There are 2 brigades of the 129th Division, why is Chen Geng's 386th Brigade famous all over the world, but the 385th Brigade is unknown?
Everyone in the world knows the prestige of the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army, but they don't know that there is a little-known secret hidden in this strong army. The 129th Division has two brigades, one is Chen Geng's 386th Brigade and the other is Wang Hongkun's 385th Brigade. Chen Geng's 386 Brigade was famous all over the world, and the Japanese army was terrified, while Wang Hongkun's 385 Brigade was little known. Why is there such a huge difference between these two main brigades that belong to the same 129th Division?
Some people say that the 386th Brigade has a brilliant record, but the 385th Brigade has not achieved much. But if we look at history, we will find that the 385 Brigade has also set earth-shattering records. So, what exactly caused such a different fate of these two brigades? Is it the difference in the division of tasks, or the difference in the ability of generals? Or is it something else we don't know about?
Let's uncover this dusty history and explore the truth behind the different fates of the two brigades of the 129th Division. What exactly made the 386 Brigade a legend in the War of Resistance Against Japan, while the 385 Brigade remained unknown? What are some of the lesser-known stories?
The birth of the 129th Division and the formation of two brigades
Speaking of the birth of the 129th Division, we have to start from the changing era of 1937. In that year, Japan imperialism brazenly launched a full-scale war of aggression against China, and the Chinese nation reached the most dangerous time. In order to fight against the Japanese invaders, the Kuomintang and the Communist Party once again achieved a second cooperation. Against this background, the main force of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army under the leadership of the Communist Party of China was reorganized into the Eighth Route Army of the National Revolutionary Army.
Everyone in the world knows that the Eighth Route Army has three divisions, but they don't know that the origins of these three divisions are very different. Among them, the 115th Division was adapted from the main force of the former Red First Front Army, the 120th Division was adapted from the main force of the former Red Second Front Army, and the 129th Division was adapted from the main force of the former Red Fourth Front Army. The birth of the 129th Division can be described as a wonderful flower in the Eighth Route Army!
The establishment of the 129th Division was not achieved overnight. On August 25, 1937, Zhu De and Peng Dehuai led the headquarters and the 115th and 120th divisions to leave northern Shaanxi and advance to the anti-Japanese front in North China. The main force of the Red Army remaining in northern Shaanxi was the main force of the Red Fourth Front Army led by Liu Bocheng and Xu Xiangqian. On September 12, the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China issued a notice to reorganize this unit into the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army.
If you want to talk about the leadership of the 129th Division, they are all well-known figures. The division commander was Liu Bo, the deputy division commander was Xu Xiangqian, and the political commissar was Zhang Hao, who was later succeeded by Deng Xiaoping. These leaders are not idle people, Liu Bocheng is a military strategist and strategist, and has the reputation of "Liu Yikou"; Xu Xiangqian was one of the ten founding marshals; Zhang Hao was one of the early important leaders of the CCP; Deng Xiaoping later became the chief architect of China's reform and opening up. With such a leading group, the development of the 129th Division is naturally thriving.
The 129th Division had two brigades, the 386th and 385th Brigades. The formation of the 386 Brigade can be described as a good story in the Eighth Route Army. In October 1937, in a small village in Dai County, Shanxi Province, Chen Geng received an order to form the 386th Brigade. At that time, Chen Geng was still a young man, but his military talent had been recognized by his superiors. Chen Geng didn't say a word, and immediately began to form a new army.
Coincidentally, it was the autumn harvest season, and the villagers were busy in the fields. Chen Geng had an idea and asked the soldiers to help the villagers harvest the rice. This move not only won the favor of the villagers, but also attracted many young people to join the army. In this way, the 386 Brigade gradually grew stronger in the process of helping the masses.
In contrast, the formation of the 385 Brigade is much more low-key. In June 1938, the 769th Regiment, the 129th Division Independent Regiment and the Independent Detachment were combined into the new 385th Brigade, with Wang Hongkun as the brigade commander and Xie Fuzhi as the political commissar. Although the formation process of the 385 Brigade was not as dramatic as that of the 386 Brigade, it was also an important step in the development and growth of the Eighth Route Army.
After the formation of the two brigades, the strength of the 129th Division increased greatly. Chen Geng's 386th Brigade became the main strike force of the 129th Division, while Wang Hongkun's 385th Brigade took on the important task of defending the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningbo border region. Although the tasks of these two brigades were different, they both made important contributions to the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan.
