Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 319 318 West Lake Water Airport, Gunship-Aircraft Combat Plan, Pre-Battle Exercises

The people who came to welcome Fang Wen didn't expect to go to West Lake to choose the location for a water airport, but since they had already agreed, they had no choice but to do as they were told.

After the meal, the participants got into cars, drove out of Hangzhou city, and arrived at West Lake.

The convoy left the city, crossed the Grand Canal, and arrived in the Baoshi Mountain area.

Baoshi Mountain is located on the north bank of West Lake. Although it is called a mountain, it is only 80 meters high.

There is also a Baochu Pagoda on the mountain.

(Baochu Pagoda, the white building next to it is a hospital.)
Passing through Baoshi Mountain, you reach the north shore of West Lake, where many magnificent buildings are constructed along the lake, and there is also a main road nearby.

As the car drove along the lakeside road, a Hangzhou official traveling in the same car as Fang Wen introduced the car:

"This is Geling. Only people of fame and power can build houses here. Behind Geling is Bai Causeway. Look, that's the famous Broken Bridge in Lingering Snow."

Fang Wen nodded. Although he had never visited Hangzhou in person, he had observed the scenery from the air many times during his daily patrol flights.

It can be said that he was very familiar with the topography of West Lake in Hangzhou.

(A scene of Geling and Baidi during the Republican era.)
However, this area has many houses and a complicated situation, making it unsuitable for building lakeside campsites and inconvenient for aircraft take-off and landing.

Fang Wen actually understood the official's purpose in bringing him here. If the seaplane airport were built here, it would definitely make it convenient for the powerful and wealthy people living here. In case of tension, they could escape by taking military seaplanes.

Therefore, he calmly replied, "It is not suitable as a seaplane base. If the Japanese army wants to bomb military targets, seaplane bases are probably one of them. The population density here is relatively high, and innocent people may be harmed."

The official's expression changed, realizing his idea was flawed. He quickly smiled to cover his embarrassment: "Yes, this place definitely won't work. Let's circle the lake and choose one slowly."

The convoy then continued westward, stopping at Yue Fei Temple, where Fang Wen and four pilots offered incense in remembrance of Yue Fei.

(Yue Wang Temple during the Republic of China era)

After leaving Yue Fei Temple, the convoy continued its journey, traveling from the north bank to the west bank.

Along the way, we passed Su Causeway and Yanggong Causeway, both of which are among the most beautiful scenic spots in West Lake. There were many stone bridges, elegant landscapes, and courtyards along the way.

However, it is still not suitable as a seaplane base.

The convoy drove a long distance, passing Yanggong Causeway on the west bank of West Lake, and arrived at the south side of West Lake.

Looking across the lake, you can see the famous Leifeng Pagoda.

Perhaps because the south bank is far from the city center, it is quiet with few buildings along the shore and a wide lake, which could be used for the construction of a seaplane airport.

Fang Wen took a liking to this place at first sight.

He had the driver drive to the Leifeng Pagoda so he could get out and observe further.

Finally, a location was chosen not far from Leifeng Pagoda.

Regarding this choice, the accompanying officials assured that the land was barren and could be directly used for airport construction.

After obtaining the consent of the local government and military in Hangzhou, Fang Wen immediately began to build the West Lake Water Airport.

Taishan Airlines, which owns multiple seaplane airports across the country, has extensive experience in seaplane airport construction. Subsequently, Sun Debiao led a team sent by headquarters to carry out construction in that area.

All the construction workers were recruited from Hangzhou.

It is said that the seaplane airport was built by the Taishan Aviation Team of Jianqiao Airport to accommodate seaplanes, and many businesses in Hangzhou are willing to sponsor the construction of this site.

Although Fang Wen declined these sponsorships, local gentry and merchants actively participated in providing manpower and materials, and those who had no money but wanted to help were recruited as construction workers.

With the help of many parties, the construction progressed rapidly. One wealthy businessman even dismantled his lakeside dock and transported it here by boat for direct reassembly.

A small water dock was completed first. With the dock in place, Fang Wen immediately sent a telegram to Jinan, requesting that three gunboats from there fly to West Lake.

Accompanying the three gunships were 50 mercenaries. As soon as they got off the plane, they were led by Zhou Pomen to familiarize themselves with the situation. They then set up camp next to the camp under construction and participated in the camp's construction.

With the arrival of the seaplane, citizens of Hangzhou flocked to the south bank of West Lake to admire this unique military unit.

Because so many people came, the mercenaries set up patrol teams and sentries to guard the camp closely, giving it the appearance of a military base.

The West Lake Water Airport is already taking shape. Fang Wen also came from the airport to hold a meeting with several people in charge of the water airport to discuss future matters.

Pan Jiafeng, Sun Debiao, and Zhou Pomen attended the meeting.

Pan Jiafeng is the battalion commander of the 2nd Aviation Battalion of the Taishan Independent Regiment. He came here to manage the gunboat squadron and is also a pilot of one of the gunboats.

Zhou Pomen is the deputy battalion commander of the 2nd Aviation Battalion of the Taishan Independent Regiment, responsible for managing ground troops in support of combat operations. He is here as the captain of 50 mercenaries.

