Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 23, Section 23: Preliminary Military Reconnaissance and Printing of Leaflets
After January 28th, the situation in Shanghai changed dramatically.

The river was full of Japanese warships, and so was the sea.

Even air superiority was controlled by Japanese aircraft.

Therefore, the newly established air force of the Republic of China assembled at Nanjing Ming Palace Airport.

As a result, China Airlines temporarily suspended operations, and foreign pilots left the airport to go home.

Fang Wen stayed at the airport and became a temporary mechanic for the Guangdong Airlines team.

However, the military aircraft did not receive orders to go into battle.

All day long, the officers of several air squadrons could only wait at the airport, without even the ability to learn about the situation at the front.

Fang Wen thought of the high-powered radio he kept in his dormitory. Shanghai had a well-developed broadcasting industry, so perhaps he could get some information from it.

He then took out the radio and placed it in the hangar to tune to receive signals from Shanghai.

After a series of hissing noises, an indignant male voice rang out.

"The Japanese ground offensive was hampered by the tenacious resistance of the 19th Route Army, and Zhabei remained under our control."

"But Japanese planes frequently launched attacks, bombing multiple buildings in Zhabei. The railway station and freight yard were bombed continuously."

"I heard from people in the British concession that it was a naval air force that flew in from warships at sea."

"To think that our great nation of China has fallen to such a state today, we have failed our ancestors!"

The radio broadcast echoed through the hangar.

Lieutenant Lu and the other pilots were listening, some looking ashamed, others indignant.

But how can it take off without orders?

The atmosphere inside the hangar became extremely oppressive.

Fang Wen suddenly realized how unrealistic his idea of ​​piloting military aircraft into battle was.

He couldn't wait for orders from his superiors to allow Japanese military aircraft to run rampant on Chinese territory.

Let me, an ordinary person, do something for my countrymen first.

Having made his decision, Fang Wen went to Howard's dormitory at the airport.

State your plan.

"I plan to drive from Detroit to Shanghai to conduct military reconnaissance and deliver some gifts along the way."

"Fang, are you crazy? The USS Detroit's altitude limit is 4000 meters, and its speed is slower than a fighter jet. Once it's discovered, it won't be able to escape."

"They can't fly at night, but I can," Fang Wen replied confidently. After his trip to Northeast China, he discovered his huge advantage: the flight ability brought by mechanical perception, which could be used at night, something other pilots couldn't do.

Therefore, even flying a China Airlines Detroit-type aircraft, one can travel to and from the airport safely.

Howard still didn't understand: "Even if you can fly at night, what's the use?"

"It might work, it might not. How will we know if we don't try? I'm still short two assistants to deliver flyers and map out what we find."

Howard hesitated for a moment, then agreed. "I'll go with you. I can handle drawing the map, but what about the flyers?"

Fang Wen showed a business card. "Do you remember Mr. Yang who flew with us last time? He's a bookseller. Let's go find him."

As a Chinese pilot for China Airlines, I am not lacking in social interactions during my daily flights. This business card was given to me by the other party, but now it has come in handy.

Immediately, Fang Wen used the airport's phone to dial the number above.

"Mr. Yang, I am Fang Wen from China Airlines. You have flown on my plane before."

"Oh, Commissioner Fang, I'm a frequent passenger on your plane. It's a pity that the Japanese are causing trouble now, and even your planes can't fly."

"Yes. I'm here today because I need your help with something."

"You said."

"Could you print a batch of leaflets before tonight, with some patriotic words on them?"

"Commissioner Fang, what are you trying to do?" Fang Wen paused. If it was tonight, there was no need to keep it a secret from the other party. He would have to find a way to get the other party to help.

"I have a military reconnaissance operation, and I also plan to drop leaflets in Zhabei and the surrounding areas to boost the morale of our people."

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

After a while.

“Commissioner Fang, you’re giving me a lot of respect by coming to me for this. I’m a patriot, and even if work has to stop, I’ll get it done for you tonight. Tell me what to write on the flyers, and I’ll design them for you.”

Fang Wen hadn't really thought about the content of the flyer at the time.

"Mr. Yang, I lack the knowledge. How about you write the content here?"

These words surprised Mr. Yang a bit. "Well, that's fine. Then I'll quickly find someone to discuss it with. When are you going to receive the goods?"

"Deliver the items to the airport before 10 p.m.

The call ended there. Fang Wen didn't know if the other party could do it well, but even without the flyers, he still had to carry out his night flight.

The problem now is that there are several military aircraft parked on the airport runway, and without any scheduling, I have to move my Detroit to the back half of the runway before I can take off.

But now it's under military control, so you have to find someone to apply.

He found Lieutenant Lu: "Lieutenant, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

“Let’s talk here.” Lieutenant Lu stood outside the hangar and lit a cigarette.

"I would like to request permission to use civilian aircraft for aerial reconnaissance to determine the positions of warships around Shanghai, as well as the takeoff points of their warships and carrier-based aircraft."

"What?" Lieutenant Lu dropped the cigarette from his mouth, staring at Fang Wen in disbelief. "Don't do anything reckless, you're going to your death."

Fang Wen stubbed out his cigarette on the ground and calmly replied, "Do you remember what happened last time? I flew a Rheinland NYP-2 from Beiping to the Northeast, a round trip at night. If I do well this time, the Japanese planes won't be able to spot me."

Lieutenant Lu's expression changed. He had heard some rumors about Fang Wen's trip to the Northeast after asking around.

But hearing it from the participants themselves was still quite amazing.

In the pitch-black night, with few ground landmarks, it is easy to lose one's way, which is a major taboo for pilots. However, it is surprising that there are pilots with such a talent.

Lieutenant Lu looked at Fang Wen, seemingly lost in thought, and then spoke again.

"I can allow you to fly, but even if you return with reconnaissance intelligence, you won't be rewarded. Are you still willing?"

"I'm willing," Fang Wen replied without hesitation.

“In that case, alright, I’ll make the arrangements.” Lieutenant Lu nodded and turned to leave.

With takeoff sorted out, Fang Wen still needed to find an assistant to drop leaflets from the air.

This wasn't difficult. He called Boss Yang and asked him to find a helper.

The other party readily agreed.

8pm late at night.

The Detroit-type aircraft pulled onto the runway and waited.

The headlights of a truck were lit up outside the airport.

The truck was stopped by the guards at the side gate. Fang Wen came out and explained the situation before letting the truck in.

The truck stopped beside the runway, and several young people got out. They didn't look like workers, but rather students who hadn't yet graduated from school.

Mr. Yang also got out of the truck driver's seat.

"Commissioner Fang, the things are ready, please take a look. By the way, these students are all from Shanghai. They wanted to help out, so we brought them over to help move some things. As for the matter of scattering leaflets on the plane, Pan Jiafeng will handle that."

Fang Wen looked in the direction Boss Yang pointed. Pan Jiafeng was the tallest and most enthusiastic student in the group.

That works too, at least I won't be scared during the flight.

Fang Wen bent down and pulled out a flyer to see what was written on it.
(End of this chapter)