Chapter 220 8. Inventory

The Battle of Linfen, which lasted 72 days, wiped out 1 division headquarters, 1 brigade headquarters, 6 infantry regiments, 1 artillery battalion, 8 irregular army regiments, and military and political agencies defending the enemy, killed and injured 5,000 people, and captured 18,162 people below Liang Peihuang , a total of 23,162 people, seized 554 guns, 1,224 light and heavy machine guns, 1,360 rifles, 7,517 shells, 65,722 grenades, and more than 2.17 million bullets.The PLA suffered 15,333 casualties on the front line in Linfen, consuming 95,123 rounds of various shells, more than 1.645 million rounds of various bullets, and more than 50,000 kilograms of explosives.The last stronghold of the Kuomintang army in the southern Shanxi area was pulled out, and the Taiyue and Luliang liberated areas were connected together, effectively cooperating with the Central Plains and Northwest Liberation Army operations, and creating favorable conditions for the subsequent elimination of the main force of Yan Xishan's department.Xu Xiangqian pointed out in a speech on August 16, 1948: "The experience of fighting Linfen should be easily accepted. At that time, if we said that we guided well and played better, wouldn't it take 70 days? It is possible to take it down? Is it not necessary to have as many casualties? It is also possible." ("Summary of the Battle of Linfen by the North China Military Region")

In the Battle of Linfen, the 23rd Brigade of the 8th Column made outstanding achievements, and was awarded the honorable title of "Linfen Brigade" by the Linfen Front Command and reported to the Central Military Commission for approval. On June 4th, the 8th Column held a celebration meeting in Hongdong. Xu Xiangqian awarded the "Glorious Linfen Brigade" pennant to the brigade, and encouraged it to guard against arrogance and impetuosity, march forward bravely, fight to Jinzhong, liberate Taiyuan City, capture alive Yan Xishan. On May 19, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China congratulated Linfen on its great victory: "Congratulations on your great victory in liberating Linfen and completely annihilating Yan and Hu defending the enemy! Shangwang will continue to work hard to wipe out all enemy troops and liberate North China!" On the 21st, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China The North China Bureau called Xu Xiangqian and transferred to all the front line officers and fighters in Linfen: "We warmly celebrate the great victory of liberating Linfen. At this time, our party, our army and all the people in North China have formed a unified North China liberated area and established a whole nation. Under the unified leadership of the North China Central Bureau, the unified organization of the party, government and army in North China will concentrate its forces, unite its pace, work hard to build, continue to support the front line, and strive to liberate all of North China!"

The Battle of Linfen was a typical battle of fortified positions. Both sides fought fiercely and complexly with trenches against trenches, bunkers against bunkers, and tunnels against tunnels.Under the condition of insufficient artillery fire, the siege troops used tunnel blasting to seize the strong fortified city, and gained extremely rich experience. The Central Military Commission telegram drafted by Mao Zedong pointed out: "In Linfen under the command of Comrade Xu Xiangqian, I used 9 brigades (only two of which had siege experience) to attack the enemy's two regular brigades and other miscellaneous departments with a total of about 20,000 people. It took 72 days to pay 15,000 casualties, and finally conquered. Our army's 9 brigades (about 70,000 people) have gained experience in attacking fortifications, which is a very meaningful victory. The Linfen position is very strong, and the enemy is very tenacious. The main offensive and defensive methods of the enemy and our armies are tunnel struggles. Our army uses most of the tunnels to attack, and the enemy also uses most of the tunnels to destroy our tunnels. Volume 4, pages 472-473)

Xu Xiangqian said with deep understanding: "Although it took us 72 days, we have gained a lot of experience in tackling tough battles. We deeply understand that it is indeed a big step for the troops to change from mobile combat to tough battle. During this process, some tactical and technical problems must be solved. In addition to the three major technologies, ordinary soldiers must master the two major technologies of earthwork and explosives. Infantry, guns, and workers must be closely coordinated. We must learn the art of combining firepower, blasting, and assault and the skill of finely organizing battles. As long as we grasp these central links, we can achieve the requirements of being invincible and invincible." ("Xu Xiangqian" The General Talks about the Battle of Linfen", "People's Daily", May 29, 1948)