The marriage of Li Yunlong and Li Xiuqin was decided, and everyone discussed that the wedding would be held for them when Li Yunlong came to the Mawushan base next time.
In order to take care of Li Yunlong, Xu Dalong and Zhao Gang transferred Li Xiuqin to the Zhengfu Women's Rescue Association in Mawushan Central County.
In the last anti-mopping operation, the role of tunnels had begun to show. Xu Dalong and Zhao Gang vigorously promoted the combat experience of Qiuzi village soldiers, calling on the entire base area to learn from them and dig tunnels extensively and deeply. The ultimate goal is to turn every village in the base area into a fighting fortress, making it difficult for the little devils to move.
After Wang Sanqiang returned to Qiuzi Village, he received a hero's welcome from the village militia and the people in the village. The militia team won the battle, which was the pride of the whole village.
Although many houses in the village were destroyed during the war, the Zheng Mansion of Mawushan Central County provided them with building funds, and the county brigade sent people to help them rebuild their homes. The enthusiasm of the people also grew stronger, and all men, women, and children in the village participated in the work of digging tunnels.
Wang Sanqiang kept Xu Dalong's instructions in mind. In addition to continuing to improve the tunnel system in the village, he also organized people to dig tunnels outside the village.
There is a cemetery next to the road from Ping'an County to Yangcheng County. On this day, a strange thing happened in the cemetery.
The tombstone in front of an ownerless tomb that had been in disrepair for many years started to rotate slowly. A crow that landed on the tombstone was so frightened that it fluttered its wings and made a squawking sound.
Not long after, the tombstone turned to one side, and a head popped out from underneath. It turned out to be Wang Sanqiang, the militia captain of Qiuzi Village. Wang Sanqiang made great achievements last time and always wanted to fight against the Japanese and traitors again, but he could not always stay in the village. No one knew when the Japanese would come again.
He thought about it for a long time, so he led the militiamen to dig a tunnel next to the road. In order to hide the exit, he dug the tunnel into the cemetery and set up such a clever exit.
Since the tunnel was dug, Wang Sanqiang often climbed out of the tunnel and hid in the thatch beside the highway to observe people passing by on the highway.
After careful observation, he found that a puppet army carriage passed by here every two days. When he went there in the morning, the carriage was empty, but when he came back, the carriage was filled with supplies. It seems that these puppet troops are in a stronghold responsible for outbound purchases. The puppet soldiers usually have a squad, which includes cooks and guards. Wang Sanqiang took the idea of these puppet troops.
Wang Sanqiang and others won a great victory and were personally commended by Captain Xu. The young people in the village were very envious. They enthusiastically signed up to join the militia, which expanded to 19 people, and everyone had weapons.
The county brigade also sent people to teach them how to use light machine guns and mortars. The militiamen usually took the time to train, and they had already been holding back their energy to fight.
This day is another day when the puppet soldiers go out for shopping. Wang Sanqiang led the militiamen through the tunnel and ambush beside the highway in advance.
The puppet troops passed here in the morning, but Wang Sanqiang and others did not take action. They not only wanted to kill these puppet troops, but also robbed them of the supplies they purchased.
In the afternoon, the puppet troops marched on the road in carriages. This place was not far from their stronghold. The puppet soldiers were not prepared at all. They were chatting and laughing, and some of them were even humming songs, very leisurely.
Suddenly, many heads appeared from behind a ditch not far from the road, and then the black muzzles of the guns protruded. The militiamen opened fire with their machine guns and rifles. Because the distance was too close, the puppet soldiers simply couldn't. There was no time to resist, and many people were knocked to the ground without taking their guns off their shoulders.
In order to avoid exposing the tunnel, Wang Sanqiang and others killed all the puppet troops with random shots. Then they picked up the captured weapons and ammunition, as well as the supplies and remaining money purchased by the puppet troops, and quickly transferred them through the tunnel. .
