Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 325: 324 Gunships, Aircraft, Tanks, and Ground Forces Joint Offensive; Taishan Pine Tank vs. Japanese Type 95 Tank
The first round of air support from the Taishan Independent Regiment has ended in the defense of Dezhou City.

This round of air strikes caught the Japanese regiment off guard, not only halting their offensive but also annihilating their artillery units.

The 29th Army and the local security forces in Dezhou were also taken aback by the fierce attack.

In particular, the soldiers and officers of the 29th Army, who had been under constant attack by the Japanese army since July, had never felt the joy of strong firepower support as they did today.

Watching the Japanese army retreat, cheers erupted from the city walls, and the news spread throughout Dezhou City.

For a time, the city's residents, who had been filled with anxiety, finally found some solace.

Then, as they watched the four gunships flying overhead as they returned to refuel and reload, they waved and shouted in unison to express their gratitude.

This was probably the first time in the many years of civil war during the Republic of China that an army with superior equipment had appeared, giving the soldiers and civilians in the city a different feeling.

In response, the county magistrate of Dezhou and officers of the 29th Army stationed in Dezhou had a heartfelt conversation.

"If the National Army had such equipment, dealing with the Japanese wouldn't be too difficult."

The officer watched enviously as the four gunboats sailed away.

"Forget about it. We're lucky to even have our full pay. This kind of equipment is beyond our reach. Even the two German-equipped divisions built by the Nationalist government can't compare to the Taishan Independent Regiment in terms of equipment."

"Why is that? Is it possible that even with the entire wealth of China, we can't afford such military equipment, yet a big businessman can?" The county magistrate's words carried a hint of sarcasm.

The officer dared to speak his mind: "Don't provoke me. If half of the government's military funding were actually used, it wouldn't be in this state today. It's been skimmed off layer by layer from top to bottom, and by the time it reaches the real purpose, there's hardly anything left. Unlike that other guy, who, although a wealthy merchant, was willing to use his entire fortune to build an army to fight the Japanese. Not a single penny was embezzled; it was all used effectively."

Of course, what this officer said was just the general perception of Fang Wen and Taishan Airlines, but he didn't know how much effort Fang Wen had put in to get to where he is now.

A complete aviation system, laying the foundation for civil aviation operations, aircraft assembly and manufacturing plants, recruitment and training of technical personnel, important alloy materials and engine inventory, oil refineries, aviation oil inventory, as well as various connections, weapons and ammunition production and reserve resources.

It can be said that Fang Wen is following the path of a future-oriented, modern, mechanized elite force, which involves huge costs and preparations, and produces results far exceeding those of ordinary armies.

Moreover, what the soldiers and civilians in Dezhou City saw was only the prelude to the Taishan Independent Regiment; there was more to come.

The gunboat squadron returned to port, while the 100 ground troops who had entered the city began preparations for war.

One of the communications soldiers took out a radio from his backpack and contacted Commander Fang Wen.

At this moment, Fang Wen is piloting a gunboat. The high-powered radio installed in the aircraft is in operation, and the communications officer is operating the equipment nervously to communicate with various departments and understand the situation.

He then reported to Fang Wen.

"Commander, the 1st Company of the 3rd Battalion in Dezhou City reports that they are in position and awaiting orders. The tank company of the 3rd Battalion has arrived in Pingyuan County and is 30 kilometers away. They are expected to arrive in Dezhou City in one hour."

Fang Wen nodded. This was a completely new combat mode, which involved building a central radio station inside the gunships and aircraft to maintain constant contact with ground troops and form a three-dimensional air-ground offensive and defensive architecture.

Just like future early warning aircraft serving as airborne command centers.

He issued an order: "Inform the 1st Company of the 3rd Battalion to send men to the Pingyuan County area to meet up with the tank company. At the same time, notify the tank company to pay attention to the personnel leading the way. Both units must complete their assembly in Dezhou City within one hour. Subsequent combat operations will await further instructions."

