In the summer of 1949, the army of the four fields went south, but encountered an unexpected enemy. This enemy is not the remnants of the Kuomintang, not the local armed forces, but an invisible enemy that cannot be seen or touched. It turned the heroic and warlike Siberian tiger into a sick and crooked "sick cat", and forced the advancing People's Liberation Army to step on the brakes. What is it that makes this victorious iron army so embarrassed? Why is garlic a big deal? How did the soldiers overcome this difficulty?
Siye met a "strong enemy" in the south: the lack of adaptation to water and soil became the biggest challenge
In the summer of 1949, the Siye Army marched south with great ambition, ready to contribute to the liberation of the whole of China. However, they never expected that what awaited them was not only the stubborn resistance of the remnants of the Kuomintang, but also a "fierce enemy" that they had never encountered before-the water and soil of the south.
Most of the warriors of the Four Fields came from the north and fought in cold and dry environments for a long time. When they crossed the Yangtze River and entered the hot and humid southern region, it was as if they had suddenly entered another world. The hot and humid weather made it difficult for them to adapt, sweat poured out as if they didn't want money, and their clothes were always wet and sticking to their bodies.
Li Dashan, a veteran, recalled: "At that time, when we first arrived in Hunan, we felt like we were in a steamer. It's hot during the day, and it's so stuffy at night that I can't sleep. The most uncomfortable thing is that my body is always sticky, and I am covered in sweat when I walk two steps. "
However, heat and humidity are just one of the challenges they face. The unique terrain of the south also brought a lot of trouble to the soldiers of the four fields. Accustomed to marching and fighting in the open areas of the north, they were suddenly helpless in the face of an intricate network of water and rolling hills.
Wang Jianguo, chief of staff of a certain department in Siye, wrote in his diary: "Although our army has won many battles in the northeast battlefield, when it reaches the south, it seems to have become 'blind'. The mud in the rice paddies made it difficult for the soldiers to walk, and the rugged trails in the mountains made us suffer. "
To make matters worse, over time, various diseases began to spread among the troops. Diarrhea, fever, malaria and other illnesses appeared one after another, and the incidence rate of some companies was as high as 30 percent. Many of the fighters, although not injured, fell ill and could not continue fighting.
Statistics from the Siye Health Department show that in just one month after heading south, the number of non-combat attrition reached a staggering tens of thousands. This figure even exceeded the total casualties of the previous major battles, which really shocked the command.
Faced with this situation, Lin Biao and other high-level commanders realized that if effective measures were not taken, Siye's proud combat effectiveness would be greatly reduced. So, on July 23, 1949, Lin Biao sent an urgent telegram to the Military Commission.
The telegram reads: "The main force of Hunan and Jiangxi has decided not to make a big move on the dog days, so as to facilitate the recuperation of the main force and the ...... of local work." This telegram marked that Siye had to temporarily slow down the pace of his march and began a 40-day "Movement to Strengthen Soldiers and Horses."
This decision is undoubtedly a huge change for Shino, who has been maintaining a high speed of advancement. However, it was this seemingly retreating decision that laid a solid foundation for Siye's subsequent victory.
In the days that followed, the four fields made a concerted effort and took a series of measures to deal with this unprecedented challenge. From improving food to strengthening health management, from adjusting work and rest to scientific treatment, the soldiers of Siye used wisdom and perseverance to overcome the difficulties caused by water and soil adaptation step by step.
This experience not only tested the adaptability of the four field soldiers, but also made them realize that on the road of revolution, the enemy is not only a rain of bullets, but sometimes, the invisible "enemy" is just as terrible. And it was this all-round test that made Siye more mature and powerful in the later battles.
A special sight in the period of recuperation: sleeping has also become a "task"
With Lin Biao's order to "strengthen the soldiers and strengthen the horses", the troops of the four fields entered the stage of rest and recuperation one after another. What should have been a relaxing time presented a special picture of concern.
