire Nationalist Air Force.

"Our savior has finally returned."

Commander-in-Chief of the Nationalist Air Force, Zhou Zhirou, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He longed for Zhang Yong's return, but dared not show it.

It was truly an agonizing ordeal.

Now, Zhang Yong has finally appeared.

He also ordered fighter jets from Changsha Airport and Luoyang Airport to engage in combat.

Although the specific target of the attack is unknown, Zhang Yong's appearance is a good thing.

"Sir, should we report to the entourage?"

"The Attendants' Office already knew."

"That……"

"No need to report. We know nothing."

"Yes."

The subordinates were very puzzled.

Why pretend you know nothing?

Isn't the arrival of the Commissioner a good thing?
Is there anyone who is unhappy that the Commissioner led us to victory?
Do we only feel happy when we lose a battle?

what the hell!

He was full of resentment, but he couldn't bring himself to express it.

I'm finding this corrupt and pathetic government increasingly disgusting. Perhaps we should just overthrow it...

"Suddenly..."

On the ground, Zhang Yong drove his three-wheeled motorcycle towards Tongcheng.

Tongcheng was the first target the Nationalist army needed to capture. It wasn't particularly difficult.

The key is still air combat.

At 4 p.m., the B-10 bomber formation arrived over Anqing.

Following Zhang Yong's instructions, they began dropping bombs.

"Rumble..."

One after another, napalm bombs fell heavily.

The ground burst into bursts of light.

"idiot!"

"Enemy attack!"

The Japanese invaders, taken aback, immediately launched a counterattack.

A large amount of anti-aircraft artillery fire was directed at the air. But it quickly ceased.

However, Japanese fighter planes began to take off. Continuing to fire would result in friendly fire.

"Unit 5, descend!"

"Altitude 1800 meters! Heading 220!"

Zhang Yong immediately seized the opportunity and ordered the follow-up bombers to enter low-altitude flight.

Japanese Zero fighters took off. But it wasn't a big problem. The two sides weren't on the same flight path.

Japanese fighter planes needed time to turn. Although they were very agile.

"Crack!"

More bombs fell.

More flames erupted from the ground.

"idiot!"

Enraged, the Japanese Zero fighter planes turned and began their hunt.

The Japanese pilots were very confident. They thought that dealing with bombers with fighter planes would be an easy task.

However, it soon realized something was wrong.

Suddenly, bullets came from behind. The fuselage was hit immediately.

"idiot……"

"what happened?"

The Japanese pilots desperately looked back.

I noticed an enemy aircraft behind me. The model seemed to be a BA-65?

He instantly understood. He had been ambushed.

The Nationalist bombers were escorted by fighter jets.

Moreover, the two sides connected seamlessly, appearing at just the right time.

Just after the Japanese Zero fighters took off, they were immediately surrounded and hunted by BA-65 fighters.

The other side didn't have one or two planes, but three.

Three BA-65s simultaneously hunted down a Zero fighter. They outnumbered the enemy.

"idiot……"

The Japanese Zero fighter plane, hit by the bullet, crashed in frustration.

Its performance is indeed outstanding. Its maneuverability and range are unmatched. However, it is also truly fragile.

Even being hit by a 7.62mm bullet can be fatal.

Moreover, it's a 12.7mm bullet.

The BA-65 itself didn't have a cannon, so its firepower was actually quite weak. But that was just enough to deal with the Zero, which was so vulnerable.

Of course, this is all predicated on Zhang Yong's guidance, which allows for the timely ambush of enemy aircraft.

The first Zero fighter was shot down.

However, it was the second one...

The third one...

"idiot……"

"No martial ethics..."

The Japanese pilots who were shot down were all extremely unwilling to accept their fate.

It had barely taken off when it was attacked by multiple BA-65 fighter jets.

Before he even had a chance to use his fighting skills, he was already hit.

That's outrageous! They're practically blocking the entrance!

It will give you flight.

But I won't let you do what you want.

Three planes at a time rushed up, outnumbering the enemy.

The Zero fighters, caught off guard, were very unaccustomed to this style of fighting.

The enemy has nine machine guns! With crossfire, the Zero has no chance of escaping.

The fourth one...

The fifth one...

They were all ambushed.

They were all hit by crossfire as soon as they took off.

"idiot!"