In this way, the two brigades of the 129th Division embarked on their respective journeys. The 386 Brigade, under the leadership of Chen Geng, began its legendary road; The 385th Brigade, under the command of Wang Hongkun, silently guarded the rear of the revolution. No one expected that these two brigades, both belonging to the 129th Division, would have such different fates in the future.
The brilliant record of the 386 Brigade
The legend of the 386 Brigade is inseparable from its soul - Chen Geng. Chen Geng, a farmer born in Yilong County, Sichuan, with his outstanding military talent and unique leadership style, built the 386th Brigade into a formidable force that would be feared by the enemy.
Chen Geng's military talent can be described as innate. As early as his time at the Whampoa Military Academy, he showed outstanding military qualities. Chen Geng is good at using flexible and mobile tactics, often using small to create miracles. In the 386 Brigade, he brought this talent to the extreme.
Chen Geng's leadership style is also unique. He advocated the "three fierces": fierce in war, fierce in study, and fierce in work. This style soon became popular in the 386 Brigade. Chen Geng also attached great importance to the training of young cadres, and he often said: "We must rely on young people to fight wars, and without young people there will be no stamina." "It is this attitude of attaching importance to talents that has enabled the 386 Brigade to produce a large number of talents and continuously improve its combat effectiveness.
The brilliant achievements of the 386 Brigade can be said to be a microcosm of the War of Resistance Against Japan. One of the most famous is the Battle of Laoxian in the "Battle of the Hundred Regiments" in 1940. At that time, the Japanese army built an important strategic highway in Lao County, Shanxi. After Chen Geng learned of this information, he immediately formulated a thorough battle plan.
On the evening of August 20, the 386th Brigade, under the cover of dark night, quietly approached the Japanese fortifications. While the Japanese were still asleep, the 386th Brigade suddenly launched a fierce attack. The Japanese army was caught off guard and rushed into battle. After fierce battles, the 386 Brigade not only destroyed the Japanese fortifications, but also captured a large number of enemies and captured a large number of weapons and ammunition. This battle not only disrupted the strategic deployment of the Japanese army, but also greatly encouraged the Chinese military and civilians to resist the war.
Another battle that made the 386 Brigade famous was the Battle of Shangdang in 1941. At that time, in order to cut off the supply lines of the Eighth Route Army, the Japanese army launched a large-scale attack on the Shangdang area. In the face of a powerful enemy, Chen Geng adopted the tactic of "sending reinforcements from all directions". He divided the 386 Brigade into several small detachments, which were ambushed on the route of possible reinforcements from the Japanese army.
When the main forces of the Japanese army fell into the encirclement of other units of the Eighth Route Army, the various detachments of the 386 Brigade came into play. They haunted the rear of the Japanese army like ghosts, cutting off the enemy's retreat and blocking the enemy's reinforcements. This tactic exhausted the Japanese army and eventually led to a crushing defeat for the Japanese army. This battle not only preserved the Shangdang area, but also dealt a heavy blow to the arrogance of the Japanese army.
The achievements of the 386 Brigade are not only reflected in large-scale battles, but also in daily guerrilla warfare. Chen Geng is particularly good at using the "sparrow tactic", that is, adopting a small force and attacking at multiple points to constantly harass the enemy. This tactic not only consumes the enemy's vital forces, but also preserves its own strength, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.
During one operation, a small detachment of the 386 Brigade infiltrated an ammunition depot of the Japanese army. Not only did they blow up the ammunition depot, but they also managed to bring back a lot of intelligence. This information provided a valuable reference for subsequent operations.
The achievements of the 386th Brigade soon spread throughout the anti-Japanese battlefield, and even to Japan. The Japan military hated the 386 Brigade to the core, but had to admit the strength of this unit. A Japanese general once wrote in a war report: "The 386th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army is like a ghost, which makes us unable to guard against it." ＂
The fear of the Japanese army for the 386 Brigade to a certain extent reflected the combat effectiveness of this unit. Once, the Japanese learned that the 386 Brigade might appear somewhere, and immediately mobilized a large number of troops to carry out a "sweep". However, when they arrived, they found that the 386th Brigade had already been transferred. This feeling of being played with made the Japanese generals lose face.
The prestige of the 386 Brigade not only frightened the Japanese army, but also won the love of the people. In a small mountain village in Shanxi, there is still a story to this day. At that time, the Japanese army suddenly surrounded the village, and the villagers were terrified. At this moment, the 386th Brigade arrived in time to repel the Japanese army. Since then, the villagers have held an annual commemoration to thank the 386 Brigade for saving their lives.
