Canteen System Assistance Notes

Koshevoi pulled a leather suitcase from under the table and opened it. Inside was a disassembled submachine gun. It had a curved 35-round magazine, a folding stock, and a thermal shield with holes cut into it. The cavalry commander easily lifted the submachine gun and demonstrated it.

He pointed at a few rivets on the submachine gun's receiver and said, "Take this submachine gun they call the Red October. According to the military factory, the design uses stamping equipment to bend the steel plates, and then spot weld the fixing points. However, the pass rate of spot welding is less than one-third, so they have to switch to rivet fixing."

This situation is also caused by a similar lack of technical mid-level personnel. Chinese comrades hope to obtain support from Soviet welding engineers, and I think it is possible. The Patton Welding Institute is very good at this, and they have helped develop welding textbooks in many states.

"As for the weapons themselves, the designs of their two submachine guns are quite interesting, and the production equipment isn't very complicated. If they can undergo thorough testing and improvements in the Soviet Union, eliminating the riveting process, I think they'll be more manufacturable than the Popod."

"How much did you ask them for?" Kosygin asked. "I also watched the shooting show before. From the demonstrations of comrades from friendly parties, whether it is the Type 81 or the Type 100,

The accuracy and range of continuous shooting should not be worse than that of Popod.

If there are improvements in production performance, I also agree to submit them to the Artillery General Directorate for further testing and improvement."

"Comrade Alexei, I have contacted the Eighth Route Army and asked for five Type 81s and five Red Octobers. Apart from this one, I asked them to leave the rest at the airport and fly them back on the way back." Koshevoi put the submachine gun back into the box. At the end, he seemed to suddenly remember something and said, "However, the Chinese comrades complained to me that the Eighth Route Army has

Some of the batches of 45mm armor-piercing ammunition purchased had quality problems...

They took me to see the target plate. The armor-piercing bullet actually shattered on the 40mm target plate. It didn't meet the nominal performance. They had to find a way to make armor-piercing bullets themselves.

The military affairs were essentially concluded. After inspecting the Eighth Route Army's air force and army, the two officers stated that the Eighth Route Army's "regular troops" were essentially on par with the Soviet Army's combat capabilities, lacking only some of the Soviet Army's heavy weaponry—perhaps due to their emphasis on flexibility and the need to trek through mountainous terrain.

They judged that if they deployed their forces on the plains, with artillery support, a single division-sized unit of the Eighth Route Army could roughly match a Soviet second-line infantry division on equal terms. However, in mountainous terrain, their combat effectiveness would be much higher, and perhaps three times the number of troops would be needed to encircle and destroy such a unit. And if the Eighth Route Army faced the Japanese, as long as they didn't make foolish attempts to force a fight, their chances of victory were still very good.

"I will report the substandard shells. Comrade Valisi has already reported on the economic situation. Comrade Leonid, what is your conclusion?"

As the secretary of the provincial Party committee, Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev was still a young and promising official. He pulled a sheaf of manuscript paper from his leather bag and spread it out before him. "First, I think it would be helpful to define the administrative system of our fraternal Party."

He read from his own speech notes, "The region governed by the Chinese Communist Party is a backward, agriculturally-based, desolate region with no plains, only plateaus, mountains, and river valleys. It's not very suitable for agricultural production or the development of industrial clusters. Even in the best-equipped agricultural areas, agriculture is far from comparable to Ukraine, and industry is not even one-fifth of that in the Kuzbass region."

"Their administrative and governance systems are generally poor. Most people here are illiterate and have not received full-time education. The workforce comes from other provinces in China, and most of them have not received systematic academic education. Their skills are mostly inherited through oral and practical instruction and apprenticeship. Many administrative personnel come from the military or intellectuals, and their composition is complex. They have no formal training for public service, and they often make mistakes in social management and are unable to effectively implement their goals, often exceeding or falling short."

Brezhnev moved his eyes to the next piece of paper and continued speaking on the manuscript paper.

"But their system is modern, advanced, learning, and growing. The low level cannot conceal the scientific nature of their organizational system."

The "Medal Emperor" was not very good at speaking without a script, but now he writes his own speeches, which still reflects his good qualities as a civil servant.

