Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 327-325 Texas Transfer, Air Attack on Japanese Railway Troop Transport Line
The victory in the defense of Dezhou, however, made Fang Wen realize the serious shortage of troops in the north for the war of resistance.

The northern warlords who once participated in the Central Plains War are no longer what they used to be, and the Northwest Army and the Northeast Army are being constantly worn down.

Only the Jin Army, with its forces intact, is still capable of resisting the Japanese attack; the other troops are struggling to hold on.

The reason Dezhou was able to hold off an attack by a regiment was because of the firepower suppression provided by the advanced weaponry of Fang Wen's Taishan Independent Regiment.

However, if the Japanese 10th Division launches a full-scale attack, the Taishan Independent Regiment will also be unable to hold out without sufficient manpower.

Where are the recruits coming from?
Fang Wen recalled what Captain Gao had once said about the Nationalist government's war of resistance conference, where the southwestern warlords all expressed their willingness to send troops to fight against Japan.

Two months have passed now, and the troops they sent should have arrived in the war zone by now.

Fang Wen used his connections to find out more about this.

They soon received information about the reinforcements from the Nationalist government in the southwest.

The Yunnan and Guizhou armies have not yet arrived due to the long distance and complex terrain.

However, the Sichuan Army and the Hunan Army have successively sent troops to the war zone.

On the Hunan Army side, they were mainly sent to Shanghai and the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area. The 62nd Division arrived first, followed by the 15th and 16th Divisions.

In addition, a large number of local military security regiments and other troops were dispatched to defend key locations in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

The Sichuan Army, due to the long distance, arrived in the Shanghai war zone at the end of September. The first Sichuan Army to arrive was the 20th Army, which joined the defense of Shanghai. Subsequently, the 146th, 145th, and 26th Divisions of the Sichuan Army also joined the defense of Shanghai.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Theater Command, the Sichuan Army passed through the Sichuan-Shaanxi region and assembled at the Baoji military station, preparing to cross the Yellow River and participate in the northern war.

Fang Wen set his sights on this batch of recruits.

Therefore, he and the remaining troops of the 29th Army in Dezhou jointly applied to Nanjing for support.

Nanjing Military Commission, Ministry of Military Affairs.

A telegram and a report were placed on the Minister of War's desk.

The telegram was a joint plea for help from the Taishan Independent Regiment and the 29th Army.

Another report was about the Texas victory.

The report details how 1000 ground soldiers, in cooperation with the Taishan Independent Regiment, defeated a Japanese regiment of more than 4000 men.

This was a fully-equipped Japanese regiment, complete with all its weaponry, yet it was defeated by a group of defeated soldiers and local security forces, making it a highlight of the entire Northern War.

Of course, the Minister of Military Affairs also understood that this was mainly due to the strong firepower support of the Taishan Independent Regiment.

That's why the Taishan Independent Regiment immediately requested support, and the minister considered it very seriously.

But for an independent regiment to obtain support from troops with active command authority is easier said than done.

The various units in the Northern Theater Command are commanded by soldiers from different factions, so it's simply impossible for them to take orders from the Taishan Independent Regiment.

Even the strongest merchant army, without factions or connections, will find it difficult to integrate into the networks of old-style officers.

As for the Sichuan troops mentioned in Fang Wen's telegram requesting reinforcements, they had already been allocated for operations in northern Shanxi, and it was impossible for any of them to be transferred to Shandong.

The Minister of Military Affairs couldn't help but feel a bit of a headache.

He had high hopes for the Taishan Independent Regiment and wanted to provide support, but he was powerless to do so.

After some compromise, he came up with a solution and sent it to Jinan by telegram.

At Jinan Airport, Fang Wen was talking with Manager Liu, who had come from Wuhan.

"Domestic business for civil aviation companies will become increasingly difficult in the future, but we cannot stop. Seaplanes are an important channel to ensure the rapid flow of goods within the country."

"General Manager, I understand. Even if we don't make money, we will continue the aviation business."

"In addition, the military supplies for the Independent Regiment must be sufficient and delivered on time."

At this point, Manager Liu couldn't help but show an expression of admiration.

"The general manager started planning all of this several years ago. The Independent Regiment is self-sufficient in the weapons, ammunition, aircraft, military rations, and clothing it needs. As long as the air routes are open, logistical support can be fully guaranteed."

Yes, Fang Wen spent several years building an aviation network and a South Asian industrial center to possess an elite air-ground combined regiment of the Republic of China. This was already the limit; there wouldn't be another one like it in the entire country.

Fang Wen was not satisfied with this. He told his confidant, Manager Liu, about the next steps in the military development plan.

"The Independent Regiment's armaments still have room for improvement. The pressurized cabin and high-performance aero engines are expected to be available next year, at which time the aircraft performance will be even better. In addition, we will also develop new weapons for more complex war situations. The military communication equipment will also be upgraded next year."

Manager Liu asked in surprise, "Can you get all of this done next year?"

Fang Wen affirmed, "Yes, but we need more research and technical personnel. Among the refugees rescued from the North, there should be some with this talent. When you are resettling the refugees, please promote Taishan Airlines' recruitment plan to them."