The brilliant record of the 386 Brigade is not only a numerical victory, but also a spiritual victory. It proved that the Chinese army was fully capable of defeating the powerful Japan invaders, and greatly boosted the confidence of the military and people throughout the country in the war of resistance. And all this is inseparable from Chen Geng's outstanding leadership and the heroic struggle of the officers and men of the 386 Brigade.
The silent dedication of the 385 Brigade
In the long history of the 129th Division, the 385th Brigade is like a hidden pearl, although it is not as radiant as the 386th Brigade, but it also has its own unique value and contribution. The 385th Brigade, led by Wang Hongkun, shouldered the important mission of defending the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningbo Border Region, worked silently in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and made indelible contributions to the revolutionary cause.
The formation of the 385 Brigade dates back to June 1938. At that time, the 769th Regiment, the 129th Division Independent Regiment and the Independent Detachment were combined into the new 385th Brigade, with Wang Hongkun as the brigade commander and Xie Fuzhi as the political commissar. Although this newly formed unit is not as famous as the 386 Brigade, it is no less important than its brother units.
Wang Hongkun, a member of the Communist Party who was born in Shandong, is not as well-known as Chen Geng, but his military skills and leadership skills are equally outstanding. He was good at using guerrilla tactics and waged flexible operations behind enemy lines, causing a lot of trouble to the enemy. Under his leadership, the 385th Brigade has gradually grown into a strong force capable of fighting tough battles.
The main task of the 385 Brigade is to defend the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningbo border region. This may seem like a mundane task, but in fact it is a great responsibility. As the seat of the CPC Central Committee, the security of the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningbo Border Region has a bearing on the overall situation of the entire War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The 385 Brigade was like a solid shield, blocking between the enemy and the border areas.
In the process of carrying out the task of defending, the 385 Brigade is not just passively defensive. They often take the initiative to strike at the arrogance of the enemy. In the spring of 1939, the Japanese army launched a large-scale "sweep" against the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningbo border area. In the face of a menacing enemy, the 385 Brigade adopted flexible and mobile tactics.
Wang Hongkun commanded the troops to be broken into pieces and scattered in all corners of the border area. When the Japanese attacked in a big way, the various detachments of the 385 Brigade were like gophers that suddenly appeared, constantly harassing the enemy's rear. Such tactics not only disrupted the rhythm of the Japanese offensive, but also greatly depleted the enemy's forces and supplies.
During one operation, a small detachment of the 385 Brigade managed to infiltrate one of the Japanese granaries. Not only did they blow up the granary, but they also distributed a large amount of grain to the local population. This move not only hit the enemy's supply system, but also won the support of the masses, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.
Another important contribution of the 385 Brigade was the establishment and consolidation of anti-Japanese base areas. While defending the border areas, the 385 Brigade also actively carried out mass work and mobilized the masses to participate in the anti-Japanese struggle. They went deep into the countryside to help the peasants plough in the spring and harvest in the autumn, organized the militia, and established an anti-Japanese regime.
At one time, the 385 Brigade came to a village that had been "swept away" by the Japanese army. The village was in shambles, and the villagers had lost their confidence in life. Without saying a word, the fighters of the 385 Brigade immediately plunged into the reconstruction work. They helped the villagers renovate their houses, rebuild their schools, and even organized a group wedding to bring new life to the village.
The 385 Brigade has also carried out extensive cultural and educational work in the border areas. They set up an art troupe to perform in the countryside and propagate the truth of resisting Japan and saving the country. In some remote mountainous areas, the soldiers of the 385th Brigade also played the role of "barefoot doctors", treating local people. Although these works are not as earth-shattering as the war, they have really improved the lives of the people in the border areas.
While defending the border area, the 385 Brigade did not forget to fight the enemy. They often send small detachments to reconnoiter intelligence behind enemy lines and sabotage the enemy's transportation facilities. At one point, a reconnaissance group of the 385 Brigade discovered a secret airfield of the Japanese army. Risking their lives, they infiltrated the airfield and managed to blow up several enemy planes, inflicting heavy losses on the Japanese army.
Another important contribution of the 385 Brigade is the training of a large number of outstanding cadres. Wang Hongkun attaches special importance to the training and education of cadres. He often organized officers and men to study military theory and political knowledge to improve the overall quality of the troops. Thanks to his efforts, a large number of outstanding military commanders and political cadres emerged in the 385 Brigade, which provided valuable human resources for the later war of liberation and the construction of New China.
Although the contribution of the 385 Brigade is not as remarkable as that of the 386 Brigade, their contribution is equally commendable. In their own way, they made important contributions to the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan. If the 386 Brigade is a sharp sword, then the 385 Brigade is a solid shield, and the two complement each other and together constitute the combat effectiveness of the 129 Division.