"Stop takeoff!"

"Order the anti-aircraft guns to fire!"

The Japanese airfield commander was both anxious and furious, yet couldn't understand it.

Why are our fighter jets, which took off, being sent to face enemy fire?
It doesn't look like they're taking off to engage the enemy; it looks more like they're deliberately courting death.
The enemy outnumbered us, with at least three planes firing simultaneously. Our fighters simply couldn't withstand that!
Having already lost five fighter jets, they dared not take any more risks.

Stop sending out aircraft and use anti-aircraft artillery for defense.

"withdraw!"

Zhang Yong noticed it immediately and ordered the fighter jets to retreat. Before the fighters, the bomber formation was already fleeing for their lives.

They were all pushing their speed to the limit to escape as quickly as possible, lest they be overtaken by the Japanese Zero fighters.

The BA-65 is the same. It runs as fast as it can.

result……

One BA-65 was still shot down.

There's nothing that can be done about it. Zero casualties in a battle only happen in miracles.

Closely monitor Hankou Airport.

Fortunately, the Japanese fighter planes over there haven't made a move yet.

If they were to intercept us at this point, it would be a little troublesome.

Of course, there are troubles, but also opportunities.

If the Japanese fighter planes from Hankou took off and flew far away, the SB2 bombers from Luoyang Airport would be able to launch an air raid on Hankou Airport.

Bomb Anqing.

Bomb Hankou.

It doesn't matter.

Point to where you don't understand...

If the Japanese invaders' defenses show any weakness, bomb them without hesitation.

Finally, there was activity at Hankou Airport.

Japanese fighter planes began to take off.

However, after taking off, it did not go far, but circled over Hankou.

This is clearly a defensive measure.

It is estimated that the Japanese air force in Hankou was also unsure of the specific situation and dared not rashly send out fighter jets to assist Anqing Airport.

What if the other side is using a feint to lure us away from our base? We must be prepared...

Okay, that's the kind of reaction I wanted.

Since you're not coming, then next up is the SB2 bomber formation.

Due to range limitations, the SB2 bomber formation is still en route. Anqing Airport has already responded.

A large number of Zero fighters took off and then pursued the enemy to the southwest.

Clearly, they determined that the Nationalist aircraft originated from Changsha Airport. Therefore, they pursued the aircraft towards Changsha Airport.

"Kill Jiji!"

The Japanese airfield commander was furious.

The Nationalist army planes actually dared to attack in broad daylight. They were incredibly arrogant.

Do you really think the Imperial Air Force is just sitting around doing nothing?
In the pitch black of night, I am no match for you. But in broad daylight, I must reclaim the dignity of the Imperial Air Force.

The Zero fighter is fast enough to catch up with the enemy.

As long as we catch up with the opponent, we will achieve a great victory. There will be absolutely no surprises.

however……

It didn't know...

At this very moment, a group of SB2 bombers is approaching from the north...

Zhang Yong silently calculated the time.

Just right.

After the Japanese Zero fighters took off, the SB2 bomber formation arrived.

"Altitude 1800!"

"Heading 190!"

"Focus on bombing the Japanese runways!"

Zhang Yong issued the order.

Previous B-10 bombers carried napalm bombs, which lacked sufficient penetrating power.

However, the SB2 bombers that came from Luoyang carried high-explosive bombs, which were extremely destructive. They were just the right amount to completely destroy the Japanese artillery shells.

"Roger that!"

The SB2 bombers began to descend.

Just then, the Japanese anti-aircraft guns hadn't received orders to fire yet. They thought fighter planes were about to be scrambled.

"Crack!"

A large number of aerial bombs fell.

Because it was daytime, the target was very clear.

The napalm bombs that were dropped earlier burned with a lot of fire, which effectively guided the target.

"Rumble..."

High-explosive bombs rained down.

They missed the track at first. They all went astray.

However, the corrections were completed very quickly.

then……

"Rumble..."

High-explosive bombs, each weighing 250 kilograms, hit the runway one after another.

The runway was riddled with craters, each over two meters deep and with a radius exceeding five meters. The destructive force on the ground was immense.

If there are only one or two such large pits, the impact will not be significant.

However, if there are several...

"boom……"

The bombs continued to fall.

The Japanese-occupied airport was soon left in a state of chaos.

