Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 314: After bombing the howitzer positions, a three-day rest period followed by the appearance of Japanese spies.
New support mission: Air strike on artillery positions outside Wusong Town.

However, the location of the enemy artillery positions is unknown.

Even so, Fang Wen accepted the support mission and immediately planted the bomb and laid out the action plan.

After arranging the four-man bombing squadron, he took out a self-made hand-drawn map.

This is a map recorded during previous battles, based on observations of the Wusong battlefield using mechanical sensors.

(Partial schematic diagram of the Wusong war zone)

On this map, the Huangpu River is the landing operation zone, with the Wusong Railway Wharf as the key combat area.

The National Army deployed fortifications in the rear area, while large areas of civilian housing in the middle had been destroyed by air raids and naval artillery fire.

Japanese artillery positions could not possibly be located on this side.

That means troops that landed from other directions, either to the north or west of Wusong Town.

Therefore, the bombing formation's flight path was to fly over Wusong Town and search north and west.

He explained this assessment to the pilots to facilitate better coordination during the operation. After giving the instructions, Fang Wen requested a two-hour rest before departing in the afternoon.

During the two-hour break, the pilots stayed in the hangar, waiting.

Having experienced numerous aerial battles, they no longer possessed the same excitement as before, and were instead able to face the upcoming battle with greater calm.

In other words, Zhai Xiaojun was somewhat uncertain about the bombing, since his bombing accuracy had never been high, and he was worried that mistakes might occur during the bombing and affect the operation.

Fang Wen patiently communicated with Zhai Xiaojun, explaining that the bombing hit rate he mentioned was actually low because he was too strict with himself; compared to other pilots, his performance was already quite good.

However, in order to ensure the hit rate, Fang Wen still discussed the strategy of coordinated bombing with him.

In other words, Zhai Xiaojun was notified in advance via coded telegram before the bombing. Then the two aircraft entered a coordinated state. Zhai Xiaojun's aircraft followed Fang Wen's aircraft, maintaining a distance of 500 meters. The two aircraft flew at a constant speed. After receiving Fang Wen's coded bombing order, Zhai Xiaojun followed behind Fang Wen and they dived to drop bombs together.

In that case, if Fang Wen hits the target, Zhai Xiaojun will most likely hit it as well.

This strategy made Zhai Xiaojun feel much more relaxed and waited patiently.

Two hours later, the four men got up, boarded their respective fighter jets, and took off into the sky one after another.

Because this trip was for a specific mission, secrecy was paramount. After takeoff, the plane flew towards Hangzhou Bay to create the illusion of a routine patrol.

After leaving the airspace of HZ City, the four aircraft immediately climbed to an altitude of 5000 meters.

At this altitude, the aircraft can be concealed, avoiding detection by ground observation posts and spies.

But less than 60 kilometers from Shanghai, Fang Wen discovered a problem.

Following previous air battles, the Japanese air force had adjusted its tactics.

Although they were still fighting squadrons of three or five aircraft, they were at different altitudes.

There are two levels, 3000 meters and 4000 meters, which makes air combat more three-dimensional.

Clearly, they made the adjustments after being amazed by Fang Wen's Taishan team's stunning performance.

Although this adjustment was of little use, Fang Wen was still confident that he could handle it. However, this time the operation was to be carried out covertly, and the Japanese air force could not be detected in advance.

Therefore, he issued a secret telegram ordering the bombing formation to continue climbing to 6000 meters.

5000-7000 meters is currently the upper limit for the takeoff of fighter jets, whether biplanes or monoplanes.

This is because at this altitude, the air is relatively thin, and during long-term flight, the mechanical fuel injection system of the piston engine is likely to experience reduced fuel atomization.

Fang Wen dared to fly higher because he had conducted experiments at altitudes of 6000-7000 meters on the fighter jets he modified. The modified jets were capable of flying at such extreme altitudes for a relatively long time, although the speed would be slightly reduced.

The Japanese warplanes engaged in aerial combat primarily targeted the ground and the nearby Nationalist Air Force, and would never fly at extreme altitudes. They also did not expect that four Chinese warplanes would fly overhead at such an altitude.

If the bombing formation, in a state of silence in the air, quickly flew over Wusong.

Below is the area outside Wusong Town. To locate the Japanese artillery positions, the search must be conducted at a lower altitude.

Fang Wen used radar to scan the area, and found no enemy aircraft in the airspace.

He ordered the team to descend, and four fighter jets emerged from the clouds, circling and flying over the area north of Wusong Town.

This area has not been extensively developed; it consists of farmland, a few houses, groves, and ponds.

Fang Wen used mechanical sensing to observe the ground.

His new eagle-eye ability allowed him to see more clearly and in greater detail.

There are multiple groups of Japanese troops operating in this area, with an estimated number of around 1000.

It should be an infantry battalion, divided into multiple groups, searching for Nationalist Army targets outside Wusong Town.

