Chapter 212 10. Inventory

In the Battle of Yichuan, the Northwest Field Army suffered 4,193 injuries, 1,059 deaths, and 152 missing, for a total loss of 5,404. (Northwest Field Army Headquarters: "Successive Battle Records and Statistics of Our Army's Casualties") Annihilated Hu Zongnan's 1 whole army headquarters, 2 reorganized division headquarters, 5 reorganized brigades and 10 regiments, killing and injuring 7523 people and prisoners 21,962 people, a total of more than 29,000 people, seized 19 cars, 6 chemical mortars, 24 mortars, 139 60-gun guns, 193 heavy machine guns, 979 light machine guns, and 8,383 other guns.This was the first major victory of the Northwest Field Army after it switched to outside operations, setting an unprecedented record for the Northwest People's Liberation Army.

Mao Zedong spoke highly of the significance of the Yichuan Battle, saying: "This victory has changed the situation in the Northwest and will affect the situation in the Central Plains." ("Selected Works of Mao Zedong", Vol. 4, p. 1291) On March 7, Mao Zedong said in the article "Comment on the Northwest Great Victory and the New Army Movement of the People's Liberation Army": "This victory is so remarkable. There are many reasons. We and the broad masses of the people's efforts to assist us, as well as the fact that the enemy's army is relatively isolated and the terrain is favorable to us, should all be pointed out. However, what is most noteworthy is that during the winter of more than two months, the new method of complaints and three investigations was carried out. The whole army movement." ("Selected Works of Mao Zedong", Volume 4, p. 1294)

Peng Dehuai pointed out in the "Summary of the Spring Offensive" on May 26, 1948: "What are the basic reasons for the victory in the Yichuan Campaign? First, it is the direct result of the three investigations and military training." Second, "In terms of war guidance, we should use The best way to encourage the enemy to make mistakes without making mistakes yourself is to conceal one's own strength, so that the enemy will underestimate and win the victory more easily." Peng Dehuai also pointed out that there are still some shortcomings in the guidance of the campaign, such as lack of food preparations. ("Peng Dehuai Military Selected Works", pp. 239-241)