While our General Xia was busy arresting the Japanese spy network in Chahar, warships from the United States also arrived at Dalian Port. Su Tong, Chen Shaokuan, Shen Honglie and other naval admirals also came to the port to greet them. The arrival of warships.
On the deck of a huge warship outside Dalian Port, several US officers were standing on the bridge looking at the port that was about to dock. A young captain smiled and said to his companions: "Buddha Major Rank, the construction here is pretty good. Look at the several large cranes and cranes on the port. These are not something that ordinary ports can afford."
"Well, but I seriously doubt that they have built such large cranes and what is the use of them? Is it because their builders think they have too much money?" Major Frank was also very concerned about the large equipment in the port. Surprising, after all, these large equipment are very expensive.
But Frank didn't know that Su Tong, who came from a later generation, had discovered that all ports were equipped with large cranes and crane equipment while watching TV, so he also asked the engineers when they were building Dalian Port. But the engineers' answers were different. He was surprised. Because in this era, most countries still rely on manpower to move goods. There are large cranes and cranes on the docks, but they are only equipped on important docks in a few countries. The engineer also advised Su Tong, there is no need to equip large cranes and cranes on this wharf, which is mainly used for military purposes. However, under the insistence of Chief Su who insisted on his own way, those equipment were still built on the wharf. That's why those Americans will So surprised.
Six huge warships entered the port at this time, including two 9,700-ton Treaty-class heavy cruisers and four Omaha-class light cruisers of more than 7,000 tons.
On July 9, 1938, eight "Fletcher-class" destroyers moored in the port of Dalian and four training ships affiliated with the Dalian Naval Academy were covered with colorful flags. They arrived from the Vladivostok Military Port. The two R-class submarines "Haima" and "Sea Snake", the main submarines of the submarine fleet, also surfaced in front of the public for the first time. They are also covered with colorful flags. Today is the day of the Chinese Navy, whether it is Vladivostok Fleet or Dalian Fleet. After a lapse of forty-four years, the Chinese Navy once again welcomed back its capital ship.
"coming"
When the shadows of the New Orleans and the Astoria's mast appeared on the distant horizon, people who had been waiting for a long time at the port raised their toes and looked toward the horizon. After a while, six battleships were heading towards Heading towards the port, looking at the six warships getting closer and closer, some excited people at the port even shed tears. Forty-four years later, China's naval power finally appeared in the shadow of large warships.
"This is our capital ship of the Chinese Navy," Long Yuzhuang said excitedly to Mu Yu, the captain of the "Sea Snake" beside him at the dock.
Mu Yu rolled his eyes, brother, why are you so excited? Don't forget that what we are doing is underwater work. No matter how big those battleships are, you have no share.
As the commander of the Chahar Navy, Chen Shaokuan's Fujian clique may have conflicts in one way or another with Shen Honglie's Qingdao clique, but he would never interfere with Shen Honglie on such a matter. Because of this, two months ago, when When Shen Honglie came to him and hoped to borrow 600 sailors and officers from the Vladivostok fleet to cooperate with the officers and soldiers of the newly built Dalian fleet and rushed to Dalian to take over the six warships, Chen Shaokuan did not make any obstruction, but immediately transferred them from the Vladivostok fleet. He finally sent the most elite sailors he had trained so hard to Dalian.
Because Chen Shaokuan knew clearly that personal conflicts would always give way to the interests of the country, the Chinese Navy had been waiting for this day for forty-four years. For forty-four years, the Chinese Navy had not added any new large warships. Finally, a big one was added. How could Chen Shaokuan stop them? Even if the destination of these warships was Dalian Port instead of Vladivostok, he did not hesitate at all, because these warships all have a common name, and they are all Chinese navy.
Looking at the warships entering the port, Chen Shaokuan's face was so excited that a drunken blush appeared. He pointed at the approaching warships and said to Shen Honglie: "Brother Chengzhang, with these six warships, our The Navy has some confidence, and will be able to fight the Japanese when they encounter it."
Shen Honglie nodded, "It will take at least half a year to form combat effectiveness. Our task at this stage is to train personnel. Whether it is engineers, gunners, communications, or surveying, the training of these personnel all takes time. Commander Su is right. , we are racing against time now."