His orders were noted down by the communications officer and transmitted via radio waves to the 1st Company of the 3rd Battalion and the tank company.

Upon receiving the order, the company dispatched a ten-man squad, led by a guide from the Texas Security Force, to search for the area south of Plains County.

The two sides met up half an hour later, and then a ten-person escort team climbed onto both sides of the tank and headed to Texas City with the tank company.

Another half hour passed, and two Taishan Pine medium tanks arrived and drove into the city.

The whole city was immediately in an uproar.

Especially the officers and soldiers of the 29th Army.

They had seen Japanese tanks before. Although both were called medium tanks, the Japanese Type 89 medium tank was no match for the Taishan Pine.

It was one-third smaller in size, much shorter, and even had a larger main gun caliber than the Japanese medium tanks.

The Type 95 light tank, the mainstream tank of the Japanese army on the battlefield today, is no match for the Taishan pine.

The nearly three-meter-tall tank, driving through the city, was very imposing and made the soldiers and civilians in the city feel safe.

The garrison officer who came to greet them couldn't help but whisper to the county magistrate: "We are still too superficial. The Taishan Independent Regiment has more than just airplanes. Look at this big guy. If it were on the battlefield, I don't think the Japanese would be able to handle it."

The county magistrate stared blankly at the Taishan Pine Tank: "What a great thing! I reckon a gun can't penetrate it. If I had ten of these tanks in Dezhou, I wouldn't be afraid of any number of Japanese soldiers."

Their conversation made no mention of the Taishan Independent Regiment's tactical arrangements, as their knowledge of warfare was simply insufficient to conceive of how the upcoming battle would unfold.

Jinan Water Airport.

Four gunboats landed and docked.

Airport ground staff busily began refueling the aircraft and performing temporary maintenance.

Under their inspection, the 8mm armor plate on the outside of the aircraft was undamaged except for some bullet holes.

Some of these bullet marks were left during the defense of Shanghai, while others were caused by ground troops attacking during firefights outside Dezhou. However, without large-caliber anti-aircraft weapons, they could not penetrate the protection of the gunboats and aircraft.

While the ground crew was conducting inspections, the gunboat aircraft crews were also moving ammunition and supplies.

Everything is in preparation for the upcoming battle.

Fang Wen, as the operation commander, communicated with the Texas City side via the airborne radio.

He contacted the communications soldier of the 1st Company of the 3rd Battalion, and through the communications soldier, established real-time contact with the garrison in Dezhou.

With this communication method, both sides exchanged ideas and formulated a battle plan.

That is to take advantage of the Japanese army's retreat to a distance of 10 kilometers to rest and regroup, and launch a surprise attack.

After the plan was finalized, Fang Wen immediately convened a pre-battle meeting with the crew of the gunboat squadron.

With a serious expression, he said, "Today's operation went smoothly, and we wiped out the Japanese artillery at the front. However, after this air raid, the Japanese at the front will probably report to Tianjin. Tianjin is nearly 200 kilometers from Dezhou, and Japanese warplanes are likely to intercept us in the following operations. Therefore, we must not be complacent just because the Japanese have no anti-aircraft firepower. There will be more variables in the upcoming battles. Therefore, I have decided that the next operation will be escorted by fighter squadrons. Pan Jiafeng, you go and pilot my Shrike to participate in the escort."

This operation required fighter escort, but because Fang Wen needed to take overall command through the central radio of the gunboat, he gave up piloting the Shrike and instead had his apprentice take his place along with three pilots from Jinan Airport to provide escort.

Pan Jiafeng had flown the modified Shrike with his master and could handle it, but he had never been in actual combat. With Fang Wen's consent, he was happy to accept the flight mission.

Fang Wen was still a little worried and gave special instructions: "You and Du Jiahuai are in the same team. Du Jiahuai is the lead pilot and you are the wingman. Everything should be based on joint operations. You must not act alone. Also, don't think that you have a talent for flying. All the pilots in the First Aviation Battalion have experienced many air battles. You should learn from them and never be arrogant."