The story of the 385th Brigade may not be as magnificent as the 386th Brigade, but the dedication and tenacity contained in it are equally admirable. Their silent dedication provided a solid guarantee for the security and development of the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningbo Border Region, and also made indelible contributions to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression led by the Communist Party of China.
Characteristic military training of the 129th Division
The outstanding performance of the 129th Division in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was inseparable from its unique and efficient military training system. This training system integrates traditional military theory and revolutionary practice, forging an iron army capable of fighting well for the 129th Division.
The core concept of training is "actual combat". The leaders of the 129th Division knew that the real battlefield was far more brutal and complex than the training ground. Therefore, they strive to bring the training environment and content as close to actual combat as possible. On the training ground, soldiers can often be seen practicing in complex terrain, simulating various possible battlefield situations.
A typical training schedule might look like this: early in the morning, the officers and men of the division assemble at the sound of horns. This is followed by a long march with a load on their shoulders. This not only exercises physical fitness, but also cultivates the willpower of the fighters. After the march, it is followed by various tactical training, such as lurking, assault, defense, etc. These trainings tend to take place in complex terrain and sometimes even at night to simulate a real battlefield environment.
The training of the 129th Division also placed special emphasis on the development of individual skills. Every fighter must be proficient in basic skills such as shooting, fighting, wilderness survival, etc. In shooting training, the 129th Division adopted the unique "three-three system" training method. That is, three rounds at a time, three times in a row, and then analyze the results to find out the shortcomings. This method not only saves valuable ammunition, but also allows the fighters to quickly improve their shooting skills.
During one training session, a recruit always missed the bullseye when shooting. Instead of simply criticizing, the instructor carefully observed his movements and found that the problem was with breath control. The instructor patiently instructed him on how to control his breathing while shooting, and soon the recruit's performance improved significantly.
In addition to individual skills, the 129th Division also places special emphasis on teamwork. They often engage in small-scale simulated battles that allow the fighters to learn to cooperate with each other on the battlefield. During these trainings, commanders and soldiers take turns playing different roles in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the battlefield situation.
At one point, the 129th Division organized a large-scale mock battle. The troops involved in the training were divided into "red and blue" sides and fought against each other in a complex mountainous terrain. The training lasted three full days, during which the fighters had to overcome various difficulties, such as bad weather and food shortages. This kind of almost real training has greatly tempered the troops' actual combat capability.
Another striking feature of the 129th Division's training is the combination of theory and practice. At the end of each day's training, a period of time will be arranged for theoretical learning and experience summary. In this session, the officers and men will discuss the problems encountered in the training and share their experiences. The commanders will also explain relevant military theories and combat examples in light of the actual situation.
During a theoretical study, a company commander shared his experience in applying guerrilla tactics in actual combat. He explained in detail how to flexibly use tactics such as "sending reinforcements from all directions" according to the terrain and the enemy's situation. This kind of sharing of experience from actual combat has played a great role in improving the tactical level of the entire unit.
The training of the 129th Division also paid special attention to cultivating the political consciousness of officers and men. Every week, political study time will be arranged to study the party's principles and policies and the principles of resisting Japan and saving the country. This has not only enhanced the ideological understanding of officers and men, but also enhanced the cohesion and combat effectiveness of the troops.
Another important feature of the 129th Division's training system is that it is adapted to local conditions. Since the 129th Division is mainly active in North China, the terrain here is complex, with both plains and mountains. Therefore, the training content of the 129th Division will be adjusted according to the characteristics of different terrains. In the plains, they will intensify training for rapid maneuvering and large-scale operations; In mountainous areas, emphasis is placed on training in small-scale guerrilla warfare and mountain warfare skills.
In order to improve the effectiveness of training, the 129th Division also often invites veterans with rich combat experience to guide the training. These veterans will pass on their experiences and lessons on the battlefield to the younger fighters without reservation. In this way, a good relationship between new and old soldiers is formed, which greatly accelerates the growth rate of new soldiers.
The training of the 129th Division also attaches great importance to cultivating the innovative ability of officers and men. They encouraged officers and men to constantly improve their combat methods in light of the actual situation. During one of the training sessions, an ordinary fighter proposed a new method of concealment, capable of remaining undetected under enemy reconnaissance aircraft. This idea was quickly popularized throughout the division and brought great help to the actual combat later.
The 129th Division's characteristic military training has not only forged a strong force capable of fighting well, but also accumulated valuable training experience for the people's army under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. The core concepts and methods of this training system have been inherited and developed in the later War of Liberation and in the army building after the founding of New China.