“Yes, many of the refugees from the north have nothing, but they haven’t lost their knowledge and skills. I’ll go back and make arrangements now. I’m sure many refugees will be willing to join our Taishan Airlines talent recruitment program.”

Manager Liu left happily.

Recruiting more talent would make Taishan Airlines more dynamic, which is what he most wants to see.

Therefore, he was eager to return to organize the reception and recruitment of personnel for several refugee resettlement sites on the south bank of the Yellow River.

After Manager Liu left, Fang Wen pondered alone.

After the Battle of Texas, he also discovered some things: the Taishan Independent Regiment had a huge air superiority, but its ground forces were somewhat weak.

For example, when the Japanese regiment was defeated, if the soldiers of the Independent Regiment had better rapid-response mechanized equipment, they could have caught up with the Japanese in time. With the cooperation of air guns, ships, and fighter planes, they would have been able to continue to expand the fruits of victory.

If the Taishan Independent Regiment could acquire more mechanized equipment, its mobility, defense, and firepower would be comprehensively enhanced.

This is what he wanted.

Make the most of the technology of this era, combined with your groundbreaking ideas, to create an invincible modern army.

What should I do?

Fang Wen's thoughts wandered; having a fast-responding armored vehicle was a good idea.

But it doesn't need to be designed like a tortoise shell of this era.

Perhaps the structure could be simpler.

For example, it could be designed like an off-road vehicle, with a chassis and suspension system, a 10-15 mm steel plate riveted armor layer on the outer shell, machine guns mounted at the front and rear, and a 20 mm autocannon on the roof that can be used for upward firing as anti-aircraft firepower.

The engine is a 500-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp engine.

The overall weight should be around 4-6 tons, the power is absolutely strong, and it can also tow infantry guns or troop carriers.

This idea excited Fang Wen, but he also understood that he could only achieve this by going to Yangon and using his supernatural ability to control machinery.

Now, in the early stages of the war, which was also the most intense period of the war, how could anyone possibly leave Yangon to do other things?

The harsh reality made Fang Wen abandon his thoughts on arms improvement and prepare to go out and check on the situation of the Independent Regiment.

At that moment, the telegraph operator came to report. "Commander, a telegram from Nanjing."

"read."

"Nanjing said that the main Japanese offensive was directed towards the Shanxi-North region, where the terrain was complex, allowing for both offense and defense, and it was also a necessary route to the hinterland. The Dezhou area, on the other hand, had railways, was a plain, was close to the coast, and had the support of the Japanese air force in Tianjin, making it impossible to hold out."

When the telegraph operator read this, he couldn't help but look up at Fang Wen. The telegram meant to abandon defense, which made sense, but lacked morality.

Fang Wen remained calm and said, "Continue."

"The Nanjing telegram also said that the Independent Regiment should be transferred to Taiyuan. If possible, a division would be specially assigned to the Independent Regiment for joint operations."

After the telegram was read aloud, Fang Wen took the telegram paper from the telegraph operator and remained silent.

Seeing this, the telegraph operator silently closed the door and left.

Alone in his room, Fang Wen carefully considered the meaning of the telegram. From a military strategic perspective, this telegram illustrated the ruthlessness of war.

In order to achieve strategic victory, there will inevitably be trade-offs.

But deep down, Fang Wen found it very difficult to get over this hurdle.

In particular, he participated in the defense of Texas, which changed the city's history of being occupied by the Japanese army.

It's hard for him to accept giving up now.

However, in reality, the Dezhou area, and even the area south of Dezhou to the north bank of the Yellow River, was no longer the strategic center of the Nationalist government, and no more troops would be deployed there.

Fang Wen felt he should make a trip to Dezhou City.

Gunships landed on the canal outside Texas.

Fang Wen got off the plane, and his bodyguard Gong Xiuneng led 10 soldiers to guard him.

The group entered the city without hindrance and met the county magistrate, the garrison officer, and the head of the security regiment.

Fang Wen stated his purpose directly.

"The telegram requesting assistance from Nanjing has been answered. Nanjing said that its troops should be concentrated in the northern Shanxi area to block the Japanese army."

Although Texas wasn't explicitly mentioned, the meaning was clear.

The county magistrate was quite frank: "That's just how it is. We were just doing our best to defend the city. In the end, we couldn't stop them."

"We can't hold out. There are over 2 Japanese troops, plus planes and artillery, while we only have 1000 men. Even if the Independent Regiment helps us, it won't be enough," the garrison officer said helplessly.

"Is there really no other way?" The security chief looked at Fang Wen expectantly. The previous victory in the big battle had given the security chief a blind admiration for Fang Wen.

Fang Wen shook his head and remained silent. Without reinforcements, the 1000 men of the Taishan Independent Regiment, plus the 1 men of the Dezhou garrison, would suffer huge losses even if they managed to hold Dezhou City again.

But even if we manage to hold on, what then?
This place is a must-pass for the railway. The Japanese army originally thought they could easily capture it, but after repeated setbacks, they would inevitably send more troops to attack.

