Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 633 Fang Wen temporarily assumes command; Guangxi Clique Air Force, aerial reconnaissance and operations conference.

Commander Wei of the 31st Army of the Guangxi Clique was extremely anxious. He knew that the current military situation was extremely urgent, and every minute and every second was related to the direction of the battle.

At this moment, Commander Wei developed a deep distrust of his own gunboat squadron commanders, and he desperately needed someone he believed could turn the tide to take control of the air power.

Therefore, he turned his attention to Fang Wen, hoping that Fang Wen could take over the command of the gunboat squadron.

In Commander Wei's view, Fang Wen had rich combat experience and outstanding command ability. Only he could ensure that the Guangxi Army's air power in Nanning could provide timely support to the ground troops during the battle, thus winning a glimmer of hope for this difficult battle.

However, Fang Wen hesitated when faced with Commander Wei's request.

Changing commanders during wartime is a major taboo in the military, and this act often triggers a series of unpredictable problems.

If the commander being replaced has close ties to the unit, it is very likely that problems will arise if one rashly intervenes.

If someone interferes, command and control may be disrupted during the battle, turning a good thing into a bad thing, and even potentially worsening the entire battle situation.

This is a consequence that Fang Wen absolutely does not want to see.

Seeing that Fang Wen did not agree immediately, Commander Wei became somewhat anxious.

"Commander Fang, is there anything you're worried about? Please feel free to speak up."

Fang Wen said tactfully, "I have never operated with your air force before. If we were to hastily assemble, I'm afraid we would not be able to accomplish anything."

"But the pilots in the air force all learned their flying skills at your flight school, and you also taught them. If you become the commander, they will definitely cooperate well."

Seeing that Commander Wei's attitude was resolute.

Fang Wen bluntly stated his thoughts: "I can serve as a temporary commander during wartime, but you must give me exclusive authority, and no one can interfere with my command."

Commander Wei understood.

He slammed his hand on the table: "I'll take you to the air force."

He then took Fang Wen and left the command post, heading to the airport.

The gunboat fleet's seaplane base was located on the riverbank in the southeast of the city.

The four gunships that had just returned from their sortie were being refueled, loaded with ammunition, and underwent maintenance, creating a busy scene.

Commander Wei's military vehicle drove into the airport, and he and Fang Wen got out directly and found the captain of the air force.

"Captain Huang, please stop. I have something to discuss with you."

Captain Huang of the air force, who was conducting an inspection, walked over and saluted Commander Wei: "Commander."

He then looked at Fang Wen and smiled, "Commander Fang is here."

Fang Wen nodded. He had known Captain Huang before, but only when the air force was first established that they had a meal together.

Commander Wei stated his purpose directly. "I'm here to discuss something important with you. The Japanese army is about to besiege the city, and our army urgently needs air support. My idea is to have Fang Wen take over command of the air force from you."

Upon hearing this, Captain Huang's expression changed.

"Commander, I am not subordinate to your 31st Army. I am only assisting the 31st Army on the orders of the Commander. By what right do you deprive me of command?"

Things turned out to be just as Fang Wen had thought; it seems that taking over the air force is not an easy task.

Fang Wen neither participated nor spoke; at this moment, he could only observe and wait.

Seeing Captain Huang's reaction, Commander Wei snorted coldly.

"Then tell me, what kind of air support have you provided us these past few days? I need you to coordinate with the troops in the offensive, but you always choose to fight on long routes. When we really need your fire support, you're nowhere to be seen."

He became increasingly angry as he spoke, his words laced with local swearing.

Captain Huang's face was grim.

"We only have a few planes, and they're gunship planes, which are meant for auxiliary operations. How can you expect us to fight the Japanese planes head-on?"

“If you can’t do it, let Commander Fang take over. I think he can.”

The two were arguing loudly, and the pilots heard it, but because of their rank difference, none of them dared to say a word.

Fang Wen saw this and understood the reason.

After all, these gunboats and aircraft represent the core assets of the Guangxi clique, and they probably don't want to lose them all in the defense of Nanning.

However, without air support, the Nanning crisis would likely have ended in the same way as in history, with the city falling to the Japanese army.

What's the point of me coming here then?

Fang Wen, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.

"Commander Wei, Captain Huang, please don't argue. I'd like to share some personal opinions."

Over the years, Fang Wen has become a highly authoritative figure in the Air Force field.

Immediately, the two stopped arguing and looked at Fang Wen.

After organizing his thoughts, Fang Wen said, "The gunships of the air force are slow and less maneuverable than Japanese fighters. Even with their high defensive capabilities, they are still difficult to outmaneuver Japanese fighters. I understand Captain Huang's operational intentions: avoid their main force and attack from the flanks."

These words eased Captain Huang's expression.

