In August 1937, when the Eighth Route Army was reorganized, the battle sequence was three divisions and six brigades, and the specific combat names were the 343rd and 344th Brigades under the 115th Division, the 358th and 359th Brigades under the 120th Division, the 385th And 386th Brigade under the 129th Division, and the total strength of the three divisions together was about 35,000 people. So, who were the first 6 brigade commanders of the Eighth Route Army? How old were they at that time? What rank was conferred in 1955 let's look down on the operational designations.
The first was the 343rd Brigade, and the brigade commander was Chen Guang, a native of Yizhang, Hunan, born in 1905. In his early revolutionary career, Chen Guang participated in the Shonan Uprising, the Jinggangshan Struggle, and the Long March of the Red Army, and served as the commander of the 2nd Division of the 1st Army of the Red Army. After the outbreak of the All-Out War of Resistance, Chen Guang was appointed brigade commander of the 343rd Brigade of the Eighth Route Army, at the age of 32. Later, Chen Guang died in 1954 due to mistreatment.
The second was the 344th Brigade, and the brigade commander was Xu Haidong, a native of Dawu, Hubei Province, born in 1900. In his early revolutionary career, Xu Haidong participated in the Jute Uprising, the Eyu-Anhui Struggle and the Long March of the Red Army, served as the commander of the Red 25th Army, and made outstanding contributions to the victory of the main force of the Red Army in northern Shaanxi. In August 1937, Xu Haidong was appointed brigade commander of the 344th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army, at the age of 37, the oldest of the six brigade commanders at that time. Later, in 1955, Xu Haidong was awarded the rank of General, ranking second among the ten generals.
This was followed by the 358th Brigade, headed by Zhang Zongxun, a native of Weinan, Shaanxi, born in 1908. In his early revolutionary career, Zhang Zongxun participated in the Autumn Harvest Uprising, the Jinggangshan Struggle, and the Long March of the Red Army, and served as the commander of the 4th Division of the 3rd Army of the Red Army. After the outbreak of the All-Out War of Resistance, Zhang Zongxun was appointed brigade commander of the 358th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army, at the age of 29. Later, in 1955, Zhang Zongxun was awarded the rank of general.
Then there was the 359th Brigade, and the brigade commander was Chen Bojun, a native of Dachuan, Sichuan, born in 1910. In his early revolutionary career, Chen Bojun participated in the Autumn Harvest Uprising, the Jinggangshan Struggle and the Long March of the Red Army, and served as the chief of staff of the 9th Army of the Red Fourth Front. In August 1937, Chen Bojun was appointed brigade commander of the 359th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army, at the age of 27, the youngest of the six brigade commanders at that time. Later, in 1955, Chen Bojun was awarded the rank of general.
This was followed by the 385th Brigade, and the brigade commander was Wang Hongkun, a native of Macheng, Hubei Province, born in 1909. In his early revolutionary career, Wang Hongkun participated in the Jute Uprising, the Eyu-Anhui Struggle, and the Long March of the Red Army, and served as the commander of the 4th Army of the Red Fourth Front. After the outbreak of the All-Out War of Resistance, Wang Hongkun was appointed brigade commander of the 385th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army, at the age of 28. In 1955, Wang Hongkun was awarded the rank of general.
Finally, the 386th Brigade was headed by Chen Geng, a native of Xiangxiang, Hunan Province, born in 1903. In his early revolutionary career, Chen Geng participated in the Northern Expedition, the Nanchang Uprising, the Eyu-Anhui Struggle, and the Long March of the Red Army, and served as the leader of the Red Army cadre regiment. In August 1937, Chen Geng was appointed brigade commander of the 386th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army, at the age of 34. In 1955, Chen Geng was awarded the rank of Grand General, the fourth of the ten generals.