Unlike those naval generals who were happy for the arrival of warships, Su Tong's mood at this time was scratching his head about the construction of Dalian Port. Warships have come, but warships are different from ordinary things. Things have come but the follow-up Maintenance and upkeep are enough for him to scratch his head. A warship usually needs to be maintained once every six months. It is not only necessary to clean up the conches, seaweed and other microorganisms stuck on the bottom of the warship. The biggest problem of the warship is actually that the hull is eaten by sea water and the captain The problem of aging as time goes by. These are a huge expense. Without a qualified port and a series of logistics bases dedicated to serving them, a fleet cannot operate, especially large ships.
What Su Tong has to do now is to work closely with the Americans to build Dalian's port and a series of shipyards. Although these warships have been maintained in the United States before coming to Dalian, this deadline is only half a year. If the construction of Dalian Port is not completed in half a year, these warships will have no choice but to go to the United States for maintenance. Chief Su, who always wants to save face, cannot afford to lose this person.
"Woo woo woo" a long whistle sounded in the port, and the warship docked.
At this time, Zhang Shouye on the side quietly asked Chen Shaokuan, "Sir, when will our Vladivostok fleet acquire a big one?"
"Maybe it will be soon." Chen Shaokuan was not sure. After all, the center of Chahar's naval construction has been moved from Vladivostok to Dalian, and everyone knows the importance of the Dalian fleet, which will be used to resist the Japanese navy. It is an important port, and the allocation of new warships will inevitably be tilted here in the future.
Not long after, thousands of engineers and technicians from the United States came ashore. Seeing the engineers and technicians from the United States disembarking one after another, Commander Su felt happy. These people are indispensable talents for the future construction of Dalian Port. Ah, Su Tong can imagine that when Dalian Port is built, the level of Chinese workers and scientific and technological personnel who study and work with them will be greatly improved. With Dalian Port and these workers and engineers in Vladivostok as seeds, In just ten years, China's shipbuilding industry will reach a new level.
He turned to Chen Shaokuan next to him and asked, "Master Fu, have you prepared the accommodation area for the experts and technical workers from the United States?"
Chen Shaokuan smiled and said: "Sir, don't worry, we are ready, and we will definitely not treat them badly."
"That's good. These Americans are precious. From now on, our port and shipyard construction will depend on them. You have to tell our people that we have to learn all their skills. Only when we master the technology can we survive. Stand up. We have put in a lot of effort to invite these people this time, but I don't want this kind of thing to happen again, do you understand?" Su Tong looked very serious at this time.
"Sir, don't worry. I've already given instructions to those college students and workers. I won't be able to spare them if I don't get all the foreign devils' bezoar and dog treasures out this time." Chen Shaokuan promised, patting his chest.
"Well, that's good." Su Tong said to Shen Honglie again: "Brother Chengzhang, the ship has arrived. I will only give you half a year. If these warships cannot form combat effectiveness in half a year, I will not be the first to spare you."
Shen Honglie smiled and said: "Don't worry, Sir Su, you have brought the warships here. If I, Shen Honglie, cannot complete my goal in half a year, don't punish me. I will just jump into the sea here."
"Hahaha" After hearing Shen Honglie's words, the officers beside him laughed. Su Tong held back his laughter and said: "This is not enough. I can tell you something here. In half a year, we will have two battleships and When an aircraft carrier enters service in the navy, it will require a large number of personnel. You, Shen Honglie, must be mentally prepared."
"What, Chief Su, we want aircraft carriers and battleships? Where did we order them?" It didn't matter as soon as Su Tong said these words. Chen Shaokuan, Shen Honglie and the officers around him all turned red when they heard this. Did Chief Su start ordering aircraft carriers?
Su Tong said with a straight face: "Why don't you believe what I said? I said I have it, and I can also tell you clearly that these two aircraft carriers and battleships are just the beginning. We will continue to add more in the future." For the new large battleships, the captains of these battleships will also be selected from among you. You all have to cheer me up. If anyone tries to make me suffer from diarrhea, let alone become a captain, you will not even be able to clean the toilet. Seriously, do you understand?”
As soon as Su Tong's words came out, it was like a handful of salt being thrown into a frying pan. The naval officers present started to boil. All the naval officers turned their attention to Shen Honglie and Chen Shaokuan. That was a battleship. And aircraft carriers, not just a few destroyers and frigates like small sailboats. If they can be snatched into one's own fleet, the size of one's own fleet will grow explosively. When I think of the officers here, Eyes are red.