Pan Jiafeng nodded vigorously: "Master, I understand. In real air combat, there is no room for carelessness. Don't worry, I will definitely cooperate well with Du Jiahuai."

Immediately afterwards, Fang Wen stayed behind to oversee the gunboat squadron, while Pan Jiafeng left the seaplane base and returned to Jinan Airport, where he and three pilots who were recuperating at the airport, Du Jiahuai, Shao Deqing, and Zhai Xiaojun, prepared to depart with the gunboat squadron.

February 10 at 4pm.

Inside the west gate of Dezhou City, more than 900 soldiers from the 29th Army and the Security Regiment gathered.

There were also 100 soldiers from the 1st Company, 3rd Battalion of the Taishan Independent Regiment, and two Taishan Pine Tanks.

As the city gates opened, two Taishan Pine tanks led the way, followed by 100 soldiers from the Independent Regiment, and then more than 900 soldiers from the 29th Army and the Security Regiment who were also going into battle.

This attack can be said to be the boldest decision ever made by the officers of the 29th Army stationed in Dezhou and the county magistrate of Dezhou. It was a choice made only after seeing the gunboats, aircraft and tanks.

They set off for the Japanese army's temporary assembly point 10 kilometers away, expecting to arrive in an hour.

Meanwhile, in Jinan to the south, taking into account the aircraft's speed, the flight didn't take off until 3:30 PM. Four gunship aircraft took off first, followed by four fighter jets from Jinan Airport, two on each side, which reduced their speed to escort the gunship aircraft formation.

The formation of eight aircraft flew at a speed of over 200 kilometers per hour to Texas and met up with ground troops 9 kilometers north of Texas city 30 minutes later.

At this moment, Fang Wen, who had activated his mechanical senses, was the brain of this battle, and he immediately began to command the overall situation in the war zone.

More than 4000 Japanese troops were temporarily stationed in a village 1 kilometer away from our ground forces.

The villagers had long since fled, and the 4000-strong army crowded into the small village, ruining all the usable food.

This situation, with the enemy concentrated, is very advantageous for the attack of the gunboat squadron, but will Japanese aircraft come to patrol and guard this area?
Fang Wen used the radar detection device installed on the gunboat to observe the north.

Some feedback has emerged, indicating that the distance is approximately 150 kilometers, likely Japanese Army Air Force fighter planes that flew in from Tianjin after receiving the request.

Based on the speed of the Japanese warplanes, they will arrive in twenty minutes.

This twenty-minute gap is the best time to attack.

Therefore, Fang Wen immediately instructed the communications officer to issue orders to the ground troops.

"Notify the ground to immediately advance to a 15-degree northwest direction and arrive within 10 minutes to launch the attack after the airstrike begins."

The telegram was received by the radio inside the Taishan Pine tank, and the loader in charge of the radio immediately pushed open the top cover and crawled out.

"The commander has ordered us to immediately proceed in a 15-degree northwest direction, arrive within 10 minutes, and launch an attack in coordination with the air strike."

This order was immediately relayed to the troops behind it.

The officers of the 29th Army who came with the troops had no objection to this, and the entire attacking force immediately began to accelerate its march.

A marching distance of 1000 meters can be covered in 10 minutes without difficulty.

After a brisk jog, the team arrived outside the village in 6 minutes.

Their appearance attracted the attention of the Japanese troops in the village, causing some chaos in the Japanese regiment, which then dispatched tanks and infantry to launch an attack.

Faced with the Japanese army's proactive attack, the soldiers of the 29th Army and the Security Regiment were somewhat nervous.

After all, their opponents outnumbered them four to one and were also very strong in morale. Meanwhile, they were already quite demoralized after a series of defeats in the North China campaign. If it weren't for the performance of the Taishan Independent Regiment, they would not have dared to take the initiative to go out of the city to fight these Japanese troops.

Therefore, whether they can fight the Japanese army in the next battle depends on the performance of the Taishan Independent Regiment.

Two tanks from the tank company took the initiative to meet them.