No, Fang Wen dismissed that judgment.

It is more likely that it was to protect the artillery regiment and to coordinate with its operations.

They were supposed to act as the eyes of the artillery regiment, providing it with specific artillery coordinates, and then coordinate with each other to try to tear a hole on this side with the assistance of artillery fire.

In that case, the artillery positions should be located further away.

Fang Wen shifted mechanical perception further north.

A moment later, he discovered the problem 5 kilometers north of Wusong Town.

There was a destroyed courtyard there.

It appears to cover a large area and should belong to the landowner, but it has now been destroyed by artillery fire.

Near the houses, there was a large open space where cannons were placed, and many Japanese soldiers were busy working around them.

Clearly, they thought this place was safe and didn't even bother with disguises, which allowed Fang Wen to find them easily.

Fang Wen used his knowledge of Japanese military equipment to observe the artillery configuration of this artillery position.

Five Type 5 75mm mountain guns, which are old cannons from the Meiji period.

This cannon can fire small-caliber grenades with a range of 6000 meters.

Two Type 2 howitzers, a new type of gun produced 30 years after technology was purchased from France, also 75mm in diameter.

They also purchased three Type 3 howitzers, 75mm caliber, from Germany under license.

There are a total of 10 guns, all of which are 75mm caliber medium-range howitzers, but there are 3 different models.

However, if all 10 howitzers were to fire simultaneously, it would still cause significant damage to the flanks of the defensive line.

No wonder the frontline troops were so eager to take down this artillery position.

However, they couldn't get through the Japanese infantry battalion's defenses, so they couldn't break through and had to ask Fang Wen for help.

Now that the target has been identified, the immediate course of action is to bomb it.

He gave the order for Du Jiahuai and Shao Deqing to spread out on both wings to provide escort, while he and Zhai Xiaojun began to fly in coordination.

Then began the pre-bombing assessment.

The environment is great today, sunny and calm with little wind resistance.

Taking into account factors such as altitude, wind resistance, and the inertial flight of the bomb, Fang Wen made a judgment.

He gave Zhai Xiaojun the order to prepare, and the two planes turned and adjusted their angles. Then, they suddenly descended and dove down. The shadow in the sky was finally spotted by the Japanese soldiers at the artillery position.

They shouted in panic, some reporting to their superiors, others fetching weapons.

But it was too late.

The Shrike dropped its bombs first, then climbed away, followed by the Il-16, which also dropped its bombs and flew away.

Four 50-kilogram aerial bombs fell from a height of several hundred meters and crashed onto the artillery position.

These were bombs modified from 150mm howitzers, and they exploded one after another on this small, flat area less than 300 meters wide.

A huge explosion was heard, and a superimposed mushroom cloud rose into the sky.

But this was not the end; a series of explosions followed.

That was the artillery shells placed on the position that had been detonated.

Smoke billowed into the air, enveloping the artillery positions and completely obscuring the situation within.

Fang Wen, who had already reached high altitude, did not immediately return to base; he needed to confirm the bombing's effectiveness.

The bombing formation then circled over the artillery positions.

It seemed as if the heavens were helping Fang Wen; a sea breeze blew in, dispersing the smoke and revealing the scene below.

A large crater appeared centered on the artillery position, and the original artillery position was no longer there.

The scorched earth inside the pit was littered with scattered artillery parts and corpses, as well as wounded survivors struggling in agony.

Outside the pit, the shockwave knocked down the surrounding trees, making the already damaged courtyard even more dilapidated.

With a calm mind, Fang Wen confirmed that the target had been eliminated and issued a return command. The flight team took off to an altitude of 6000 meters and flew towards Hangzhou.

Shortly after they left, a squadron of Japanese planes flew in from the sea. After discovering that the artillery positions had been destroyed, they immediately began searching for the attackers.

However, lacking advanced electronic radar equipment, they could only search aimlessly over the Wusong war zone like headless flies.

They concealed themselves at high altitude and returned without encountering any threats along the way.

Four fighter jets landed at Jianqiao Airport.

However, after the plane landed, Fang Wen clearly noticed that the three pilots were somewhat unwell.

Clearly, their bodies were taking a toll flying at an altitude of 6000 meters for so long.

It's still because of the pressurized cabin; without that kind of technology, but still wanting operational safety, we can only pay a price.

Fang Wen felt sorry for the pilots. He carefully inquired about their situation and asked them to rest temporarily and not to conduct training or fly.

After making these arrangements, Fang Wen went to the airport telegraph office alone.

There, he instructed a telegraph operator to send a message to Nanjing.

"Tell Captain Gao that during this operation, a Japanese artillery position with 10 cannons and 1000 infantrymen was discovered 5 kilometers north of Wusong Town. It has already been bombed and the artillery position has been completely destroyed."

The telegraph operator stopped recording in surprise and asked, "What does 'complete destruction' mean?"

