Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 483 Republican Era Version of Armchair Strategist: Evacuation Flight from Yangjiang to Hong Kong
The two took the elevator upstairs and had a detailed discussion in Fang Wen's office.

After personally brewing Captain Gao a cup of tea, Fang Wen asked:

"Guangzhou has already been occupied by the Japanese. How can I provide support?"

Captain Gao sighed, "The situation was complicated at the time, but I do know some of the inside story, which I can tell you."

"Oh, I'd like to hear more." Fang Wen nodded.

Captain Gao replied, "Initially, the chief of staff of the Guangdong garrison command devised a spherical tactic. Near Zengcheng, they deliberately abandoned part of the defensive network, leaving an opening for the Japanese army to penetrate deep into the area between Guangzhou and Zengcheng, and then concentrated their forces to annihilate them."

Upon hearing this tactic, Fang Wen was so angry he laughed.

Despite being outnumbered and outmatched, they dared to employ tactics of luring the enemy deep into their territory and then encircling and annihilating them.

This is a Republican-era version of armchair strategizing, utterly reckless.

But he didn't interrupt Captain Gao. Instead, he took out a map and started sketching while listening to Captain Gao's explanation.

"The plan is to deploy a brigade in Zheng Guo Town to prevent the enemy from crossing the Zengjiang River, with a division in Zhipu and a division in Zhongluotan to provide support, a division to be stationed near Fuhe, a brigade east of Taihe, and two other divisions to advance towards Dapu and Zhongxin respectively. A division will be sent to Xiangshui to cut off the Japanese army's retreat route, and the general reserve will be controlled near Shahe."

After a pause, Captain Gao continued, "His exact words were: 'By setting up a bag shape, we can let the enemy into our bag, just like a ball. We can kick it from all sides and break it, achieving our goal of annihilating the enemy between Guang and Zeng.'"

Fang Wen frowned as he looked at the spherical tactical diagram he had drawn.

"If we do it this way, they simply can't withstand the advance of the Japanese mechanized forces. Once the Japanese complete their advance, they will tie down all the troops in the entire rear. This pocket will probably be torn open, and then what will happen to the Japanese troops behind? This is simply ridiculous, it's just helping the Japanese."

Captain Gao replied, "Yes, when we discussed it at the meeting, there was a lot of criticism. Many generals were unwilling to accept this tactical arrangement. In the end, Commander Yu of the Guangdong Garrison Command chose another plan, deploying defenses along the line north of Fuhe, Shiqiao and Shitan on both sides of the Guangzeng Highway to stop the enemy from advancing on Guangzhou and to cover the evacuation of Guangzhou citizens."

Fang Wen saw through the intention of the new plan. The plan was conventional, but it had lost all its sharpness and only sought to hold out for the time being.

It seems that the battle hasn't even started yet, and the generals on that side are already considering retreating.

He asked, "And then what happened?"

Captain Gao sighed, "It was complete chaos. He ordered all units to assemble in the designated area, then notified them to move to Qingyuan and Xinfeng, and then he himself fled north in a panic."

"What? They ran away before even fighting?" Fang Wen couldn't believe it.

"Yes, because the temporary transfer order did not provide clear instructions, the various units had no idea what to do. At that time, the Japanese vanguard of more than 2000 mechanized troops had already advanced towards Guangzhou City along the railway from Shilong, while there was also a large number of aircraft bombing. That afternoon, Zengcheng fell, and the retreating units suffered continuous bombing by the Japanese army, resulting in a large-scale rout."

This is the process of the fall of Guangzhou.

Because of the commander's chaotic command, the battle was lost before it even began, resulting in a complete rout and the loss of Guangzhou.

Fang Wen couldn't help but sigh. These troops had lost their fighting spirit and were far inferior to those during the Battle of Taierzhuang.

He asked, "You've come to me in this state, what is it you really want?"

Captain Gao took out a letter and handed it to Fang Wen: "I know you suffered injustice in Wuhan, but this matter is related to you. You will understand after reading the letter."

Fang Wen took the letter, opened it, and read it.

This letter was written in the name of the Guangzhou Gold Industry Chamber of Commerce.

Fang Wen's father-in-law was a member of the Gold Industry Chamber of Commerce, which is why Fang Wen had dealings with people in the Chamber.

Moreover, the Guangzhou Gold Industry Chamber of Commerce also played a significant role in the subsequent efforts to block Japan in the silver market.

They were all patriotic businessmen, and Fang Wen had a good relationship with them.

Fang Wen read it carefully.

[To my dear brother Fang Wenxian: It has been a long time since we last met, and I have been thinking of you constantly.]

Recently, Guangzhou fell to the enemy, the country was ravaged, and the people were displaced.

Our colleagues hastily fled to avoid disaster, and most of their families were unable to cross the sea to Hong Kong. They could only flee westward in haste, eventually settling in Yangjiang for temporary shelter. Their place of refuge was nothing more than a thatched cottage in a shabby alley, precariously exposed to the wind and rain. The misery they endured was beyond description.