Sun Debiao was in charge of the construction of the seaplane airport and the logistics of the camp.

Fang Wen looked at the three of them with a serious expression: "The three of you must work together in the future, especially Sun Debiao. I hope you can get to know and work together with them as soon as possible. We don't have much time left, and I'm afraid we will be entering the battle soon."

The three quickly responded that they would work together and were very excited to be able to participate in the war.

Fang Wen felt it necessary to remind them of their emotions, since none of the three had experienced the true baptism of war.

“The three of you, along with the soldiers under your command, have no combat experience. I will arrange combat opportunities for you so that you can adapt as soon as possible.”

Upon hearing that there would be a chance for real-world practice, the three were even more excited.

Fang Wen had no idea how they would perform in actual combat.

But where are the opportunities for combat?

Fang Wen wanted to provide this new type of unit with an advanced training path that progressed from easy to difficult.

With the matter of the seaplane airport settled, Fang Wen continued to lead his team back and forth to Shanghai for operations.

Although this kind of combat cannot change anything, it can train and develop pilots. Not only do the four pilots who were transferred need this, but Fang Wen also needs it.

Regardless of whether one possesses superpowers or not, practical combat experience is indispensable, especially aerial combat experience in large-scale warfare, which is extremely rare and invaluable.

Meanwhile, the main air battleground of the Shanghai defense battle shifted to Baoshan County.

On September 6, the Taishan Flight Team took off after receiving a request for assistance.

Fang Wen piloted the Shrike, leading four Il-16s to Shanghai.

Fang Wen, in a state of mechanical perception, observed the situation below.

The fighting below has spread to many places, and the National Army, which was determined to launch a general offensive at the end of August, has once again entered a defensive posture.

As history has unfolded, even the Taishan Flying Team's brilliant air combat achievements could not change much.

Ten minutes later, the flight team crossed Zhabei, entered Wusong, and then flew north to Baoshan County, where the fighting was most intense at the time.

Baoshan County was a small town in the early Qing Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, a new county was separated from Jiading County of Suzhou Prefecture and named Baoshan. The county government was established here, and it later became a county town.

The actual address is in the northeast of Gaoqiao Town. Legend has it that there was once a small earthen hill here, which was used by the Ming army for observation and is the origin of the name Baoshan. However, with the passage of time, that earthen hill has long disappeared into history.

Now, that small county town has also been devastated by artillery fire.

The county town had been bombed multiple times, resulting in extensive damage to various buildings. Only a few hundred soldiers remained to hold the fort.

Fang Wen and his team's mission was to stop the Japanese planes from bombing Baoshan County and to allow the unit to hold out as long as possible.

Looking at the devastation in the county town, Fang Wen felt admiration for the soldiers who had managed to hold on.

Even with the Nationalist government's utter corruption, it still possessed a group of elite soldiers capable of fighting, but they were quickly decimated in the early stages of the war. Feedback from the radar detection system allowed Fang Wen to clear his mind and begin making battle plans.

He issued a secret telegram to the four newly recruited pilots, instructing them to climb to an altitude of over 6000 meters and lay in ambush.

Ten minutes later, the Japanese air raid squadron arrived.

Twenty Type 20 carrier-based fighter jets, with small aerial bombs mounted on their fuselages.

Nowadays, the Japanese naval air force is much more cautious, and in order to prevent being ambushed by Fang Wen's flight squadron, they all adopt a group combat approach.

Furthermore, they deliberately spread out their formation so that if one of their aircraft was attacked, other enemy aircraft would provide support.

In response, Fang Wen did not immediately order a surprise attack.

He was waiting for the cooperation of his allies.

Fifteen Hawk II fighters and three Hawk I fighters flew in from behind Baoshan City and engaged in a counterattack with the Japanese aircraft.

As the fighter jet formations from both sides approached, the situation suddenly became chaotic.

At this point, the arrangements made against Fang Wen and his group became ineffective.

Fang Wen immediately issued an order, and five fighter jets suddenly entered the battlefield from high altitude and launched a precision attack.

Suddenly, three Japanese warplanes were caught off guard and were successfully attacked and shot down outside Baoshan County.

This situation led the Japanese fighter group to hastily end the battle and quickly flee towards the river.

Once the aircraft enters the river, it will be covered and protected by the naval fleet's air defense fire network. Even Fang Wen wouldn't dare risk his men's safety to pursue it.

The aerial interception was then completed, and the fighter jets returned to their respective bases.

Below, the soldiers holding the line in Baoshan County raised their guns and cheered for the victory of the interception.

Their joy was short-lived. Enraged, the Japanese ground forces, despite lacking air support, launched another attack, and Baoshan County was once again engulfed in the roar of gunfire.

Fang Wen watched the fierce battle below, launched a dive attack to harass the enemy, and then led his team back to base.

As the plane flew back, he considered how to use gunships in actual combat.

Battles of the scale of Wusong and Baoshan County would be far too difficult for gunboat and air force units.

It's best to start with a relatively simple war environment.