By the time the troops arrived at the designated resting place, many of the fighters were exhausted. Some of them staggered along with sticks, while others supported each other and barely moved forward. A veteran named Zhang Shouxin recalled: "At that time, as soon as we arrived at the rest site, some comrades fell asleep directly on the ground, and they didn't even have time to put down their luggage. "
The commanders soon realized that the first task was to give the fighters a good rest. However, no one expected that this seemingly simple "sleeping task" would turn out to be a new challenge.
On the first day of rest, when the commanders organized the fighters to carry out the necessary sanitary cleaning, they ordered everyone to rest. Under normal circumstances, warriors who have traveled long distances can recover their strength after eight or nine hours of sleep. But this time, the situation is very different.
Wang Defu, a veteran, recalled: "I remember lying down and falling asleep, and when I woke up, it was dark. I thought I had slept all night, only to find out that I had slept for a full 20 hours! And most of the comrades-in-arms around him are still asleep. "
This abnormal sleep situation aroused a high degree of vigilance among the commanders. They feared that such a deep sleep could adversely affect the already weak warriors, and even lead to sudden death in their sleep.
To this end, each company urgently formulated a system of taking turns on duty. Every hour, someone would creep into the dormitory and take a closer look at each sleeping warrior. They would gently place their hands on the warrior's nose and feel the flow of air, making sure everyone was safe and sound.
A veteran who was a squad leader at the time recalled: "During that time, our people on duty were more nervous than fighting. Every time I go in to check, I am afraid that I will find that some comrades will never wake up again. "
This seemingly exaggerated approach was necessary at the time. Because there have indeed been a few incidents that have almost led to tragedy. After a soldier slept for nearly 30 hours, his comrades could not wake him up no matter how much he screamed, and finally had to splash cold water on him to wake him up.
Over time, most of the fighters' sleep gradually returned to normal. When they finally woke up, they all sighed that this sleep was "really lifesaving". Some fighters even joked that they slept better than they had ever slept in their lives combined.
However, taking a break is only the first step in solving the problem. When the warriors' physical strength gradually recovered, the symptoms of various diseases began to manifest themselves. Problems such as diarrhea, fever, and malaria emerged one after another, making the rest area a large field hospital.
In order to prevent the further spread of the disease, the commanders were particularly strict in the hygiene management of the rest areas. A major cleaning is carried out every day, and all living areas must be kept tidy. Buckets and kettles should be disinfected regularly, and toilets should be cleaned in a timely manner.
Li Ming, a veteran, recalled: "At that time, the first thing we did when we got up in the morning was to clean. Sweeping the floor, wiping the table, cleaning the toilet, and having a lot of fun. Although it was very hard, everyone knew that it was for the health of themselves and their comrades, so they worked very hard. "
In addition to daily hygiene, food hygiene has also become a top priority. The commanders strictly forbade the drinking of raw water, and all drinking water had to be boiled. Each company was equipped with a special cauldron that boiled water around the clock. Some clever warriors also came up with a way to add salt to boiling water to quench their thirst and replenish salt.
These measures may seem simple, but they dramatically reduce the risk of disease transmission. As time went on, the number of sick fighters gradually decreased, and the mental outlook of the entire unit improved.
However, just when everyone thought that the most difficult period was over, new challenges crept in. Local mosquitoes began to massively "attack" these guests from the north. Every night, swarms of mosquitoes bite the warriors frantically, leaving them in agony.
Garlic becomes a "miracle medicine": four or two taels of garlic top half a catty of medicine
In the course of the struggle between the four field troops against the water and soil adaptation, diseases and mosquitoes in the south, an unexpected "hero" stood out - garlic. This ordinary condiment has played an incredible role in the special period and has become the "miracle medicine" of the soldiers of the four fields.
The cause of the incident can be traced back to an accidental discovery in early August 1949. Wang Xiaoer, a health worker in a certain group, smelled a strong smell of garlic when he was changing the dressing for a diarrheal patient. He asked if he had eaten garlic secretly, and he truthfully replied that he had secretly eaten a few cloves last night. To Wang Xiaoer's surprise, the symptoms of this patient were much better than those of other patients.