The Japanese troops on the ground were dumbfounded. Why was there still bombing?

no……

How many rounds of bombing are they going to launch?
When did the Nationalist Army's aircraft start acting so recklessly?
Why come twice, in broad daylight?

Even a third time?
"idiot……"

The Japanese airfield commander had a huge head.

It needs to make a very important decision: whether or not to recall the fighter jets.

If the Nationalist army's bombing only lasted two rounds, they could have held out for a while.

There's no need to recall the fighter jets. Let them continue chasing the Nationalist bombers and destroy them.

The question is, what if the Nationalist army had more than two waves of bombers?
What if there's a third wave...

Even with anti-aircraft guns, it's still a passive defense.

They could only watch helplessly as the Nationalist bombers continued to bomb them. They could only endure the bombing...

Obviously, this is impossible.

How could the Imperial Air Force suffer such a huge loss?
It's daytime now!

You actually just passively take the beating? Where's your courage?
Where is your Bushido spirit?

idiot!

can not be like this.

"Send a telegram immediately to recall all fighter jets!"

"Tie!"

The staff officer hurriedly went to relay the order.

To communicate with fighter formations, telegrams were required.

The telegram was sent quickly. The Japanese fighter squadron that was pursuing the enemy received it immediately.

"Nani?"

"return?"

The Japanese flight commander frowned slightly.

If we continue the pursuit, we should catch up soon. We could already see the white contrail in the air.

It was left by the plane ahead. The distance is probably only about fifty kilometers.

As long as we keep chasing, we will definitely be able to catch the target.

However, it had to carry out the orders from the airport.

Delay is disobeying military orders.

The consequences are very serious.

Left with no other option, the Japanese commander ordered the ships to return to port.

Japanese pilots were extremely obedient to orders. There was no doubt about that.

The fighter jet formation quickly turned around and returned to Anqing Airport.

"Shh..."

Zhang Yong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, the timing was just right.

If the Zero fighters continued their pursuit, those B-10 bombers would be in trouble.

Now, the Japanese fighter planes have returned to base, and the SB-2 bombers need to get out of there quickly, lest they be overtaken by the Japanese fighters.

"Heading 280!"

"Altitude 4200!"

Zhang Yong ordered the SB2 bomber formation to fly towards Hankou.

The Japanese invaders probably never imagined that after completing their mission, the Nationalist bombers would fly towards Hankou.

As expected, the SB2 bomber formation successfully broke away.

After reaching the airspace above Luotian and Yingshan, the aircraft will turn north and return to Luoyang Airport.

However, the air command operation was not over yet.

The formation of I-16 fighter jets that arrived from Luoyang Airport hasn't even opened fire yet!

How to do?
Since we're already here, we can't leave empty-handed!

As luck would have it, there were Japanese troops stationed in Sui County. Direct them to Sui County and open fire on the Japanese troops.

No specific battle results are needed. The goal is simply to confuse the Japanese and prevent them from accurately determining what the National Revolutionary Army is trying to do.

"Chichichi..."

Sure enough, after a fierce strafing attack, the I-16 fighter squadron returned to base.

The Japanese troops stationed in Suixian County: ? ? ?

what happened?

Why did I suddenly get greeted by an airplane?

Such intense firing.

Who did we offend?
"idiot!"

"calm!"

What's the panic?

At this moment, Ōkaku Mineo had gathered information from various sources.

It was certainly aware that the Nationalist army was preparing to launch a major attack.

The question is, where exactly was the Nationalist army's target?

Anqing? Suixian?
Nanchang? Yueyang?
Every location is a possibility.

Army Commander Kazuo Sonobe was also unable to make a judgment.

Moreover, there is another critical question: who exactly is in command of the Nationalist army's aircraft?
Why is the transition so seamless? It's so perfectly executed.

Almost every action rendered the Japanese army helpless. Each time, it felt like their vital point was being exploited.

It's painful. It's incredibly frustrating. Yet, I feel powerless to change it.

"Could it be him?"

"He's back to take command again?"

"idiot……"

"Even if he comes back, so what..."

Ōkaku Mineo did not believe in superstition.

Immediately order all fighter jets to be on high alert.

Do not attack rashly.

To avoid being ambushed. Outnumbered.

Use stillness to control movement.

Maintaining the status quo.