It records in a clear and organized manner many of the things he discovered during his investigation.

They held democratic elections in the countryside, among villagers whose education level was about the same as that of Tsarist serfs. Without a synagogue, they used threshing floors; without ballots, they used different-colored beans. The Party organization's village cadres and the grassroots militia among the villagers were able to convey every important piece of information to the very end of the regime.

In their factories, they worked tirelessly to train artisans, who were once only skilled in handicrafts, imparting them with culture, skills, and knowledge, striving to transform them into workers. At the same time, despite current financial constraints, they worked hard to build schools, hospitals, and housing to ensure the basic survival of the workers.

In cities, and indeed in smaller towns, they implemented a system of representation and collective decision-making. In assemblies composed of representatives from various walks of life, including farmers, workers, artisans, and merchants, they discussed major issues concerning production and daily life. Routine matters were decided by standing committees. Even when disagreements arose during decision-making, resulting in heated debates, once a decision was made, everyone would maintain their own opinions and strive to implement and realize them.

“It’s not that they don’t make mistakes, but they often make mistakes, sometimes even outrageous ones. But this organizational system can detect and correct these mistakes in time.

And try to come up with solutions to avoid making the same mistake next time - this

It is a learning entity.

"This process will repeat itself and even go backwards, but as long as these revolutionary people are around, they will always rise in a spiral in the long process and eventually achieve self-transformation." Brezhnev paused, as if thinking of a concluding statement.

"Yes, in a sense, this administrative system, the CCP organization in this barren land, is more like a legitimate, modern state power."

Chapter 225: Discussion Behind Closed Doors (Part 2)

"These Soviets weren't just skimming the surface; they saw some things. Look at that Brezhnev. Right now, it's hard to tell what he'll be like in the future—just a competent cadre who enjoys cigarettes. Look, he's visiting the village committee, watching elections, studying representative democracy, and he's doing a pretty good job."

"After all, the people who came this time were mainly practical officials, experts in their respective fields. Aside from the things that Xiao Liu brought, we basically let them see everything. If they can't see anything else, then the Soviet Union, as Big Brother, is completely incompetent."

Zhou Gong sat off to the side, occupying the cave's only two chairs, while the Chairman, in his short-sleeved shirt, sat on a bed covered in books. Sunlight filtered through the paper on the window sills, illuminating the rammed earth. Today was a rare day for the Chairman, who hadn't worked at night and hadn't slept during the day. He sat in his cave, reading a report beside him and smoking a cigarette.

"Mr. Steel's exam questions. I think the name Comrade Xiao Liu came up with is quite interesting. Exam questions, exam questions. We haven't even arrived in Beijing yet, and this old man is already giving us exam questions."

"Judging from the feedback from various routes, the Soviet delegation's satisfaction is quite high, in terms of economic, administrative, military, and industrial construction. They are particularly interested in our Huinong Phase II project," Zhou Gong stood up, holding the back of his chair. "If the Huinong Phase II project is built at the current speed, without considering the participation of internationalist fighters and further support from the Soviet Union, basic construction can be completed in about two years. It is estimated that before the start of the 'world war' mentioned in Comrade Xiao Liu's information, trial production can be basically achieved.

"I should have no problem completing Comrade Stalin's exam—I might not get a perfect score, but 80 is definitely not a problem," Zhou Gong summarized, stating this estimate with considerable satisfaction. "Haha, although this level of ability wouldn't even be enough to build a small industrial zone in Comrade Xiao Liu's time, for us, starting from scratch, this is already quite a feat."

"I'm not that worried about Stalin! He gives us exams, and we're not preparing for his exams!" The Chairman slipped his feet into his slippers, stood up, and straightened the sheets. "Even if it's an exam, whether you pass or fail, whether you're excellent or not, it's the people who decide. It's not up to anyone else!"

"Come on, stop holding your breath in the room and go out for a walk."

It is very hot in Fushi in June, but it is still early now and the sun is rising lazily, so it is not scorching yet.

Chairman Mao's cave dwelling looked quite ordinary. Apart from the guards standing guard, there was a stone mill, two soy sauce jars placed against the wall, and a bunch of corn drying in the sun. This happened about three years ago, when the canteen had just been built. When everyone was throwing in agricultural and sideline products and handicrafts, they discovered that raw soy sauce was quite valuable, so even Chairman Mao brewed two jars.

