Tran Hung Dao Campaign 1950-1951 also known as Trung Du Campaign to the Viet Minh. During the campaign there were important battles at Vinh Yen, and it is known as the Battle of Vinh Yen to the French. The battle took place in 2 phase: 26 to 30-December-1950 and 12 to 17-Jan-1951.
The battle was Viet Minh's initiative aimed at French strongholds in the lowland of northern Vietnam.
Phase I of Tran Hung Dao Campaign (26 to 30-December-1950)
25-Dec-1950: 308, 312 arrives at appointed place read for combat after a 14-night march from Cao-Lang.
26-Dec-50: D Day, attack planned at night.
Morning: GM3 approached F312 position (27km northwest of Vinh Yen) and Le Trong Tan order attack. F312 eliminated 1 French battalion and caused high damage to another battalion.
Night: attacks at Trung Du and Northeast started.
- 308 success in: Huu Bang, Than Lan, Tu Sao, Go Soi, Ap Ca Fe, Go Lau, Yen Phu. Stop at Cho Tha (Tha Market) due to morning.
- 209/312 failed twice at Cho Vang Market (14km west northwest of Vinh Yen).
- Northeast: E174/F316 success at Binh Lieu. French withdrew to Tien Yen.
- Success to Viet Minh: 1,200 eliminated (2/3 Euro-African), most targets removed one night. Troops withdrawal out of French artillery range in the morning.
- Viet Minh losses: 218 killed, 630 wounded in first phase.
30-Dec-50: End of Phase I of Tran Hung Dao.
Phase II of Tran Hung Dao Campaign (12 to 17-Jan-1951)
12-Jan-51 : Co-ordinated front of Bac Giang: E174/F316 overran Dong Khe, E98 failed at Cam Ly.
13-Jan 141/312 attacked Bao Chuc (15km northwest of Vinh Yen). 88, 36, 209 ready to fight enforcement.
14-Jan Bao Chuc fell. Revamped GM3 came to help and was again defeated. Vinh Yen was surrounded. Giap ordered attack of Vinh Yen but 308 and 312 were not prepared.
Salan order GM1 to Vinh Yen, 1 parachute battalion to Dong Dau (13km south southwest of Vinh Yen).
De Lattre ordered GM2 from Luc Nam to Vinh Yen.
15-Jan GM1 encountered 102 and had to withdraw until bombers arrived and dumped napalm bomns on Viet Minh.
GM2 at Vinh Yen was besieged by 209.
Evening GM1 managed to Vinh Yen due to Viet Minh loosened besiege for treating the wounded.
16-Jan GM1 & GM3 attacked Dinh (Danh) Mountain (6-7km north of Vinh Yen). High points around Vinh Yen were occupied by French.
Viet Minh changed target from Vinh Yen to Nui Dinh as Vinh Yen was well protected.
1330 Viet Minh attacks started until 02:00 A.M of 17-Jan with limited results and high casualties. Giap ordered withdrawal.
17-Jan End of phase II of Tran Hung Dao Operation.
Results: 23 days/nights, 5000 French troops elimininated.
