Ly Thuong Kiet Campaign by Viet Minh in 1951 also known as Nghia Lo Battle was a military operation to remove the French posts at Nghia Lo in Yen Bai. All Viet Minh's attempts were without success, but the operation left good lessons to Viet Minh's commanders and soldiers. And they did show that they learned the lessons through their susequent campaigns...
Vietnam Historical Tours: Ly Thuong Kiet Campaign 1951, Franco-Viet Minh War
11-September-1951 Ly Thuong Kiet Campaign was decided.
Comparison of forces
1/ Viet Minh
312th was the force, 1 battery of 75mm mountain artillery, 2 companies of engineering troops and local troops in Phu Tho, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang.
Total: 8,479 people. (p222).
2/ French
- Nghia Lo: 1 Thai Battalion, enforced by a company;
- Gia Hoi, Thuong Bang La, Ba Khe, Cua Nhi: 1 company each.
- Enforcement: 8e BPC, 2e BEP, 10e BPCP.
Contexts
Extremely difficult time for Viet Minh when De Lattre took power, a minor operation in the North-West was needed and feasible.
Yen Bai: Bao Ha and Luc Yen were liberated zones and the rest was occupied by French troops.
Major positions: Nghia Lo, Gia Hoi, Ba Khe & Thuong Bang La.
A diagram showing developments of Ly Thuong Kiet Campaign by Viet Minh in 1951 (Nghia Lo Battle)
Development of the battle
25-September-1951, 312th started crossing the Red River into the North West via Co Phuc & Mau A (after being discovered at Au Lau).
30-Sept 165th attacked Ca Vinh and on the way to Cua Nhi.
1-Oct 209th attacked Ban Tu.
2-Oct daytime 8e BPC was sent to Tu Le.
2-Oct night 141st attacked Nghia Lo without success.
Site of the former Fench post on Nghia Lo Hill
3-Oct early morning, 8e BPC attacked 209th in the rear and was counterattacked and chased back to Gia Hoi.
4-Oct
- 2e BEP was sent to Gia Hoi, both 8e BPC and 2e BEP were attacked by 209th at Van Tong and near Nam Muoi and the two parachute units could not meet.
- Night 141st attacked Nghia Lo the second time and 165th attacked Cua Nhi; both were without success.
5-Oct
- 10e BPCP was sent to Nghia Lo.
Site of the former French Post at Cua Nhi
- 2e BPC et 8e BEP tried to cut the supply route via Khau Vac and was defeated by 312th and chased back to Gia Hoi.
Without success in overrunning Nghia Lo, with high casualties and lack of food, Le Trong Tan ordered the withdrawal of troops.