Now, throwing things into the cafeteria's recycling bin had become a regular practice, and "Chairman's Soy Sauce Jar" didn't have to be the same as "General Zhu's Shoulder Pole." Finally, he had some free time, so he and Zhou Gong, each holding a plastic fan, walked around the yard.

Speaking of steel, some time ago, there was some information coming from the economic sector that the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the fruit preserves sector was causing trouble again, squeezing out private steel mills and machinery factories. They were vigorously supporting local blast furnaces in rural areas and towns to produce iron for farm tools, squeezing out the consumer goods market of Yuxin and Chongqing Iron and Steel.

Duke Zhou had an amazing memory. He could recite all the reports he had read without using a manuscript:

"At first glance, this seems like a good thing, as it would increase production. However, our comrades conducted research and discovered that those small blast furnaces were generally unprofitable economically: they relied heavily on iron ore mines, which quickly ran out of ore, making production unsustainable.

"Following up, the Kong family is probably behind this. They're lending money to Tuzhong Iron and Steel at high interest rates, but they're also refusing to lend money or approve mining projects for the privately-owned Zhuzhou Iron and Steel Co., which recently relocated and needed investment. This has left Yuxin and Chongqing Iron and Steel, which could once manufacture steel, with only minimal production of steel and cast iron farm implements—the latter being the majority, and the farm implement market being suppressed by Tuzhong Iron and Steel. To break this situation, they can only sell their shares to the Kong family. It's a brilliant strategy that kills three birds with one stone."

"They want their own ironworks, but they're also greedy for other people's shares. Didn't the Huinong District report pass the Party Committee meeting last year? Yao, the profits from ferrous metals are so high that industries from the southeastern coastal areas are moving inland to Guanzhong and the Sichuan Basin, right next to their temporary capital. These national capitalists are like meat on one hand and 'rabbits' on the other, eating the grass right next to their burrows."

The Chairman was merciless, sniffing his cigarette and saying, "Warlords treat their territory and army as their private property; the four great families naturally treat the rear areas they control as their private property."

"So, Chairman, they will clash with us sooner or later." Zhou Gong was very perceptive. He immediately realized the law that the economic base determines the superstructure, which goes without saying. "However, we have conducted ideological mobilization in many meetings. We have been preparing for the passive resistance to the war and the active opposition to the Communist Party. Everyone is basically prepared."

"Under the banner of the common resistance, Guofu had to put on a show. However, as the Japanese offensive momentum wore off and the war entered a stalemate, or even because our performance improved, Guofu, the little devil, would tear off his mask early and jump out to oppose the Communists.

"Just like Xiao Liu's case, we won't see another climax until 41, but I'm afraid it won't happen. Now we don't know when or where it will be!"

The Chairman put out his cigarette and said with a chuckle, "Comrade Xiao Liu has given us a little problem! But—what's coming cannot be avoided, and the iron must be strong before it can be forged. No matter how ever-changing you demons and monsters are, I have practiced my internal skills and remain unmoved. Ha!"

The atmosphere between the two men brightened considerably. Despite the challenging current situation, the Chairman's optimism prevailed. He leaned against the millstone, watching the rising sun, shielding his eyes with his fan for a moment. "Oh, by the way, I don't know how Xiao Liu is doing lately. It's been over a month, and I don't know how he's doing over there."

"He should be making final preparations in the Soviet Far East now. Comrade Ren Blin has also been there."

Zhou Gong recalled, "During our previous discussions, we prepared everything we could, including combined training, equipment configuration, and personnel selection. We prepared for everything we could think of, even the unthinkable. Now, it all depends on the outcome of the final negotiations between us and the Soviet delegation."

"After all, the Soviet Union is still involved in this matter. Stalin was very cautious in diplomacy, even to the point of being a little cautious. But I think we still have a window of opportunity until at least September." The Chairman did not draw any more.

Instead of the smoke, he lowered his voice, "It's a desperate situation over there, even more difficult than on the Chigui River. Now, taking advantage of the conflict between the Soviet Union and Japan, in Xiao Liu's history, this is the last chance before this winter."