Those who came here with us include many well-to-do families in the city, all of whom were forced to leave their homes by the iron hooves of the Japanese pirates.

Initially, we earnestly requested assistance from the Kuomintang, hoping to pass through Hong Kong to temporarily escape the ravages of war, but we were met with repeated evasions and ultimately received nothing.
He then turned to the Nationalist Air Force, but the result was the same. He spent all his time traveling around, but to no avail.

I recall the battle in BY City, when the Japanese invaders attempted to manipulate the market and wreak havoc on China's economy. We stood shoulder to shoulder with our esteemed brother, working together to resist the foreign enemy, ultimately thwarting their plot and ensuring the stability of China's economy. The events of that time are still vivid in my mind; our esteemed brother's courage and decisiveness are truly admirable.

The situation is critical and there is no way out. Fortunately, we have received help from old friends in the Air Force. Captain Gao has come to visit us.

Knowing that you, my esteemed brother, have a long-cherished wish to help the world and save the people, and that you have a deep friendship with us, I have taken the liberty of asking for your help. I hope you can lend a helping hand to us and our fellow villagers to get to Hong Kong and escape this perilous situation.

If you would so kindly grant our request, it would be a great blessing for us. We would be eternally grateful and repay your kindness with the utmost devotion. I am deeply moved and have much to say.

Best regards! Zhao Jinyi, Guangzhou Gold Industry Chamber of Commerce

This Chairman Zhao was once a scholar who passed the imperial examinations during the Qing Dynasty, and his writing style is somewhat obscure and difficult to understand.

For example, "暌违芝宇" is a rarely used phrase that means that one has not seen the other person for a long time, expressing longing and anticipation for reunion.

The letter essentially stated that due to the fall of Guangzhou, most of their family members were unable to escape to Hong Kong and were forced to relocate southwest, currently seeking refuge in the Yangjiang area. Many wealthy families from Guangzhou also fled to Yangjiang with them. They had originally requested assistance from the Kuomintang to escape to Hong Kong, but all parties declined, leaving them with no choice but to ask a friend in the Air Force, Captain Gao, to specifically request Fang Wen's help.

Fang Wen pondered in his heart.

He will definitely help with this.

The kindness shown to someone in distress is more valuable than anything else. If they encounter difficulties in the future, it will be enough if even a small number of these people remember their kindness.

He looked at Captain Gao and smiled, "Is this the support you were talking about? I agree, but not now. I need to prepare for a day."

Upon hearing Fang Wen's agreement, Captain Gao immediately relaxed: "Okay, use your radio. I'll notify Yangjiang."

After Captain Gao sent the telegram to Yangjiang, he was led by Zhao Junping to the arranged accommodations to rest.

Fang Wen, on the other hand, sent a telegram back to China.

He recalled that after Guangzhou fell, nearly a million people wanted to flee to Hong Kong. Among them were a very special group of people, including scholars and scientists from mainland China.

He wanted to establish contact with the underground Communist Party in Guangdong through Bai Yunfei, and then take the opportunity to send the group of scientists to Hong Kong together.

After the telegram was sent, Bai Yunfei immediately reported the situation to his superiors.

After a while, Fang Wen received a reply.

The telegram included a new communication frequency and time, and the code was a set of codes that Fang Wen already knew.

Since the contact time was 3 p.m., Fang Wen first went to communicate with Captain Gao about the transfer to Hong Kong.

He went to Captain Gao's resting room and discussed things with Captain Gao, who was not asleep.

"They said over there are many people going to fly to Hong Kong?"

“There are quite a few, about 600 people. How much would you like for shipping?” Captain Gao replied.

"Call them back later and tell them that I just want them to remember my kindness," Fang Wen said with a smile.

Captain Gao was surprised, then understood, and gave a thumbs up: "No wonder you've gotten this far, I could never have done it."

Faced with such praise, Fang Wen did not respond, but instead pondered in his heart.

The transfer of 600 people would require at least 30 seaplane flights using ordinary seaplanes.

With the addition of the transport capacity of the transportation experts, it is estimated that there will be even more.

Moreover, it is now estimated that the Japanese Navy has blockaded the waters off Hong Kong, making daytime flights impossible, only nighttime flights are permitted.

In that case, it would probably be impossible to finish in a short time. In addition, the night flight was taking place in an area with heavy Japanese military activity, which Fang Wen felt was too dangerous for ordinary pilots to participate in.

Ultimately, he decided to carry out the transfer operation alone.

As for the aircraft, we'll switch to a newly manufactured, yet-to-be-delivered Pan Am long-haul passenger plane.

With the capacity of the Xuanming-type long-haul seaplane, it can carry 100 people at a time if crowding is not a concern.

After making this decision, he immediately instructed the engineers at Taishan Aircraft Manufacturing Plant No. 1 to begin simple modifications.

The seats and berths of the Xuanming type were temporarily removed to free up more space to accommodate passengers.

In addition, a radio device needs to be installed in the cockpit.