This place is only more than two miles away from the stronghold of the Japanese and puppet troops. Soon after, the Japanese and puppet troops got the news and sent people to search.
After arriving at the scene, they found that the attacker had already disappeared. They sent people to inquire about the situation with the traitors in the surrounding villages. No one saw the attackers, and the final result was nothing.
The militiamen of Qiuzi Village won another great victory this time. After returning to the village, they distributed the stolen grain, pork, eggs, and vegetables to the villagers. The villagers became more and more enthusiastic about digging tunnels. Not only did the strong laborers in the village dig tunnels during their spare time, but young and strong women also joined in digging tunnels. The elderly and children who were not physically strong helped them make fires for cooking and deliver boiling water.
The tunnels in Qiuzi Village continue to extend outwards. The tunnels are dug wider and wider, enough to accommodate the entire village. There are also two tunnels leading outside the village. In case the tunnels in the village are damaged, villagers can evacuate safely from the tunnels.
If the Japanese and puppet troops come again to raid the village in the future, people in the village will no longer have to flee. The militiamen can also make full use of the tunnels to attack the invading Japanese and puppet troops.
The county brigade highly affirmed the tunnel excavation work in Qiuzi Village. It not only praised the militia team of Qiuzi Village, but also reported their work results to the guerrilla brigade headquarters again.
In order to commend Qiuzi Village for its achievements in tunneling, and to encourage all militiamen and villagers to dig tunnels, Xu Dalong once again rewarded Qiuzi Village with two pieces of ocean per person based on the number of people in Qiuzi Village.
The power of role models is endless. All villages and towns in the base area followed Qiuzi Village's example and launched a vigorous tunnel digging campaign. Later, almost all villages and towns suitable for digging tunnels had relatively complete tunnel systems. If they were to be raided by the Japanese and puppet troops again, the vast number of people no longer had to drag their families and families to flee their hometowns. This relieves huge pressure on the anti-mopping up work in the base area.
A large number of tunnels have also been excavated in Guancheng County. Once the Japanese and puppet troops attack the county, these tunnels will have a huge advantage in street fighting.
In order to facilitate the movement of large forces, the engineering battalion of the independent brigade dug two tunnels leading outside the county. Once the battle started, these tunnels could be used to transport supplies and organize troops to run behind the enemy to launch sneak attacks.
With a relatively complete tunnel system, the base area's ability to conduct anti-mopping operations is greatly enhanced.
That morning, the second batch of pilots recruited from the United States through Bob and others, as well as 46 ground staff, arrived in Guancheng County.
After these people arrived at the airport, they were a little disappointed when they saw that there were only three Japanese bombers here.
After they listened to Bob telling the origins of these planes, these adventurers also became interested and asked to seize more Japanese planes.
Xu Dalong wanted to have a relatively strong air force and was very concerned about this matter. He immediately ordered Zheng Xirong to collect relevant intelligence.
After receiving the order, Zheng Xirong decided to go to Houma in person to investigate the situation at the Japanese airport.
He first contacted Li Changshui, the enemy director of the Taiyue Military Region, and asked him to arrange for the cooperation of underground party intelligence personnel in Houma.
After Zheng Xirong came to Houma, he met the intelligence personnel of the underground party and listened to the briefing provided by them, and felt that there was some trouble.
Accompanied by an intelligence officer, he personally went to the Japanese airport to conduct reconnaissance, but he was greatly disappointed.
The Japanese Second Air Force learned lessons from the attacks on Taiyuan Airport and Yucheng Airport, and defended the airport with great intensity.
In order to preserve Houma Airport, Yoshio Shinozuka allocated a large sum of money to build a large number of bunkers and gun towers around the airport, and dug many trenches and blockade trenches. These blockade trenches are so wide and deep that neither tanks, armored vehicles, nor cavalry can pass through.