The discovery immediately caught the attention of the hygienists. They began to consciously observe the sick people who had eaten garlic and found that these people recovered significantly faster than others. The news soon reached the ears of the regiment commander, who immediately decided to conduct a "garlic experiment" throughout the regiment.
The method of the experiment was simple: the sick fighters were divided into two groups, one group ate a moderate amount of garlic every day, and the other group was treated as usual. The results surprised everyone: more than 60 percent of the garlic eating group returned to normal within three days, compared to only about 30 percent in the usual treatment group.
This result immediately caused a sensation among the troops of the four fields. Soon, the saying that "four taels of garlic top half a catty of medicine" began to circulate among the troops. Commanders at all levels quickly moved and began to organize the procurement and distribution of garlic.
However, sourcing garlic in large quantities is not an easy task. At that time, it was dog days, the production of garlic in the south was not high, and the number of troops in the four fields was large, so the demand for garlic was huge. In order to solve this problem, the troops have come up with various solutions.
Some units sent special procurement teams to go deep into the surrounding rural areas to purchase garlic. One veteran involved in the procurement recalled: "We rode horses, carried money and food stamps, and went door to door to buy garlic. Sometimes you have to run several villages a day to get enough for a truckload of garlic. "
Others simply grow their own garlic. They found a vacant lot near the station and sent people to take care of it every day. Although the garlic planted at that time could not be used immediately, this precautionary approach also provided a guarantee for the subsequent battle.
As the supply of garlic increases, how to use garlic effectively becomes a new problem. In the beginning, many fighters ate garlic raw, which resulted in side effects such as mouth sores and stomach upset. In order to solve this problem, medical staff began to study more scientific ways to consume it.
After trial and error, they found that mashing garlic and taking it with warm water worked best. One veteran recalled: "We had to drink a bowl of garlic soup every morning, and it was really choking, but for the sake of our health, everyone gritted their teeth and persevered." "
In addition to taking it internally, medical staff have also found that garlic has a good preventive effect on mosquito bites. They applied mashed garlic juice to their bodies, and the effect was even better than the mosquito repellent oil commonly used at the time. The discovery left mosquito-plagued warriors ecstatic.
The widespread use of garlic quickly showed results. According to statistics, within a month of the widespread use of garlic, the incidence of diarrhea in the four field troops dropped by nearly 50%, and the incidence of other diseases such as malaria also decreased significantly.
However, garlic's benefits are not limited to healing. It has also invisibly increased the combat effectiveness of the troops. One veteran described the situation this way: "After eating garlic, everyone's mental state was significantly better. I used to wilt all the time, but now I have the strength to walk. "
The effects of garlic are so remarkable that some local governments and friendly forces have begun to follow suit. When a certain department of Siye assisted the local government to carry out epidemic prevention work, it introduced garlic therapy to the local people, and received good results.
Over time, the soldiers gradually adapted to the climate and environment of the south. But even so, garlic still maintained an important place in the troops. Many veterans will recall that every time they move or prepare for battle, they will carry a few cloves of garlic with them, which can both prevent illness and refresh themselves.
This experience of the "Garlic Campaign" not only helped the Siye troops to tide over the difficulties, but also accumulated valuable experience for them. It proves that in a difficult environment, as long as you are observant and have the courage to try, you can find a solution to the problem. This spirit continued to develop in the subsequent battles and became one of the important reasons for Siye's invincibility.
It was difficult to overcome the difficulties of the south
In the process of overcoming the water and soil adaptation in the south, the challenges faced by the four field troops went far beyond diseases and mosquitoes. With the deepening of the rest, a series of problems caused by climate, diet, living habits and other factors gradually emerged, testing the adaptability of every soldier.
First and foremost is the humid and muggy climate of the south. Most of the soldiers of the four fields came from the north and were used to dry and cool weather. Suddenly exposed to an environment with humidity of more than 90%, many people experience varying degrees of discomfort. Some people's skin is covered with prickly heat, and the itching is unbearable; Some people feel sticky all day long because their sweat cannot evaporate in time, and it is difficult to sleep.