These renovations won't take long; they can be completed in a day.

During this waiting period, Fang Wen also contacted the underground party organization in Guangdong.

The other side replied that they would actively contact the experts stranded in the occupied area and would send a telegram once they had results.

On November 15, Captain Gao, having completed his mission, piloted the plane back to China.

Subsequently, the modified Xuanming-type long-haul seaplane was launched.

Fang Wen piloted the plane into the air alone and used mechanical sensors to check the aircraft and confirm that there were no problems.

8 o'clock at night.

Fang Wen, Gong Xiuneng, Zhao Junping, and ten other armed personnel from Taishan Airlines boarded the plane.

Before takeoff, Fang Wen instructed, "We will be flying twice tonight. Arrange for a maximum of 100 people to board each time. Maintain order and pay attention to safety."

After giving his instructions, Fang Wen went into the cockpit, and Zhao Junping followed.

Gong Xiuneng led the 10 armed personnel in the rear cabin.

After settling into the driver's seat, Fang Wen said, "Contact Yangjiang and ask if there have been any new developments there."

Zhao Junping operated the temporarily installed radio equipment and sent messages according to Fang Wen's instructions.

A while later, Zhao Junping, who had received the reply, reported: "Yangjiang replied, everything is normal."

Fang Wen nodded, started the engine, and controlled the aircraft to accelerate on the water and take off.

The aircraft climbed to an altitude of 3800 meters and flew at a constant speed of 260 kilometers per hour.

The Xuanming-class long-haul seaplane is a large seaplane that is not fast but has a large carrying capacity and long range.

Therefore, this flight, which covers nearly 2000 kilometers, does not require any refueling or resupply.

The only problem is nighttime navigation.

Only Fang Wen could do that.

Fang Wen, in a mechanical sensing state, integrates with the aircraft, easily determining the flight path and direction.

Under the cover of night, the plane flew over Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, and then crossed the Gulf of Tonkin.

Throughout the entire process, the aircraft's course was kept on a straight line.

Time passed slowly, and after nearly seven hours, at 3 a.m., the plane arrived over Yangjiang.

At this point, out of caution, Fang Wen activated his mechanical perception eagle eye to probe below.

From the eagle's perspective, Yangjiang County was shrouded in darkness; every household was asleep, and not a single light was on.

In the southwest of the city, there is a river called the Moyang River, which is the area where the plane will land.

Where exactly did it land?

Fang Wen moved his gaze up and down, continuing to observe.

He was looking for a place called White Turtle Mountain.

They found it very quickly.

(Baigui Mountain and Moyang River)

It's called a mountain, but it's really just a small hill.

There is also a pagoda on the mound.

Near the riverbank, a bonfire was lit.

Fang Wen could see a large group of people sitting around the campfire, waiting.

He said, "Send a telegram to the people below, tell them I've arrived."

Zhao Junping immediately sent a telegram.

There was some minor confusion after the telegram was received.

Then, two rows of small boats on the river lit torches.

This forms two guiding fire lines.

Fang Wen used the fire line as the landing runway, piloted the aircraft to adjust its position, and descended to land.

The huge seaplane landed, creating a huge wave the moment it hit the water. As the plane glided, the waves continued to spray to both sides.

After 400 meters, the aircraft completed its taxiing and deceleration, turned around, and headed towards the west bank of the Moyang River.

The small pier on the riverbank was suddenly filled with people as the seaplane approached.

Gong Xiuneng opened the door, lowered the footboard, and walked onto the dock, followed by 10 armed men.

They were carrying guns, which immediately silenced the surging crowd.

Fang Wen stepped out of the plane and stood on the pier, saying loudly, "Everyone, don't rush. I'm here to take you all to Hong Kong. Not a single one of you will be missing. Now, line up according to the numbers you drew. Numbers 1-100 will go first."

Upon hearing Fang Wen's words, some people came out from the crowd to maintain order, and then people began to line up, holding number plates in their hands, ready to board the plane.

Gong Xiuneng, accompanied by the company's armed security personnel, carefully checked the license plates and allowed them to pass one by one.

When half the group had entered, that is, when there were 60 people, Gong Xiu was able to find two people with the same number.

Holding two slips of paper, both marked with the number 62, he asked, "We already said everyone could go to Hong Kong, why are you doing this? There are two flights tonight, and if you delay, the second flight won't be able to go. The one who falsified the documents, leave now and don't waste everyone's time."

Upon hearing that the second group of passengers would be delayed from boarding, the people in the crowd immediately protested. After a commotion, the imposter left the line and boarded the plane to continue.

At 3:20, all 100 passengers had boarded the plane.

They all sat on the floor, spread across the general passenger area and the sleeper area, filling both cabins to capacity.

Fang Wen picked up the internal broadcast microphone.

"Hello everyone, the plane is about to take off, please be quiet. We will arrive at Yau Ma Tei Pier in fifty minutes."

The passengers in the cabin were filled with anticipation for their new life an hour later.

(End of this chapter)