Looking at the eyes of the officers, Su Tong smiled faintly and said, "Don't be too happy too early. Although it has been decided, I haven't decided who these battleships will eventually go to. Do you want an aircraft carrier? Yes, I think so. It’s okay if you want a battleship. As long as you can achieve results that satisfy me, in half a year I will see these two heavy cruisers and light cruisers appear in front of me with a brand new look. At the same time, they will also form a strong combat effectiveness. Who wants me to If he is satisfied, I will satisfy him. If anyone only cares about fighting in the nest but does not train well, then I'm sorry. I don't want waste here, do you all understand?" Su Tong's voice rose an octave in an instant.
"Understood" all the naval officers replied loudly, their eyes glowing green like wolves.
"Okay." Su Tong waved his hand and put this matter aside for now. Now we have to greet a few important guests. You all come with me.
After saying that, Su Tong led the officers to the dock in front. At this time, thousands of engineers and technicians on several warships had already disembarked. The last ones to disembark were those sent by Roosevelt from the United States.
Special envoy Hawkins and Alice, the Washington Post's chief Asia correspondent, who came specially from Chahar. Behind them were more than a dozen special guests from the United States. Among them were old, young, and gray-haired.
There were old women, middle-aged men and women, and teenagers.
Hawkins walked up to Su Tong and whispered: "General Su, these people are members of Major Magiffin's family, and they are all here today."
Su Tong nodded solemnly, turned around and said loudly: "Now that we are all here, two people form a group to arrange their military appearance."
After a while, Su Tong loudly ordered: "Okay, now everyone should line up in columns with me as the center, and everyone should stand at attention."
After giving the order, Su Tong arrived in front of a dozen old and young people who had just disembarked from the boat. At this time, standing in front of them was an old American lady with white hair and nearly eighty years old. Su Tong "popped" to the old man.
The woman saluted a standard military salute and said loudly: "Dear Mrs. Magiffin, please allow me to pay high respect to you and your family behind you on behalf of the Chahar government and the one million soldiers of Chahar."
After finishing speaking, Su Tong picked up the microphone handed over by an attendant and said loudly to the surroundings: "Dear gentlemen and ladies.
You may not know who this gray-haired lady is, but I can tell you now that this lady’s husband’s name is Philo Norton Magiffin. Forty-four years ago, Major Philo Norton Magiffin once
Serving in China's Beiyang Fleet. On the eve of the eye-catching Sino-Japanese War of 1894 forty-four years ago, Major Ma Jifen was thirty-four years old. He had served in the Beiyang Fleet for a full ten years. He put his most precious
He devoted his youth to the Beiyang Navy. Just before the naval battle began, he was supposed to take a vacation and return to the United States to reunite with his family. Unfortunately, China and Japan declared war at that time. Major Ma Jifen said in a letter to his family
"China and Japan are about to go to war. It is very likely that we will never see each other again, but I must stay at my post. In the ten years I have served in China, they have always been kind to me. If I abandon them at this time, it will be a disaster.
What a shame." Major Ma Jifen, who took the initiative to cancel his leave, showed his loyalty to this country to the Chinese navy and government with his actions. In the naval battle forty-four years ago, Major Ma Jifen used his bravery and behavior to show his loyalty to this country.
Our Chinese colleagues have demonstrated courage and their loyalty to China."
At this time, the engineers and technicians staying on the dock all heard Su Tong speak in poor American English. At the same time, thousands of American naval officers and soldiers who got off several warships realized that they were actually the same as them.
Under the orders of the officers, all the American soldiers stood at attention and saluted these people with a military salute.
.
Su Tong went on to say: "After the defeat of our Beiyang Navy, Major Ma Jifen wrote in his last letter to his wife: "Dear, I have served in this fleet for ten full years, and I have made this fleet a reality.
The fleet has become my home, and I have regarded this land as my second motherland. Now that the fleet has been defeated, hundreds of colleagues who have shared life and death have also died in the battle. Now is the time for me to fulfill my promise.
It's time. My dear, do you know how much I love this fleet. Now that it is gone, my soul will also go with it. Major McGiffin committed suicide immediately after leaving his will. Our then
The Qing government returned the remains of Major McGiffin to the United States and his hometown. However, I regret that such a brave soldier was treated unfairly in his hometown. I can't help but question the U.S. government.
Ax, is this how they treat a brave man of the United States of America who died generously?"