The Japanese army guarding the airport has at least one infantry regiment. Less than two kilometers away from the airport, the Japanese independent mixed sixth brigade is stationed. At the airport, there are four patrol teams, one post every three steps and one sentry every five steps, patrolling day and night.
In this case, it is difficult to succeed in either a sneak attack or a strong attack.
Not only that, there are also a large number of rapid-fire cannons set up on the defensive positions around the airport. The number of Japanese fighter jets on duty at the airport is usually maintained at least four. With the three bombers currently available to the Mawushan guerrillas, it is simply impossible to carry out an attack. air strikes.
Zheng Xirong was very helpless and sent a telegram to Xu Dalong.
Xu Dalong was also a little discouraged when he learned that the Japanese army was surrounding Houma Airport like an iron barrel. It seems that it is impossible to make a fuss about Houma Airport.
Bob and others, especially the new pilots, were heartbroken when they heard that it was difficult for the guerrillas to obtain new aircraft. Although Xu Dalong promised that their uncle would still pay their wages as usual even if there was no plane for the time being, everyone felt that it was not an option to continue like this. Everyone was unwilling to make a living here, so many people started to look for other ways out. idea.
Faced with this situation, Xu Dalong knew that it was difficult to continue doing ideological work. The only thing that could calm people's hearts was to actually capture the incoming Japanese aircraft.
Xu Dalong thought about it and began to consider airports in other places. However, there is a serious problem, that is, other airports are further away from the Mawushan base area. Even with the use of auxiliary fuel tanks, the nearest airport cannot fly to Guancheng County even on a one-way trip. Therefore, even if the Japanese plane is robbed, it cannot fly back.
Zhao Gang has been thinking about this matter, thinking about it, but he can't think of any feasible solution.
He also felt a little discouraged and said worriedly: "Captain, if we don't have so many planes, we won't need so many pilots and ground crews here. How about we pay a severance package, except for Bob and his original ones?" People, let others temporarily let them find a way out again."
Zhao Gang is now very pragmatic. He has added a large number of new air force personnel. Their expenses are very high. Since they will not have any effect, he is not willing to delay their future. It is better to maintain the original scale and reduce a lot of expenses. .
Xu Dalong has a character that refuses to admit defeat. He said: "Can a living person be suffocated to death by a bird? There are always more solutions than difficulties. I don't believe it. We can't think of a solution. Commissioner Zheng, let's go to the airport now." , discuss it with Bob and the others, and let’s find a way together to see if there is any workaround.”
Soon after, Xu Dalong, Zhao Gang, Lin Xueying and Wang Xiaohu came to the airport and summoned Bob and others to discuss the matter.
The only place in Shanxi that can make decisions is Houma Airport. However, the Japanese army's defense at Houma Airport is too tight. It is basically impossible to snatch the Japanese aircraft from Houma Airport.
Everyone's initial discussion centered on how to capture the Japanese army's Houma airport, but after analysis and analysis, this idea was ultimately rejected.
Just when everyone was feeling discouraged, Lin Xueying, who had been listening in, spoke up. She said, "Captain, I have an idea, but it's still very immature. I just want to throw some light on it and see if I can think about this problem in a different way."
Xu Dalong encouraged her with a smile and said, "Okay, let's talk about it. Maybe it can open up everyone's thinking."
Lin Xueying said: "The reason why the Japanese airport in Shanxi is so tightly guarded is because we have repeatedly attacked their airport. However, the Japanese airport in other places may not be so tightly guarded. It is better to make a fuss at other airports.
I'm new to flying. You are saying that the Japanese aircraft were surrendered from other airports and cannot fly back because the range is too far. Can you consider adding more fuel to the aircraft, such as installing an extra auxiliary fuel tank? Is that possible? "
After Lin Xueying finished speaking, everyone remained silent for a while. It was obvious that her suggestion was very unreliable.