"Ah."

The Prime Minister was unusually silent, as if waiting for the Chairman to continue. Ever since the canteen was built and border construction progressed, the Chairman's brow hadn't been furrowed this high in a long time.

"Training, personnel, equipment, and coordination with the Soviet Union," the Chairman was silent for a moment. "But after all the preparations, it still feels like we're still at Laziguan on the Bailong River—Xiao Liu is that Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan…"

"Chairman, on this point, we must trust our comrades," Zhou Gong added, "whether they are current comrades or future comrades."

"That's right! The baby always needs to stand up and walk around."

The Chairman looked up. The sun was already high in the sky. "So, send a telegram to Xiao Liu and the others. Use softer words so as not to burden them. That's about it..." "Woo woo woo—"

At this moment, a long alarm sounded in the sky above the border area.

Chapter 226: Using Interceptor Mounts on Bombers

The Fushe Air Defense Command Center actually received reports from Japanese aircraft very early on.

At dawn, the 24-hour air defense center received a telegram from the Pingxi Anti-Japanese Base Area, reporting that 12 unidentified twin-engine Japanese aircraft had taken off from Zhangyuan City Airport and were heading southwest into the clouds. Because the sky was still dark, the observation post was unable to obtain information such as altitude and speed, so they could only provide this brief report.

It took 13 minutes for this information to be transmitted from the Pingxi base's observation post to its headquarters and then forwarded to the Fushi Air Defense Command Center. This intelligence was no longer fresh and required further processing. (Zhangyuan = In another time and space, this city will be one of the cities hosting a winter five-ring event; Yunzhong = Located in northern Shanxi Province, it boasts famous attractions such as the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple.)

The girl in charge of receiving the information drew a red line connecting Zhangyuan and Pingcheng on an acrylic-lined whiteboard and attached it with a magnetic label. From under the table, she pulled out a copy of the "Enemy Aircraft Data Manual, Ver. 1939," which was frayed, untied, bound with cotton string, and covered in numerous small labels, and began to search through it.

"As for the Japanese twin-engine bomber... this one, the 97 heavy bomber has a maximum speed of 432 kilometers per hour. When loaded, the cruising speed is generally reduced a lot..." She calculated in her head, marked the approximate position of the Japanese plane on the acrylic plate, and then picked up the black phone at hand.

Group 2, No. 203, reports: A large Japanese bombing formation of 12 aircraft took off from Zhangyuan at 5:15 AM and is suspected of flying southwest along the railway, heading towards Yunzhong. It may have already passed the Yunzhong area. Air defense units of the surrounding Yanbei, Jinsui, and Daqingshan detachments are requested to strengthen observation and report any developments promptly. Please copy this notice to the Northwest Shanxi Base Area Air Defense Command Center.

"Received. Japanese Aircraft Spear Group 12 took off from Zhangyuan at 5:15 AM, heading southwest, along the railway, and heading towards Yunzhong. Alert the air defense units of the Yanbei, Jinsui, and Daqingshan detachments to pay attention. Copy to the Northwest Shanxi Sub-Center."

This piece of information was quickly relayed by the automated radio, and within the air defense command center, someone had already written it down in military jargon, translating it into a concise air raid message and categorizing it. The air defense center received numerous air situation reports from both the Japanese and Nationalist armies daily, but few of them actually resulted in air raids, and it was impossible to evacuate the entire city every time. However, the movements of the twelve Japanese bombers were naturally sensitive.

After a while, a new telegram came in. This time, the report came from the air defense observation post of the Yanbei Detachment, which was located on Matou Mountain outside Mayi City and was the guerrilla zone of the Yanbei Detachment:

(Mayi City = also known as Shuo County, license plate Jin F)

"Enemy aircraft, 12 Italian Br20 bombers, in two columns, flew past us from the northeast to the southwest, showing no signs of turning towards Jinyang. They were at an altitude of around 2000 meters and a speed of about 300!"

The air defense unit at the Yanbei base had already filtered out the exclamations and anxious cries from the air defense posts, but the atmosphere at the air defense headquarters suddenly became tense. The Japanese aircraft's flight path had departed from Zhangyuan, passed through Yunzhong, and now had triggered the alarm at Mayi. They hadn't yet turned south at Mayi, making their target extremely obvious.