His gaze fell upon the area around Wenzaobang.

That is a river south of Wusong. Once Baoshan and Wusong fall, Wenzaobang will be an important line of defense.

Here, gunships and aircraft can be used to establish an air fire suppression network.

Furthermore, the south bank of Wenzaobang is heavily guarded by the National Army, ensuring the safety of the rear even if the enemy does not know how to coordinate gunboat and aircraft operations.

Thinking about it this way, Fang Wen felt it was feasible, but to make it happen, he had to communicate with the ground troops and the Nanjing authorities.

The flight crew landed at Jianqiao Airport. After disembarking from the Shrike, Fang Wen immediately went to the airport telegraph room.

He told the telegraph room staff, "Send a telegram to Nanjing saying that the Taishan Independent Regiment is willing to support ground defense."

The telegraph operator sent the message to Nanjing.

Then, there was no reply for several hours.

The next day, Captain Gao landed a two-seater fighter jet at Jianqiao Airport.

There was another passenger in the back seat of the two-seater fighter jet. He got off the plane with Captain Gao and found Fang Wen.

Upon meeting Fang Wen, Captain Gao introduced him, saying, "This is a man sent by the Military Commission, Major Liu Yunqing. He is here specifically to understand your defense operation plan."

Things are different now than before. Fang Wen and his flight team have made a name for themselves in the skies over Shanghai, which is why they have gained attention.

It can be said that he earned the respect he deserved.

With a calm expression, Fang Wen began to explain his plan.

“I have my own aircraft manufacturing industry, and I have produced a large number of seaplanes in the past two years. At the same time, I am also developing in the field of military aircraft. This defense is the first time that Taishan Aviation’s military seaplanes have been used in actual combat. It has the ability to continuously suppress ground fire and can cooperate with ground troops in offense and defense. My idea is to use this new type of seaplane in the defense line around Wenzaobang to test its battlefield practicality, and at the same time, it will be equipped with 50 ground combat personnel to cooperate.”

The major listened to Fang Wen's explanation with disbelief.

Today, foreign weaponry is used everywhere on the Chinese battlefield: German guns and British tanks. But unexpectedly, Taishan Aviation is making China's own fighter jets.

He showed great interest in the aircraft: "Mr. Fang, could you tell me more about your seaplane? I'd like to report back to my superiors."

Fang Wen patiently explained, "No problem. This is a low-speed seaplane designed specifically to deal with ground troops. It has advantages such as a wide field of view, a wide firing angle, and heavy firepower. However, since it is a propeller aircraft, its firing method is to fire at low speed while hovering, using the target as the center point to carry out high-intensity multi-directional fire suppression."

In order to enable seaplanes to be used in actual combat as soon as possible and to accumulate more war experience, Fang Wen also proposed to take officers to watch live shooting demonstrations.

The officer was very pleased with this.

But Fang Wen did not set off immediately. He notified Sun Debiao to go to Hangzhou and bring over a professional photographer.

This was something Sun Debiao had arranged long ago. Soon after, Sun Debiao brought over two men carrying video equipment.

After the people were brought in, Sun Debiao introduced them: "These are the two shareholders of Hangzhou First Film Company. They are preparing to raise funds to establish a film company, which is currently the only one in Hangzhou with cameras. General Manager, you said you wanted to find someone to take photos. I think it would be better to make a film."

I never expected Sun Debiao to be so thoughtful. Of course, a video is more convincing than a photograph.

Fang Wen readily agreed, and then he and Sun Debiao, along with Captain Gao, officers sent by the Military Commission, and two photographers, drove to the sea airport.

The two vehicles arrived at the West Lake South Bank Water Airport.

The once relatively remote area on the south bank has become a popular destination for residents of Hangzhou and the West Lake area to enjoy spring outings thanks to the construction of the sea airport.

These families stayed on the lakeside meadow, watching the planes on the water and enjoying this brief moment of peace.

It seems that this place gives them a different kind of sense of security.

The car drove past these people and into the military camp on the shore.

In the camp, Fang Wen summoned Pan Jiafeng and Zhou Pomen and gave them some instructions.

"I plan to send you to Shanghai to assist the ground forces in defense. People from Nanjing have come to investigate the situation. They are not familiar with the combat methods of gunships and aircraft. You should arrange an exercise to show them."

Pan Jiafeng and Zhou Pomen immediately accepted the order and went to make arrangements.

Fang Wenhe and his entourage watched from the sidelines.

After some preparation, three seaplanes and 50 ground soldiers were ready.

Pan Jiafeng explained the situation of this exercise.

“We have built a training ground near the camp. This exercise will use the training ground as the operational target. If the enemy is stationed there, we will attack it.”

Fang Wen nodded: "Have Captain Gao and Major Liu board the plane. Also, arrange for these two photographers to be on a fighter jet so they can film the entire exercise."

As arranged by Fang Wen, the two people from Nanjing boarded the fighter jet piloted by Pan Jiafeng, while the cameraman boarded another one.

Immediately, the seaplanes took off from the water, and the surrounding tourists noticed the commotion and all looked over.

(End of this chapter)