This war made Fang Wen understand the difference between strategy and combat.

A temporary victory in war means nothing; only strategic victory can determine everything.

In the end, the county magistrate made the decision he had already considered.

He planned to mobilize the people in the city to evacuate, while he, along with the garrison and the Independent Regiment, would hold off the Japanese army and create an opportunity for the evacuating civilians.

As for where to retreat to?

Everyone knew very well that the only option was Jinan on the south bank of the Yellow River, where the natural barrier of the river would make it very difficult for the Japanese army to cross.

After making this decision, Fang Wen immediately telegraphed Jinan to dispatch fighter jets to the Cangzhou area for reconnaissance.

Half an hour later, the telegraph operator in the gunboat ran into the city to report.

He said breathlessly, "Commander, aerial reconnaissance has revealed that the Japanese army is massing up in Cangzhou and is preparing to move south along the railway."

Fang Wen suddenly stood up, pointed to the map on the wall and said, "Cangzhou is less than 100 kilometers from Dezhou. They are coming by rail, so their route will not be complicated. It is estimated that they will arrive in Dezhou in 3 days."

The county magistrate immediately lost his composure, rolled up his sleeves and ran out, hurriedly summoning county government staff to mobilize people to evacuate throughout the city.

When people heard that tens of thousands of Japanese troops were about to attack Dezhou, the people in the city panicked.

The people of the city, along with their families, left the city and traveled through Pingyuan County and Qihe County towards the Yellow River ferry.

The large procession left the city, but its pace was very slow.

It's also 100 kilometers from Dezhou to the Yellow River ferry crossing north of Jinan, and it's estimated to take 5 days to get there.

In other words, the Dezhou garrison and the Independent Regiment had to hold off the Japanese army for at least two days before these people could safely escape to Jinan, south of the Yellow River.

In response, Fang Wen began to make urgent arrangements.

The Japanese 2th Division, a force of 3 men, marched south along the railway.

Their pace must be slowed down.

Therefore, bombing along the route and aerial harassment are the best options.

Immediately afterwards, four fighter planes from the 4st Battalion and four gunboats from the 4nd Battalion of the Taishan Independent Regiment departed from Jinan.

An hour later, the air strike group arrived in Cangzhou.

It was already afternoon.

Piloting a gunship aircraft, Fang Wen, as the air strike commander, activates his mechanical senses.

He saw the Japanese army marching along the railway line.

The march was very large, with infantry units on either side of the railway, marching along both sides of the railway.

There was a troop transport train on the railway, consisting of 10 carriages. Except for the first carriage, which was loaded with coal, the rest of the train was fully loaded with soldiers and military supplies.

Meanwhile, an armored railway vehicle was scouting ahead on the tracks to prevent anyone from sabotaging the rails and causing the train to derail.

This train, traveling at a speed of less than 30 kilometers per hour, became a tool for the Japanese army to advance rapidly.

If we can destroy it, we can slow down the Japanese army's march.

Therefore, Fang Wen immediately issued tactical instructions.

Fighter jets will harass and bomb the railway, ensuring the tracks are damaged and troop transport vehicles are destroyed.

Gunships are launching an attack on infantry on both sides of the railway and firing at the train.

Under his orders, the air strike group immediately launched an attack.

Fighter jets swooped down from high altitudes, flew along the straight railway, and dropped their bombs on the tracks.

The first bomb exploded between the railway armored vehicle and the train, destroying the railway tracks and forcing the train to stop.

The stationary train became the perfect target for stationary bombing. If four fighter jets flew straight along the railway and dropped their bombs, the chances of hitting the train were even higher than 60%.

Under the continuous bombing, the engine of the first train burst into flames and completely lost power.

Meanwhile, gunboats also launched an attack.

Gunships flew straight in, one side facing the railway, firing 12.7 mm machine guns and 20 mm cannons from their firing ports.

The sweeping bullets created a series of holes in one side of the carriage, and the highly penetrating 12.7mm bullets created puffs of blood mist inside the carriage.

Amidst screams, the Japanese army launched a counterattack.

The train doors opened, and the Japanese soldiers carrying Type 38 rifles jumped off the train and opened fire.

The 6.5mm bullets struck the protective steel plates on the sides and bottom of the gunboat, creating sparks, but they couldn't penetrate them.

Subsequently, a Japanese colonel picked up a 7.7mm machine gun and began firing wildly into the air.

The powerful machine gun bullets pierced the protective steel plates, leaving deep craters, but they were unable to penetrate the gunboat's armor.

This situation drove the Japanese army to despair, as the equipment they had equipped on a large scale for their soldiers was being specifically targeted.

The airborne tank-like gunships, relying on their thick armor, cruised and strafed back and forth along the railway line, causing two troop transport trains to burst into flames during the firing.

It wasn't until 10 minutes later, when the intense firing and bombing had exhausted the ammunition for the operation, that the air strike group returned to base.

This attack paralyzed the Japanese railways, rendering them unusable for a short period. As a result, the Taishan Independent Regiment halted the 10th Army Corps' plan to make rapid marches by rail.

(End of this chapter)