Bob said: "Ms. Lin, what you are saying is simply not possible. You cannot install auxiliary fuel tanks casually on the aircraft. Even if you can install an extra auxiliary fuel tank, how can we install it at the Japanese airport?"
Lin Xueying was asked. She said a little embarrassed: "I just made a suggestion to see if we can try to extend the flight of the plane, for example, if we can refuel on the way."
Obviously, Lin Xueying's idea was even more unreliable.
The pilots shook their heads and said that this was simply impossible. At this time, there was no aerial refueling technology, so refueling on the way was impossible.
Everyone was talking about it, and Zhao Gang also participated in the discussion. He was thinking about Lin Xueying's words. After thinking for a long time, he felt that he could not solve this problem.
Everyone discussed for a while, but could not come up with any results, so they all fell silent.
Lin Xueying always thought that Xu Dalong would definitely find a way. When she saw that Xu Dalong had not said anything, she asked: "Captain, have you thought of a way?"
Xu Dalong was famous for his resourcefulness. In the end, everyone placed their hopes on Xu Dalong, so they all looked at him.
Xu Dalong was in a daze there, obviously thinking about a solution to the problem.
Everyone saw his appearance and did not dare to disturb him, so they remained silent.
Suddenly, Xu Dalong's eyes lit up and a smile appeared on his face.
Zhao Gang asked expectantly: "Captain, what good idea have you come up with?"
Xu Dalong did not answer Zhao Gang's words. He first said to Lin Xueying: "Xueying, thank you! Your reminder gave me an idea. If this plan can succeed, I will give you a big credit."
Lin Xueying was a little embarrassed at first, but she was very happy when she saw Xu Dalong praising her in public. She smiled sweetly at Xu Dalong to express her gratitude to him.
Xu Dalong turned to Bob and said to him: "Get the map quickly."
Bob quickly brought a map.
Xu Dalong looked at it and said, "It's not this map. I want the map of the entire North China."
Bob quickly asked someone to bring another map of North China.
Xu Dalong looked at the map carefully for a while, then stretched out his hand and measured on the map with his fingers.
Everyone looked at him nervously, wondering what he was doing.
Xu Dalong gestured for a while, then took a red pencil, drew two circles on the map, and said to Bob: "Bob, come and see, are you sure you can fly from here to here?"
Bob also gestured on the map and said, "No problem."
Xu Dalong then asked: "Is it okay to go to our airstrip from here?"
Bob said: "This section of the journey is closer. Of course there is no problem. But can we land on the way? Even if we land, how can we refuel?"
Xu Dalong said: "I will solve the problem of how to land. You are all experts. Let's see if we can find a way to solve the problem of refueling on the way?"
Bob said: "I'm afraid not. To refuel the plane, you need special refueling equipment. Without a tanker, you can't refuel at all."
Xu Dalong now had a rough idea in his mind. He asked, "If you open the fuel tank cap and pour it directly in, wouldn't it work?"
Bob still shook his head and said, "How is that possible? The fuel tank cap is so high from the ground, how can you add oil in it?"
Xu Dalong said: "You are all experts, can't you come up with an idea?"
At this time, a mechanic named David among the Americans said: "It is not impossible to refuel manually. If we have enough time, we can set up a tripod or herringbone ladder at the airport in advance, and use the relay method to You can also refuel the aircraft by carrying a gasoline can into it.”
Xu Dalong smiled and said: "Okay, wouldn't this solve the problem?
Now let me summarize everyone's opinions. Let's first sneak attack the Japanese airport here, seize their aircraft, then fly here, refuel here, and then fly back. Do you think this will work? "
Bob said excitedly: "OK, I agree."
The American pilots all thought that this plan was too crazy, but it just suited the appetite of these adventurous guys, and they all expressed their approval of this opinion.
Zhao Gang was still a little confused. He said, "Our plane is landing midway. This is the Japs' airport. Is that possible? Even if we can land here, it is so close to the Japs' large army. Wouldn't it be too risky? ?”