The historical status and influence of the 129th Division
The 129th Division occupies an important position in the history of the Chinese revolution, and its influence is far-reaching and extensive. As one of the main forces of the Eighth Route Army, the 129th Division not only made great achievements in the War of Resistance Against Japan, but also made great contributions to the construction and development of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
First of all, the performance of the 129th Division in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression set an example for the anti-Japanese armed forces led by the Communist Party of China. With flexible and mobile guerrilla tactics, they opened up vast anti-Japanese base areas behind enemy lines and dealt a powerful blow to the Japan invaders. The successful experience of the 129th Division proved that the people's army under the leadership of the Communist Party was fully capable of confronting the well-equipped Japanese army. This not only encouraged the confidence of the military and the people throughout the country in resisting Japan, but also won a broad mass base for the Communist Party of China.
The influence of the 129th Division is also reflected in the innovation and development of military doctrine. A set of guerrilla tactics that they explored in practice was later summed up by Mao Zedong as the "16-character formula": When the enemy advances, we retreat, when the enemy is stationed, when the enemy is tired, we fight, and when the enemy retreats, we pursue. This set of tactical thinking not only played an important role in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, but was also widely used in the later War of Liberation, and became one of the magic weapons for the people's army to win.
The 129th Division also trained a large number of outstanding talents for the Chinese People's Liberation Army. A group of commanders of the 129th Division, represented by Chen Geng, later became the backbone of the PLA. The rich experience they accumulated in the 129th Division has provided valuable wisdom for the army building of New China. For example, Chen Geng later served as the president of the Military Academy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, integrating the combat experience and training methods of the 129th Division into the training of a new generation of military talents.
The influence of the 129th Division was also reflected in political work. They creatively carried out mass work and mobilized the masses to participate in the anti-Japanese struggle in depth. The political work experience of the 129th Division was later summarized as "three disciplines and eight points of attention", which became the basic code of conduct of the people's army. This style of maintaining close ties with the masses has become an important characteristic that distinguishes the people's army from other armies.
In terms of culture and education, the 129th Division has also made important contributions. They persisted in carrying out cultural and educational work in the harsh war environment. The Anti-Japanese Military and Political University, founded by the 129th Division, has trained a large number of highly educated cadres for the revolutionary cause. These cadres not only played an important role in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation, but also made important contributions in various fields after the founding of New China.
The influence of the 129th Division is also reflected in the handling of civil-military relations. They have always adhered to the concept of "the army and the people are one family" and actively helped the masses to help themselves in production. This practice not only won the support of the masses, but also set an example for the building of the people's army in the future. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, "supporting the government and loving the people" became a fine tradition of the people's army, and its origins can be traced back to the practice of the 129th Division and other anti-Japanese troops.
The historical status of the 129th Division is also reflected in the inheritance and development of the revolutionary spirit. In the arduous War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, they displayed the revolutionary spirit of perseverance and unafraid of sacrifice. This spirit was inherited and carried forward in the later revolutionary struggle and socialist construction. For example, in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, many veterans who served in the 129th Division once again went into battle and inherited the revolutionary spirit of the 129th Division with practical actions.
The influence of the 129th Division was also reflected in military diplomacy. Their cooperation with other friendly forces in the Sino-Japanese War won the Chinese Communist Party a wide range of allies. In particular, the joint operation of the 129th Division with the Kuomintang army laid the foundation for later cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party. This experience in military diplomacy has also had a far-reaching impact on the work of military diplomacy since the founding of New China.
The historical status of the 129th Division is also reflected in their innovations in military logistics. Under extremely difficult conditions, the 129th Division creatively carried out self-sufficient logistical support work. They launched a large-scale production campaign in the base areas, which not only solved the problem of supplying the troops, but also supported local economic construction. This practice was later summed up as the revolutionary tradition of "self-reliance and arduous struggle" and became the precious spiritual wealth of the people's army.
The influence of the 129th Division is also reflected in the innovation of military science and technology. Despite its backward equipment, the 129th Division still pays attention to the application and innovation of military science and technology. They have made use of their limited resources to improve their weaponry and combat effectiveness. This spirit of attaching importance to science and technology and being bold in innovation laid the ideological foundation for the modernization of the people's army in the future.
In general, the 129th Division, as a model unit under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, has a multifaceted historical status and influence. From military strategy and tactics to political work, from personnel training to spiritual inheritance, the 129th Division has made important contributions. Their experience and spirit have not only influenced the construction and development of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, but also had a far-reaching impact on various undertakings in New China. The history of the 129th Division is an important part of the history of the Chinese revolution and deserves to be remembered and studied forever by future generations.