si-mexico Chapter 1151 Anti-aircraft soldiers can also be fun to fight.
Chapter 1151 Anti-aircraft soldiers can also be fun to fight.
Although the brothers on the other air defense positions had not received orders, they knew what this bastard was thinking just by looking at the sky, so they immediately turned their guns around and fired a barrage at the sky.
He's the only one left. If we let him get his way, our air defense command will really lose face.
Li Shaoyi's dozen or so 88mm anti-aircraft guns rapidly fired over a dozen shells at the Japanese captain's plane. Amidst the barrage of shells, a massive fireball suddenly appeared; several shrapnel fragments pierced the fuel tank, and the plane was roasted in mid-air.
"Enjoyed!"
Several anti-aircraft gunners said happily that although it might not have been their shells that hit the target, they had still contributed, and in this case, it was their achievement.
When the civilians on the ground saw this, they all rushed out from their hiding places. Some offered cigarettes to the air defense soldiers, while others patted them on the shoulder and told them about their heroic deeds. It was the first time these soldiers had ever been praised by civilians, and they immediately straightened their backs.
Of course, the brothers also understood that the reason why the people praised us was because we had done things that made them happy. In the past, the National Revolutionary Army did not have a good reputation in various places, precisely because in the past, they might have been like the Japanese, sweeping through the country.
But the people have discerning eyes. The 72nd Group Army would never do such a thing, and they would even repair some roads after passing by. If they needed help from the local people, they would be paid in cash for all the work done that day.
Although these people are not directly affiliated with the 72nd Group Army, they were newly recruited by Commander Li in Hankou. It's said their uniforms are already on the plane and they'll all be able to change into them in a couple of days. If that's the case, then they are also part of the 72nd Group Army—our local 72nd Group Army.
For many soldiers, joining Commander Li's army was an honor in itself. Now, we've shot down Japanese planes, a feat witnessed by the entire city. Hearing the praises of the surrounding people, these soldiers knew how to uphold the prestige of the 72nd Army Group.
Some time ago, when Li Shaoyi began recruiting soldiers, many people dared not come. After all, those people were cunning and felt that Li Shaoyi was currently being ostracized in the court. If they followed Li Shaoyi, they might not have much room for advancement in the future. Now it seems that this is not the case at all.
Even if the higher-ups are unhappy, what can they do? After Li Shaoyi arrived, he still formed two air defense regiments, in addition to the two artillery regiments he already had. Now there are four regiments of troops around Hankou.
If you won't let me transfer troops from the north, then I'll build an army from the south. And it won't cost you a single penny. If you're not happy about that, then go and deal with the Japanese planes yourself, and see if you have the ability.
Li Shaoyi knew this was an opportunity. If they waited any longer, planes from all over would converge on Hankou. Although their air force was still weaker than the Japanese, the Japanese wouldn't be able to just swagger over and bomb them. Besides, there were Soviet-aided air regiments; their air defense regiments wouldn't be as valuable then.
Of course, only Li Shaoyi, the time traveler, knew about this; the others were unaware. During this period, our air defense regiment was considered the most valuable army unit in Hankou. That evening, newspapers and radios alike were filled with praise for the air defense regiment's achievements, practically exaggerating their merits. Hotel owners from various places even brought over plenty of food and drinks, wanting to have a drink with our heroic soldiers.
The people truly cherish the heroes of the War of Resistance against Japan. If you contributed to the war effort, the people will praise you to the skies. The reason you haven't received such treatment before is because you were half-hearted on the battlefield, or you didn't fight the Japanese seriously enough, so you haven't experienced this kind of treatment. For the members of the 72nd Army, this kind of treatment was commonplace.
However, Li Shaoyi didn't allow his men to accept the liquor; he only brought in various kinds of food. "Since we're under pressure to control the epidemic in Hankou, we can't just drink indiscriminately, not even during shifts. This is wartime; someone could come over that very night."
Moreover, there were numerous Japanese spies inside Hankou. If the anti-aircraft regiment members were drunk, the Japanese, upon receiving this information, could very well launch an attack immediately. Our reputation, built that day, would crumble the same day. Li Shaoyi certainly didn't want such a thing to happen.
The commotion lasted until after 10 p.m. before the crowds gathered around the air defense command post finally dispersed. Fortunately, the chances of the Japanese taking off at night were slim; if they had gotten wind of it, a few bombs could have wiped out the day's joy.
Li Shaoyi hoped these people would leave around 8 o'clock, but the enthusiasm of the crowd was just too high.
"I've really seen something new. From my childhood until now, I've never seen ordinary people treat the Nationalist army so well. Maybe I wasn't there on the Battle of Pujiang, and when our brothers enjoyed this kind of treatment, I probably only heard you talk about it. What should we do with these gifts?"
Li Sibei looked at these things in surprise; they were all brought by the people of Hankou, who brought them with great fanfare. Some of the goods brought by merchants were even more impressive, having been transported by cart.
"The people of Hankou are indeed very enthusiastic. As long as we put our heart into the war of resistance, the people can see it. I think we should organize these things. We can use what we need, and we can distribute the rest as rewards. It's not good for them to just pile up here."
Li Shaoyi had just had two drinks; the Chamber of Commerce president and his associates were simply too enthusiastic. Besides these gifts, there was also a donation of 15 silver dollars on the spot, supposedly to purchase various weapons for the air defense regiment. Although the amount was small, it represented their goodwill, and it was said that they had saved it up penny by penny.
"Report, Director Xu from the Party Affairs Investigation Section has arrived."
Just as Li Shaoyi was about to rest, an uninvited guest arrived.