RPAGF Chapter 1246 Fierce Air Defense
Chapter 1246 Fierce Air Defense
Before this thing existed, Japanese planes also came to this area, and they didn't think a wartime capital could have many anti-aircraft weapons. After all, during their previous reconnaissance missions, they found that China's entire anti-aircraft arsenal was almost depleted. We didn't pay much attention to this before, since many soldiers' rifles weren't very good. If we had the money, anti-aircraft weapons would be a secondary priority.
However, after only two or three days of air raids, the Japanese dared not fly recklessly in this area. Besides the anti-aircraft weapons on the rooftops, there were several other anti-aircraft positions nearby. When these positions fired in crisscrossing bursts, Japanese planes flying over this area had virtually no chance of survival.
Although Li Shaoyi lacked the capability to construct air defense towers like the Berlin Tower, he could still perform most of the functions. Since we didn't have such robust foundations, the air defense artillery was changed from 88mm to 40mm.
Even so, the power of 24 40mm anti-aircraft guns was not to be underestimated. The planes in the sky were not that dense, and as long as they entered our firing range, a single salvo would almost always be effective.
Over time, the Japanese pilots understood. Moreover, besides the 72nd Army headquarters, there were no other important targets in the area. So they naturally ignored it. If they encountered a reckless daredevil, it would simply be his last flight.
At first, people didn't understand the situation, so other departments were still searching for resettlement sites throughout the mountain city. But after nearly a month of air raids, if you still don't understand the situation, you might as well just gouge your eyes out.
From that time on, various departments wanted to find a settlement point around the 72nd Army Group, since the frequency of Japanese air raids in the area was too low.
While there is a possibility of being attacked by Japanese air raids, the probability is probably no more than 5%. In today's mountain city, this number is unmatched anywhere else, including the old man's official residence.
In the past, the air defense command would have definitely negotiated with them to allocate some of their anti-aircraft artillery to other areas, thus reducing the damage to the city. However, after the Hankou incident, these guys are much more resilient to their ideas. "We have anti-aircraft artillery. Should we prioritize our own survival over giving it to you out of a sense of fearlessness?"
Our commander has made similar sacrifices before, but where did you place him then? When our commander was about to leave for Hankou Airport, you even issued an order to intercept him. If our people hadn't acted quickly, were you going to detain our commander?
A series of questions and answers followed, so the people at the air defense command didn't dare to say much, after all, they were in the wrong before. Now, thinking back to what they did in Hankou, it was purely a matter of sabotaging their own livelihood. Otherwise, Hankou might not have fallen by now. I really don't know how long this kind of ridiculous behavior will continue.
Of course, some people didn't realize their mistakes and instead believed that Li Shaoyi was responsible for everything. If this guy had obeyed the orders of the Nationalist government like the other officers, how could things have turned out this way? It was purely because he was too selfish and self-serving, clashing with the Nationalist government's high command over personal interests, and prematurely withdrawing from Hankou, causing the entire Hankou campaign to fail to achieve its intended objectives.
Such remarks initially garnered considerable traction within the Party and the state. However, after a period of debate, realizing no one was responding, the talk died down. After all, some channels still relied on the 72nd Army Group, and if Li Shaoyi were angered again, appeasement wouldn't be easy; he was known for his fiery temper.
This mission led by Li Shaoyi in Pujiang has shown everyone that all your forces in East China have collapsed. However, I still have enough undercover agents in the region. If you want to do something, I can still provide support. Of course, this only applies to close friends. If you've slandered me before and now expect me to help you with your business in this area, are you still half asleep?
Over the next few days, Li Shaoyi spent his time in the mountain city meeting with various people. These included military leaders and officials from various departments related to people's livelihoods.
When they met Li Shaoyi, they poured out their grievances. However, Li Shaoyi wasn't thinking of simply giving them things now; doing so hadn't been effective before. Anyway, the donations from Chinese people both at home and abroad were substantial. He could offer them a normal market price, and they could just buy it for him. Otherwise, he'd be providing things for free, and all the donations would end up in their own pockets.
Many people were still dissatisfied with Li Shaoyi's actions. They argued that under these circumstances, Li Shaoyi's willingness to discuss money was questionable. They questioned why, given that Li Shaoyi possessed food, weapons, and ammunition, he wouldn't simply give them to them directly.
Li Shaoyi responded to this. He stated that the government's food, weapons, and ammunition were not acquired for free, but purchased with real money. He explained that the Nationalist government was not short of funds, but had just received substantial donations from both domestic and international sources. These funds were being held back, supposedly to be used only at the most critical moment. However, he questioned what this most critical moment would be. Was it only after the Japanese had breached the mountain city?
After Li Shaoyi's remarks were published, the donors immediately became anxious. "We donated money to fight the Japanese. No matter when or who we are, as long as we can buy weapons, equipment, and food, then our donations will be useful. Now you're blocking it, so when will this donation be able to make a difference?"
Moreover, the donors were somewhat aware of the prevailing atmosphere within the Nationalist government. These people probably intended to pocket the money once the war subsided. They had done this before.
Now it seems we'll have to copy the same thing again...