This is an air raid on the border area!

_―--—―—-

"Enemy aircraft, 12 Italian Br20 bombers, in two columns, turning from due east to 20 by south-west, at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters, at a speed of approximately 300."

Reports from the Yellow River Defense Command arrived late. Compared to data transmitted via radio, direct landline calls were much more convenient. After Japanese aircraft entered the Yellow River Defense Zone, the density of observation posts increased significantly, leading to increased frequency of reports and more frequent updates of their positions.

After basically confirming the destination of the Japanese planes, Tang Dayuan of the air defense command had already connected to the Air Force and raised the air raid warning level in the border area to level three. At this level, the pilots stationed at several airports in the border area needed to immediately enter the flight preparation room to prepare, and the aircraft on duty needed to start loading and warming up the engines, ready to take off at any time.

(Tang Dayuan = his surname is actually Teng, and in another time and space he was the first Minister of Railways)

"Enemy aircraft, 12 Italian Br20 bombers, flying in two columns from north to south, heading 170 degrees, at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters, at a speed of approximately 300. They are maintaining their flight along the Yellow River and have passed the Fugu observation post."

Further air situation reports came in, indicating that the Japanese aircraft appeared to be continuing southward along the Yellow River, most likely aiming for the "Panlong Bay" landmark in the Yanchuan area. That winding section of the river was an unmissable landmark for landmark navigation. Turning eastward there would allow them to head straight for Fushi!

And now, they have just passed Fugu and officially entered the one-hour warning circle of the border area's air defense.

"Maintain continuous monitoring. Notify civil affairs authorities to organize evacuation according to the air raid prevention plan. Operator, connecting to the combat-ready airport!"

The Border Area Air Defense Command Center had already begun shifting into anti-air raid command mode. The route tracking of radio operator No. 203 of Group 2 had been transferred to the command staff station. Using simple drawing software, the Japanese aircraft's route was represented by a zigzagging dark blue line, while our several airfield runways were marked in red. Above this, overlapping circular areas indicated the interception ranges of different aircraft types.

The Air Force commander sitting on the joint command platform exchanged glances with Tang Dayuan, then grabbed the nearby red phone. After a brief beep, he cleared his throat and barked out a command that would become one of the most significant in the history of the Eighth Route Army Air Force. "Yanchuan Airport, Suide Airport, Jingbian Airport, Fushi Airport, this is the Border Area Air Defense Command Center. Please reply."

He paused and confirmed the information in his hand.

"Yanchuan Airport, Fighter Squadron 2; Suide Airport, Fighter Squadron 4, in interception mode for large bomber formations, take off immediately and head for Wubao and Jiaxian to intercept Japanese aircraft. The enemy aircraft report has been issued. There are 12 Japanese aircraft, Br-20 bombers, at an altitude of 2000 and a speed of 300. They are currently flying from north to south along the Yellow River and passed the Fugu observation post ten minutes ago.

"The 5th Fighter Squadron at Jingbian Airport has been transferred to Suide Airport. The 1st Fighter Squadron at Fushi Airport has been transferred to Yanchuan Airport. As a reserve force for the campaign, they are in a second-level combat readiness state, awaiting dispatch from the Air Defense Command Center and ready to take off at any time.

"Everyone has it, do you understand?"

"clear!"

The commander of the Suide base station slammed down the phone, turned around and grabbed the airport broadcast loudspeaker: "Fighter Group 2, 4th Squadron, everyone! Mount the bomber formation and prepare to take off for combat!"

Before he finished speaking, An Tianjiang in the pilot's preparation room could no longer hold back and rushed towards his car.

It was a Soviet-made L16-10 fighter. As one of the first batch of seed pilots to graduate from the aviation school, he had already received a complete set of Soviet flight training and accumulated considerable flight time, making him one of the best pilots in the Air Force. And because the Eighth Route Army's fledgling air force was so short of manpower, he, with only two years of flying experience, had already become the captain of the Fourth Squadron.

The station's ground crew had already completed all inspections of the aircraft and loaded them with ammunition. After the order to "load the bomber formation" was issued, they had already taken the appropriate ammunition from the ammunition depot and rushed to the various aircraft positions to carry out the final loading.