The two tanks positioned their thickest frontal armor against the oncoming Japanese Type 95 tanks.

Both gunners vigorously cranked the barrel rollers to aim.

A moment later, both sides completed aiming at each other in about the same time, and the main guns fired at each other.

The 37mm gun of the Japanese Type 95 light tank and the 75mm short-barreled gun of the Taishan Pine medium tank fired simultaneously.

The 37mm shell struck the frontal armor of the Taishan Pine, causing a flash of fire. After the light and shadow faded, a dent appeared in the armor, but it did not penetrate. The shell, however, disappeared somewhere.

The 75mm short-barreled gun also hit the Japanese Type 95 light tank.

This is a powerful main gun modified from an infantry gun, and the shells are high-explosive shells. The flames that exploded instantly engulfed the entire light tank, and after the explosion, the entire front of the tank was blown apart by the single shot.

Faced with the Taishan Pine Tank, the Japanese Type 95 Light Tank was like paper, destroyed with a single shot.

Such power caused the Japanese tank convoy to hastily accelerate and maneuver to evade the attack.

By doing this, they essentially exposed the Japanese infantry units behind them.

Without the cover of tanks, the Japanese infantry fell to the ground amidst gunfire and hastily retreated back to the village.

Meanwhile, the Japanese tanks, which had no infantry, hurriedly drove into the village.

The initial contact between the two armies ended due to the defensive and firepower advantages of the Taishan Pine Tank.

This greatly boosted the morale of the soldiers of the 29th Army and the Security Regiment, who awaited the continuation of the operation.

Just then, four gunship aircraft roared in from the sky.

Gunships and aircraft arrived over the village where the Japanese regiment was located.

Fang Wen issued a joint circling firing order to the other three gunship aircraft.

The four gunboats, including his, flew around the village as the center point.

The aircraft, facing the village from the side, opened its firing ports, adjusted the firing angles of its 12.7mm machine gun and 20mm cannon, and began aiming.

With Fang Wen's gunship firing first, the aerial fire suppression began.

A hail of bullets rained down from the sky, striking the earthen walls of the village buildings and sending up clouds of dust.

The Japanese troops fled in panic under such intense air raids.

But there's absolutely nothing here that can stop a bullet.

A 12.7mm caliber heavy machine gun bullet can penetrate a 20mm steel plate within 300 meters, and also has extremely strong attack power beyond 300 meters.

The village's earthen walls were no match for the bullets.

Combined with the explosive force of the 20mm machine gun, houses in the village collapsed one after another, turning the place into a meat grinder for them.

The fierce air raids by gunboats ignited the charge of the ground troops, and soon the ground troops south of the village also launched their own attack.

In response, Fang Wen issued a second combat order to the gunboat squadron, in order to coordinate with the southern attacking force and focus their firepower on supporting the attack south of the village.

Immediately, the gunboats adjusted their circling fire, increasing the intensity of their fire when they reached the southern position of the village.

With such strong firepower combined, and the breakthrough attack by two Taishan Pine medium tanks on the ground, the Japanese army could only retreat step by step.

A dramatic scene unfolded on the battlefield: a Japanese regiment of over 4000 men was suppressed by a ragtag force of 1000, and their losses continued to mount.

If this situation continues, the Japanese regiment will likely collapse, and the Taishan Independent Regiment will achieve its first victory in the North China theater.

But by this time, the Japanese Army Air Force had already arrived from the north.

There were a total of 6 fighter jets, attempting to engage Fang Wen's 8 aircraft.

Fang Wen couldn't help but feel a little worried about this.

His concern was for Pan Jiafeng, since only Taishan's four high-speed escort fighters could deal with high-speed fighters.

But this air battle is something Pan Jiafeng must go through. If he succeeds, he will become another elite pilot of the Taishan Independent Regiment.

Pan Jiafeng, you can definitely do it!

Fang Wen silently blessed his apprentice, for the fledgling eagle must eventually soar through the sky alone and bravely face everything.

(End of this chapter)