After hearing Su Tong's accusation, some of the many engineers and technicians who came on the same ship couldn't help but curse in a low voice: "This son of a bitch, how dare he treat a warrior of our United States like this?"
Although the U.S. Navy officers and soldiers did not curse out loud when they heard this, they could not help but secretly curse the U.S. government and these son-of-a-bitch politicians in their hearts.
"Although Major Ma Jifen was treated unfairly in both China and the United States at that time, his contribution to the Chinese Navy and his loyalty to China will not be forgotten by China on the other side of the ocean. Now, on behalf of the police, I
The Government of Harbin and the 70 million citizens under the jurisdiction of the Government of Chahar pay high respect to Major Magiffin and his family, and specially award Major Philo Norton Magiffin with the highest medal of the Government of Chahar, the special black
The Tiger Medal respects Mrs. Magiffin. Please allow me to dedicate this medal and this flag to you in the name of a grateful country and the Chahar government to express gratitude to your husband for his honor and loyalty for the country.
For his respectable service, please allow us to use this flag to represent the entire country and the Chahar government to express our gratitude to him and to you. You have a good husband worthy of our admiration."
After speaking, Su Tong slowly took out a shiny silver Black Tiger Medal, a certificate issued by Chahar, and a folded triangular Black Tiger flag from a tray held by the soldiers beside him, and handed them to Mrs. Magifen.
In her hand, when Mrs. McGiffin opened the certificate, she saw it written in both English and Chinese: I would like to use this medal to commemorate a warrior who, although he deeply loved his motherland, dedicated his life to another national flag.
At this time, a bugler standing behind Su Tong raised the copper bugle from his armpit, put it to his mouth and slowly blew the lights-out signal. Amidst waves of deep horn sounds,
A group of soldiers wearing white uniforms and holding rifles came from the side. They slowly came to the side and stood up one after another under the officer's order. They pointed their guns diagonally at the sky at a 45-degree angle and listened to the commander's command.
Be prepared to send off your robe in a military manner.
"Ready to release"
"bump"
"Ready to release"
"bump"
After receiving the medal and seeing the eulogy on the certificate, the white-haired Mrs. McGiffin standing in front of Su Tong still collapsed on the ground and burst into tears. More than a dozen family members behind her also started crying. Forty-four years ago
Finally, Major McGiffin restored his reputation in a foreign country.
When the gunfire ended, the soldiers lined up again and saluted Mrs. Magiffin and the family behind her before walking away slowly in goose steps.
At this time, the eight destroyers anchored in the port all turned their guns and started to fire salutes. "Boom, boom, boom," the white smoke from the destroyers along with the huge roar resounded through the port. They were using this method.
I would like to express my highest respect to the warrior who, although not Chinese, shed his last drop of blood for China.
"Kaka" At this time, the camera in Alice's hand, standing aside, was flashing continuously. Alice was crying and pressing the shutter hard. She wanted to record this scene, and she also wanted to
Send all these photos back to the United States and show those son of a bitch politicians that they are using this method to harm a brave soldier of the United States.
When Alice's report and photos were sent back to the United States, the Washington Post ran the news as a front-page headline the next day. His title was: A Belated Medal. In this report, Alice wrote
Said: A warrior who fights for the flag he swore allegiance to and died for his respected comrades. A uniform and a battle flag are the best comfort for the soul of Major McGiffin, the prodigal son of Annapolis. McGiffin is
Unfortunately, he is also lucky. Unfortunately, in Ma Jifen's hometown, his people still suffer discrimination and unfair treatment from people and governments. Fortunately, in another ancient country on the other side of the ocean,
, a local government has taken the lead in restoring his honor and gave Major Magiffin's family the title of honorary citizen of Chahar. General Su, chairman of Chahar Province, claimed that they welcome Major Magiffin's tribe to Chahar at any time.
Once you settle down, they will welcome their arrival with open arms as they would their own relatives.
Once Alice's report was published, it caused a sensation in the United States. They did not expect that an American who died in a foreign country would be treated so unfairly in his own country and then be treated so unfairly in another country.
With such respect, the whole United States was excited. Chahar's political ax also spread throughout the United States along with the name Philo Norton Magiffin. Many Americans also became curious about this magical place in the East.
Su Tong's goal has also been achieved. He has allowed more and more Americans to understand China and Chahar, which will be more and more beneficial to the development of his subsequent plans.