In response to this problem, the forces have taken a variety of measures. Whenever possible, they chose well-ventilated areas as resting places and hung mosquito nets in the barracks to prevent mosquito bites and increase air circulation. Some clever warriors also invented a way to cool down with a wet towel, hanging the wet towel on the window to bring a hint of coolness with the help of the breeze.
Eating is also a challenge. The soldiers in the north were accustomed to a pasta-based diet, while the rice-based diet in the south made it difficult for many people to adapt. Some fighters were not accustomed to eating rice and only ate a small amount every day, resulting in weakness. There are also people who have symptoms of indigestion due to sudden changes in eating habits.
To solve this problem, the logistics department racked its brains. On the one hand, they try to buy some flour and arrange pasta 1-2 times a week; On the other hand, we are also actively improving the cooking method of rice, such as adding some grains, which not only increases nutrition, but also improves the taste. At the same time, they also encouraged the fighters to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to replenish vitamins and strengthen their resistance.
A veteran who was in charge of the food at the time recalled: "Every day we had to rack our brains to think of recipes, both to cater for the tastes of the northern soldiers and to make use of southern ingredients. Once, we made a cake-like food out of pumpkin and sweet potatoes, which was a big hit and has been making it a lot since then. "
In addition to the climate and diet, the change of living habits has also brought a lot of trouble to the four wild soldiers. For example, the toilet habits in the south were very uncomfortable for many northern warriors. Aqua toilets are mostly used in the north, while water closets are widely used in the south. Many soldiers even suffered from constipation because they could not use the water closet.
In order to solve this problem, the units specially organized "toilet training". They brought in a local guide who explained in detail how to use the water closer. Some veterans also made their own simple squatting toilets to help their comrades-in-arms adapt better. These seemingly trivial details are directly related to the physical health and quality of life of the fighters.
The language barrier is also a problem that cannot be ignored. Although the four field troops were mainly northerners, there were also many southerners. In everyday communication, misunderstandings due to differences in dialects often arise. In order to facilitate exchanges, the units organized "dialect study groups" to encourage soldiers from the north and south to learn each other's dialects.
A veteran from Hunan recalled: "When I first arrived in the army, many of my comrades-in-arms in the north could not understand me. Later, we set up a study group, and I taught them Hunanese, and they taught me Northeast dialect. Slowly, everyone will be able to understand what each other is saying. "
With the passage of time, the soldiers of the four fields gradually adapted to the environment in the south. But the process has not been easy. Some soldiers had to be sent back to the north to recuperate because of their long-term maladaptation and deteriorating physical condition. Others, although physically adapted, are still psychologically unable to accept the southern way of life, often showing frustration and negativity.
In order to help these fighters, commanders at all levels took a variety of measures. They often organize recreational activities to relieve the stress of the fighters in laughter. Some units also invited local people to visit the camp to enhance their understanding of southern culture through exchanges.
A company commander recalled: "There was a big man from the northeast in our company who was sullen all day after coming to the south. Later, I put him in charge of liaising with the local people, but I didn't expect him to work so hard that he not only learned the local dialect, but also made a lot of friends. Since then, he has never complained about life in the South. "
The process of overcoming the adaptation of water and soil not only exercised the will of the four wild soldiers, but also cultivated their adaptability. They learn to self-regulate in a difficult environment and learn to respect and understand different cultural practices. These experiences laid a solid foundation for their future work across the country.
The historical impact of the four field troops after they moved south
The experience of the Siye troops going south was not only an arduous process, but also had a profound impact on modern Chinese history. This unit, which was invincible in the battlefields of Northeast China and North China, made important contributions to the construction of New China through rest and adaptation in the south.
First of all, the southward movement of the Siye troops provided valuable experience for the large-scale population migration that followed. In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in order to support the development of the western region and the construction of the frontiers, a large number of cadres and technicians from the north were sent to the south and the west. The experience of the Fourth Field Army in overcoming the unsuitability of water and soil has provided an important reference for these people.