"All 10 artillery pieces were destroyed, and 90% of the personnel at the artillery position were killed or wounded," Fang Wen replied calmly. Having experienced more, his heart had gradually hardened, and he was no longer the same as he was five years ago.

The telegraph operator clicked his tongue in amazement. Was this the power of an ace pilot?

With a single move, they wiped out the entire artillery position.

He was about to send the telegram to Nanjing when Fang Wen stopped him.

"Wait, let me add something. Due to the high-intensity flight operations, the pilots of the 1st Aviation Battalion of the Taishan Independent Regiment are physically and mentally exhausted and request two days of rest."

These contents were sent to Nanjing by the telegraph operator without missing a single word.

There wouldn't be a reply immediately, Fang Wen told him he was in his dormitory and then left.

Back in the dormitory, Fang Wen inquired about the three pilots and then used the phone installed in the dormitory by the airport to call the Hangzhou office of Taishan Airlines.

Sun Debiao answered the phone: "Hello, who is this?"

"It's me. Is Sun Yehua, the traditional Chinese medicine doctor you called last time, still in Hangzhou?"

"General Manager, he's still here. What's going on?"

"Just like last time, the high-intensity flight has caused some damage to the pilot's body, so I want him to come and take a look."

"Okay, I'll bring him over right away."

The phone hangs up.

Fang Wen lay on the bed with his eyes closed, resting.

Half an hour later, Sun Debiao arrived at the gate with his men. Fang Wen, having received instructions from the guards, directly called them to let them in.

A moment later, Sun Debiao brought over Sun Yehua, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and they conducted a series of diagnostic methods, including observation, listening, questioning, and palpation.

At that moment, the telegraph operator arrived with a reply.

Fang Wen glanced at the telegram.

[Commander Fang has achieved another victory, which greatly pleases Gao. However, I have also heard that your pilots are not feeling well. Indeed, the fighting has been too intense these past few days. Other air squadrons have rotations, but you have had to go through each battle unscathed. You need to rest for a while. There will be no need for assistance for the next three days. Take good care of yourself.]

After reading the telegram, Fang Wen felt relieved. Although the two battles were won easily, they were not simple in reality. The sky was full of Japanese warplanes, and he often had to keep his mechanical perception active for a long time, which was a great drain on him.

Unlike during the Spanish Civil War, when the Asian Air Force had a smooth run, fighting guerrilla warfare outside the main combat zone the whole time, the pressure now is extraordinary.

Even he felt very exhausted and needed to rest.

After the telegraph operator left, the inspection on the other side was also completed.

Sun Yehua gave a diagnosis.

"The pilot was soaring through the sky, experiencing extreme speed and drastic changes in air pressure at high altitudes, which caused physical damage, resulting in mental and physical impairment and minor internal bleeding."

When examining Mr. Sun's case, one should carefully observe his symptoms in order to diagnose and treat him accordingly.

Observing the expressions of the three individuals, one might see fatigue and a dull gaze, signs of mental and emotional damage; or a slightly dark complexion, pale lips and tongue, or petechiae, signs of internal bleeding. Palpating their pulse might reveal a wiry and hesitant pulse, with a wiry pulse indicating internal liver wind and a hesitant pulse indicating poor blood circulation and internal blood stasis.

The cause of this illness is attributed to the sudden change in air pressure during high-altitude flight, which disrupts the balance of Qi and blood, obstructs the meridians, and leads to nerve damage, causing blood to leak out instead of circulating properly. Treatment should focus on harmonizing Qi and blood and clearing the meridians.

Formulas that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, unblock the meridians, and relieve pain can be selected, such as peach kernel, safflower, red peony root, and chuanxiong rhizome, to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis; combined with angelica, white peony root, and prepared rehmannia root, to nourish blood and regulate the body; and further supplemented with gastrodia, uncaria, and scorpion, to calm the liver, extinguish wind, unblock the meridians, and relieve pain.

However, this is only a general treatment method. The specific treatment should be determined based on the patient's constitution, the severity of the condition, and the presence or absence of concurrent symptoms. Physicians should proceed with caution and flexibility in order to achieve a speedy recovery.

In addition, pilots should pay attention to their health before and after flights, avoiding wind and cold, being mindful of their daily routines, and moderating their diet to nourish their vital energy and prevent potential illnesses from developing. In this way, flight-related illnesses may be alleviated or even avoided.

After hearing what he said, Fang Wen was still a little skeptical, but looking at the prescriptions, which were mainly for nourishing and conditioning, he figured there shouldn't be any problems.

He then asked Sun Yehua to prepare the medicine according to the prescription, which Sun Debiao then retrieved and brewed at the airport.

Immediately afterwards, Sun Debiao and his companion drove away and returned to the pharmacy.

Just as Sun Debiao's car drove out of the airport and into the city of HZ, a black sedan quietly drove out and followed behind.

Clearly, the Japanese spies have finally shown themselves.

(End of this chapter)