Fang Wen continued, "However, I have fought against the Japanese army for a long time and have some personal insights that I am willing to use in the command of this operation. Perhaps it can contribute to the defense of Nanning. Here's what I'll do: I guarantee with my Taishan military work that if any aircraft in the air force are lost under my command, I can compensate for the loss and replace them with new ones."

After hearing this, Captain Huang had no reason to refute it.

Nuonuo replied, "I know Commander Fang's capabilities. Since you put it that way, I'll take the gamble and report to the higher-ups immediately. I think the Commander will agree."

Fang Wen nodded, "Don't rush, let me talk to the pilots."

He looked at the pilots in the air force and called out loudly.

"I, Fang, took on the heavy responsibility of commanding this operation solely for the safety of Guinan. Let me be frank: the battlefield is ruthless, and I cannot guarantee your safety. On the battlefield, life and death are determined by fate; you must be prepared. So, are you willing to fight alongside me?"

The pilots' emotions were instantly stirred.

Reply loudly.

"willing."

"It is our honor to fight alongside Mr. Fang."

"Protecting our home is everyone's responsibility. What does it matter if a true man dies?"

With morale high, Fang Wen nodded and turned to talk to Captain Huang.

"Alright, go and send a telegram to the commander. I'll take over temporary command."

At this point, Captain Huang realized he couldn't compete with Fang Wen for command, so he sent a telegram to the commander from the airport.

After a while, a telegram arrived, and Captain Huang came over with the telegram paper.

"Commander Fang, from now on you are the commander of the air force, and I will be your assistant, responsible for airport and ground support management."

Fang Wen extended his hand to shake hands with Captain Huang: "It's a pleasure to work with you."

The two smiled at each other, and there was no more conflict.

Commander Wei was relieved: "That's good. Commander Fang, what's the next step?"

Fang Wen's expression was serious: "I still don't know much about the current military situation, so I can't say anything recklessly. How about this, I'll conduct military reconnaissance in my fighter jet first, and then we'll discuss how to coordinate the operation."

"That's true, then I'll head back now. I'll be waiting for your good news, so please hurry!"

After Commander Wei finished speaking, he hurriedly left the seaplane base and returned to the command post to take charge. After Commander Wei left, Fang Wen immediately summoned Captain Huang and the air force pilots to discuss the matter in the barracks inside the airport.

“The Japanese army has advanced to the Liangqing area. I need to personally investigate their troop deployment, armored vehicle positions, and anti-aircraft fire points so that I can formulate a precise support plan.” Fang Wen drew his finger across the Yongjiang River on the map. “The Qinyuan is more maneuverable than gunboats and is suitable for reconnaissance on its own. You stay at the airport and prepare. We will formulate the battle plan when I return.”

Captain Huang handed Fang Wen a military map of the Nanning area and said with concern, "Commander Fang, the Japanese have a lot of warplanes. Be careful when you are traveling alone."

"Don't worry, I'll be careful. Let's proceed according to plan now."

After Fang Wen finished speaking, he accepted the military map, took Gong Xiuneng, and got into the military vehicle that Commander Wei had left for him, driving towards the land-based airport in the east of the city.

The airport there used to house the Guangxi Air Force a few years ago, which consisted of biplanes. Later, it was incorporated into the National Air Force, so planes don't often land there anymore, but routine maintenance is still being carried out.

Fang Wen's Qinyuan was the only plane at this airport.

To this end, the 31st Army also sent a platoon of soldiers to guard the aircraft.

The car stopped at the parking area, and Fang Wen got out.

The soldier standing guard by the plane stood at attention and saluted: "Commander Fang, no one has touched the plane during this period of time."

Fang Wen nodded and instructed Gong Xiuneng beside him, "You stay here and wait for me."

He then climbed up the rope ladder onto the plane, sat down, and started the engine.

Amidst the roar of the engines, Fang Wen used his supernatural abilities to check the condition of the aircraft.

Everything is fine, there are no problems.

He then maneuvered the plane away from the parking area and accelerated onto the runway for takeoff.

After takeoff, the plane flew directly towards Liangqing.

Soon, he arrived at the front lines of the battle.

Fang Wen spread out a military map with one hand, using his supernatural ability to observe the situation below while marking it on the map.

The Japanese army in the central route has captured Nanxiao Town, and a large number of Japanese troops are stationed in the town.

Fighting is still taking place in the nearby village of Daman.

Meanwhile, Japanese troops on both sides were also engaged in firefights with the 31st Army in different areas.

Fang Wen not only observed the battle below, but also redrawn the Japanese army's marching route on the map.

After doing all this, he did not return, but instead headed towards Qinzhou Bay.

Next, we need to investigate the situation of Japanese warplanes.