For example, in the large-scale "South-to-North Water Diversion" project that began in 1958, many northern workers were sent to the Yangtze River basin to participate in the construction of the project. The environmental challenges they face are similar to those faced by the Siye Army when they moved south. The engineering headquarters drew on the experience of Siye and made careful arrangements in terms of diet, daily life, and epidemic prevention, which greatly reduced the period of discomfort of the workers.
A veteran worker involved in the South-to-North Water Diversion Project recalled: "When we first arrived at the Yangtze River, many people were not accustomed to the water and soil. Later, the engineering team invited an old comrade from Siye to teach us how to adapt to life in the south. He told us to eat more fresh vegetables and less greasy food, and also taught us how to cool down with a wet towel. These tips helped us a lot. "
Second, the experience of the Siye troops in the south also provided important enlightenment for the later army building. Their resilience and resilience in adapting to the new environment have become an important part of the PLA's heritage.
In the early 60s of the 20 th century, when the strategic adjustment of national defense required a large number of troops to be stationed in the plateau and border areas, the experience of the Siye troops again came into play. Most of the commanders in charge of organizing the operation had experience of going south. Drawing on the practice of the past, they began to conduct targeted training and preparation before the troops were stationed in new areas.
A veteran officer who participated in organizing the garrison on the plateau recalled: "We began to simulate the plateau environment in the plain area, so that the soldiers could adapt to the state of low oxygen. We also brought in Tibetan guides to teach you how to live on the plateau. These preparations greatly reduce the discomfort after arriving at the plateau. In fact, these practices are inspired by the experience of Siye going south. "
Third, the experience of the Fourth Field Army going south also had an important impact on the training and selection of cadres in New China. Most of those cadres who performed well and had strong adaptability in the process of going south later became the backbone of governments and the military at all levels.
For example, in the "Three Antis" movement that began in 1952, many cadres from the four fields were selected to participate in the leadership of the movement throughout the country. Their experience in the South enabled them to better understand and deal with the specific situations in different regions, effectively advancing the movement.
A veteran cadre who participated in the "three antis" movement recalled: "I am from Northeast China and was sent to Guangdong to lead the 'three antis' movement. If it weren't for my previous experience in Siye, I would probably have been confused about the situation in Guangdong. But it was because of that experience that I quickly adapted to the local working environment and established a good relationship with the local cadres. "
In addition, the experience of the Siye troops going south also promoted cultural exchanges and integration within the army. In the process of overcoming difficulties together, fighters from different regions have enhanced mutual understanding and eliminated regional prejudices. This spirit was further carried forward in the later socialist construction.
In the mid-50s of the 20 th century, the experience of the Siye troops was once again used for reference in the movement of intellectual youths to go to the mountains and countryside. The organizers referred to the practice of the Siye Army, and organized them to learn the dialect and customs of the destination before sending them to prepare them for adapting to the new environment.
A cadre who participated in organizing the educated youths to go to the countryside recalled: "We drew on the experience of the four fields and organized them to learn about rural life before they went to the countryside. We also arranged for the old intellectuals to come back and share their experiences with the new intellectuals. These practices have greatly shortened the adaptation period of the educated youth. "
Finally, the experience of the four field troops in moving south also provided a useful reference for the establishment of regional cooperation and counterpart support system in New China. The good relations they established with the local government and people during the recuperation period in the south became the precursor of the counterpart in the northeast region to support the southern region.
For example, during the natural disasters of the early 1960s, the three northeastern provinces responded to the central government's call to provide strong support to the southern region. Many of the cadres involved in the support work have the experience of Siye going south, and they are familiar with the situation in the south and are able to carry out their work in a targeted manner.
A veteran comrade who participated in the counterpart support recalled: "When we went to Hunan to provide support, we were caught up with a severe drought. I remembered the way I learned to deal with the southern climate when I was in Siye, and suggested that the local government take some water-saving measures. These suggestions have had a good effect. "