"What mount?"

An Tianjiang climbed up the ladder a few steps onto the plane, jumped into the cockpit, and looked towards the seatbelt strapped to his body. The ground staff who had just finished their work under the wing pushed an empty cart and made a simple "6" gesture to him.

Good! 6 rounds of 82mm, send the little devils to heaven!

Chapter 227 "Flame Arrow"

"Two months ago, the Japanese army launched a long-distance raid into the northwest, heading to Jingyuan County."

Sitting in the cockpit, An Tianjiang recalled the events of a previous enemy situation analysis meeting. Any incidents, including the Japanese aircraft's movements and bombing runs, were studied and discussed by the squadron, leading to mock combat analysis meetings. He vividly remembered that the Japanese aircraft, consisting of 12 bombers, had flown unescorted to their target, reducing Jingyuan County to a sea of ​​fire and causing numerous casualties among the undefended residents.

The pilots of the Fourth Squadron held wooden airplane models and simulated the process of Japanese bombing and our interception, and summarized some of everyone's ideas and methods.

However, later, the newspapers in the Japanese-occupied areas published an article titled "Jincheng Explodes to Huge Profits," which embarrassed the 4th Squadron, which had simulated the bombing and interception of Jingyuan. Afterwards, an analysis meeting was held, and everyone generally believed that Jingyuan and Jincheng were both located on the river bank, with a river beach on the side, and there happened to be several large water wheels in the river for providing power. Moreover, there were mountains to the south of the city, and there were temples on the mountains. The city was also long and narrow from east to west, so the Japanese directly mistook Jingyuan for Jincheng and carried out a large-scale bombing.

"Those Japs are terrible at navigation... But no matter where they strike, they'll always be able to hit them."

An Tianjiang put on his goggles and gestured to the ground crew outside. Several men ran to the side of the plane, grabbed the propeller and turned it hard, successfully starting the engine. After sliding onto the runway, the light and nimble I-16 quickly circled and climbed over the airport, completing the formation.

"Huangtao Squadron, everyone, follow your respective leaders, complete formation as quickly as possible, and maintain formation flight!"

Two planes form a group, two groups form a squadron, and three four-plane squadrons form a 12-plane fighter squadron - the fledgling Eighth Route Army Air Force used 12 planes as a basic tactical unit to carry out air combat. Taking into account the initial establishment of the Air Force, there may be untimely maintenance and aircraft shortages. In fact, each squadron has a total of 16 flyable fighters to ensure the stable deployment efficiency of 12 planes.

I don't know why, but the 4th Squadron, which was making its first attack, was given the strange call sign "Yellow Peach".

The runway at Suide Airport allowed two aircraft to take off simultaneously under favorable wind conditions. The 12 116s quickly completed the formation, rose to a medium-altitude cruising altitude, and began flying towards the predetermined interception airspace.

one-------

"Enemy aircraft, 12 Italian Br2 bombers, in two columns, flying north to south along the Yellow River, heading 185, altitude approximately 2000 meters, speed approximately 280. Passed the Huashiya observation post. "Huangtao Squadron, enemy aircraft are expected to intersect with you in 15 minutes. Pay close attention. Over."

"Yellow Peach Squadron understands."

An Tianjiang's headset hummed with the air situation report relayed from the base station. He glanced at the route board resting on his lap and the altimeter. The Yellow River beside him stood out in the sunlight, making navigation almost unnecessary. Furthermore, since the I-16s lacked onboard radios, all L-16s purchased in the border region were equipped with American-made VHF communicators, powered by versatile 18650 lithium-ion power banks. This device allowed the lead aircraft to maintain voice communication with the base station and the command center, along with its wingman.

In addition, it also comes with a function: as long as three antennas are erected, it can perform "secondary radar"-style active positioning of fighter jets within a range of 100 kilometers from a fixed station!

For the 4th Squadron, which was only 60 kilometers away from the designated interception area, their position could be fed back to the Fushe Air Defense Command Center. Once they found the enemy aircraft, it meant that all subsequent interceptors would be able to find the target!

"Teams one, two, and three, all of you, Huang Tao, are here."