The plane climbed to an altitude of 8000 meters and flew over Qinzhou Bay.

Feedback was detected in the radar target acquisition system.

There are traces of aircraft in the southeast direction.

Following this trail, Fang Wen flew over the enemy plane.

He soon discovered the origin of the Japanese warplanes.

It's not the airport on Weizhou Island.

Instead, it's an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin.

The Kaga.

The entire fleet was also guarding the aircraft carrier.

Clearly, after the sinking of the aircraft carrier Hosho, the Japanese Navy has significantly strengthened its defenses against aircraft carriers.

In addition to the aircraft carrier's fighter jets, there were also fighter jets flying in from the direction of Sanya.

The warplanes that took off from these two locations were taking turns bombing the Nationalist army in the Nanning area.

The Guangxi clique, however, lacked air protection and could only fight the Japanese army under air raids.

After reading this, Fang Wen piloted the plane back to base.

At an altitude of 8000 meters, the speed can only be maintained at 490 kilometers per hour.

However, it also allowed them to effectively evade Japanese warplanes.

Therefore, no problems occurred during the return journey.

After the plane landed at the airport, Fang Wen was thinking about something.

The Qinyuan can only take off from here, and I also have to command the gunboats of the air force. Running back and forth is too troublesome.

This is also not conducive to future actions.

It seems we need to add some communication capabilities to the gunboats of the Guangxi Air Force.

He took out four walkie-talkies from the back seat and got into the car with Gong Xiuneng.

The first place they had to go was not the seaplane base, but the headquarters of the 31st Army.

The car stopped inside the command center, and Fang Wen got out directly.

Commander Wei's adjutant came to greet him: "Please come with me. The commander is holding a wartime meeting and he wants you to attend."

The wartime meeting was held in the church hall.

A dozen or so officers from the Guangxi clique surrounded the sand table, some with furrowed brows, others arguing incessantly. The sand table was covered with small red and blue flags representing the Japanese and Guangxi armies, with the flags from Liangqing and Pumiao areas densely packed together, clearly indicating the current focus of the fierce battle.

Upon seeing Fang Wen, Commander Wei immediately halted the meeting and strode forward: "Commander Fang, what are the results of the reconnaissance?"

Fang Wen walked to the sand table, picked up a Japanese insignia, and stuck it in an unmarked spot. He then explained the reconnaissance situation: "Let me tell you what I saw after aerial reconnaissance. The 21st Brigade of the 5th Division of the Japanese Army has captured Nanxiao Town and has about 3000 troops stationed there. They are equipped with 15 Type 95 tanks and 12 mortars and are currently launching a fierce attack on Daman Village."

That was the last line of defense outside Nanning. If Daman Village fell, the Japanese army could reach the city of Nanning in half a day.

One division commander couldn't help but say, "Daman Village is currently only defended by our regiment, and our equipment is poor. How can we withstand a Japanese brigade and tanks? We need to send reinforcements immediately!"

"Reinforcements? Where can we get reinforcements?" Another officer smiled bitterly. "The main force of our 31st Army is engaged in blocking the Japanese army, and the remaining troops are to defend Nanning City. We simply can't spare any men!"

Fang Wen and the others quieted down and continued, "Besides the central route, the Japanese left flank, the Oikawa Detachment, has advanced to Nachen Town, and the right flank, the Nakamura Detachment, after occupying Xiaodong, is moving towards Wuwei, attempting to flank Nanning. What's more troublesome is that the Japanese air support comes from two places—the aircraft carrier 'Kaga' in the Beibu Gulf and Sanya Airport, which frequently launches fighter jets to bomb our positions in turn every day."

These aerial reconnaissance intelligence reports not only included existing information but also some Japanese troop movements that the 31st Army was unaware of.

It provided valuable real-time intelligence for the operational conference.

Commander Wei pointed at the sand table: "So what should we do? We can't just sit here and wait to die! Commander Fang, since you've figured out the Japanese deployment, you must have a plan. Tell me your ideas!"

Fang Wen replied, "Currently, the enemy is stronger than us, and the Japanese army has launched a three-pronged attack, making it difficult for our army to defend. I think that instead of passively defending, we should take the initiative to attack. With the combined efforts of gunboats, aircraft, and ground troops, we can annihilate the Japanese forces in this area."

He was pointing in the direction of a point on the south bank of the Yong River.

There was a Japanese special forces unit there, which had actually advanced to such close range.

If they are allowed to gain a foothold, they will inevitably create a deep entanglement, which will be extremely disadvantageous to the 31st Army.

But it was precisely because they were isolated and deep in enemy territory that the 31st Army had the opportunity to annihilate them.

If successful, it would have a tremendous impact on the morale of the Japanese army.

(End of this chapter)