January 2021 – Campaign Series Legion

de Lattre’s Line #4: GM1 Saves Ninh Binh

by David Galster | Jan 20, 2021 | CS: Vietnam, Vietnam: De Lattre's Line

Mes amis des jeux de guerre,

Despite Dinassaut 3 reinforcing Ninh Binh, and the armored squadron in the intervention force, Ninh Binh was almost taken completely by the Viet Minh. This highlights the weaknesses, of the de Lattre Line defenses, particularly in the region where Catholic Militia were widely used. Fortunately Groupement Mobile No. 1 arrived on 30 May 1951, and stabilized the situation.

Catholic Militia

The Catholic Militias in the Phat Diem and Bu Chu were called “Unites Mobiles de Defense des Chretientes.” These were under the control of Bishop Le Huu Tu, who was an influential priest that allegedly opposed both Communism and French colonialism.The militia numbered about 6000 in 1951, and some of these troops were trained by French Army instructors at Thu-Duc paramilitary school near Saigon. They were supposedly fighting for the French, and defended various outposts.

Bishop Le Huu Tu and Ho Chi Minh visit troops in Hadong, February 1952

Unfortunately, Catholic Militia were not reliable troops, being poorly led because Le Huu Tu was not committed to French agendas. He eventually agreed to work with the emerging Vietnamese state led by the former emperor, Bao Dai. However, Catholic hostility to French colonialism remained.

The high crag overlooking Ninh Binh was defended by Catholic Militia. During the attack, they were reinforced by an armored squadron of 1er Regiment Chasseurs de Cheval (1RCC). But, this position was lost on 29 May. Fortunately for the French, it was retaken by GM1 on 30 May.

Catholic Militia Insignia

French Misjudge Viet Minh Intentions and Will

Reliance on Catholic Militia was a symptom of larger French miscalculations and obliviousness to Viet Minh intentions and will. General de Lattre came closer than others to a good strategy, but his command was short lived, as he got sick with cancer, and left Indochina in late 1951.

Ho Chi Minh was an indoctrinated and trained Communist. He studied socialism in France, but he obtained his greatest inspiration from Lenin, and then Stalin. Remember, first and foremost, Communists believe the end justifies the means. And, human empathy means nothing to a Communist.

After all, the French should have known what the Bolsheviks did in Russia. First, they (Lenin, Stalin, Bukharin, Trotsky, and Dzerzhinsky) killed all the rich people, and seized their property. When there were no more rich people to be robbed and murdered, or to be put into GULAG labor camps, they began to exterminate their class enemies. These writers, doctors, engineers, and schoolteachers were not rich people, but were educated. If they had property and money, they had worked for it for many years. But, millions who dared disagree with the Communists were killed or put into prisons. When there were no more class enemies, Stalin turned upon his own comrades in 1936, all old Communists, such as Bukharin. He killed hundreds of his own army officers, and perhaps hundreds of thousands of purged party members.

Ho Chi Minh and the Lao Dong Communist party had exactly the same ruthless plans once they got control. Had the French truly realized this, and understood its tragic reality, would they have had the fortitudinous will, coupled with shrewd strategic cunning, required to overcome Communist treachery? No, the French failed.

Groupement Mobile No. 1

This was the formation designed for fast response to attacks along the de Lattre Line. It was stationed in Nam Dinh, and deployment controlled by the Nam Dinh Sector Commander, Colonel Fernand Gambiez. All the infantry were from North Africa, and in late 1950 it was known as “Groupement Mobile Nord-Africain,” or GMNA. The designation was changed to Groupement Mobile No 1 in early 1951, with Colonel Edon commanded this group of three infantry battlions. At the time of the Day River Campaign, these were:

2/1er RTA, or “2e Bataillon, “1er Regiment Tirailleurs Algeriens”

4/7e RTA, or “4e Batailllon, “7e Regiment Tirailleurs Algeriens”

2/6e RTM, or 2e Bataillon, “6e Regiment Tirailleurs Marocains”

In this context, the noun “tirailleur,” which translates as “skirmisher”, was a designation given by the French Army to indigenous infantry recruited in various colonies.

The “64e Regiment d’Artillerie d’Afrique” was also assigned to GM1.

The 2/6e RTM was sent north to Dong Luong, so only the 2/1er RTA and 4/7e RTA battalions fought around Ninh Binh and points south along the de Lattre Line.

GM1 Insignia

Armored Squadron

Supporting GM1 in many engagements, the 1er Régiment de Chasseurs a Cheval created its 8e Escadron in May 1951, and stationed it in Nam Dinh. Lieutenant Bernard de Lattre was put in charge, with the assignment to train Vietnamese in armored vehicles and warfare. The unit was furnished with M29C “Crabe” amphibious personnel carriers, and had an armored infantry platoon, and a heavy weapons section.

Insignia 1er Regiment de Chasseurs a Cheval

M29C “Crabe”

Amphibious AFVs used in Indochina were of US origin. However, the M29 “Crabe” was not originally an AFV at all, but was modified as such for delta campaigns.

M29C “Crabe” (Weasel)

Weight: 2.5 tons

Crew: 2 (plus 2 passengers, or up to 45 kg of cargo)

Length: 4.88 m

Width: 1.71 m

Height: 1.35 m

Armour: none

Armament: 30-cal MG, 7.5mm FM 24/29 and 50-Cal MG (sometimes 2 MGs were carried).

Engine: 65 hp petrol

Top Speed: 50 kph on land, 3.5 knots afloat

Armored Patrol using M29C “Crabes”

Bernard de Lattre Killed at Ninh Binh

In the evening of 29 May, 1951 the Viet Minh continued fighting to gain control of Ninh Binh. The 8e Escadron was sent to reinforce French defenses. Bernard de Lattre was ordered to occupy the high crag (98.6 meters elevation) south of Ninh Binh. This appears as “Nui Ninh Binh” on maps.

The position had been defended by Catholic Militia, and was under attack. Lt. de Lattre led his armored infantry into defensive positions on the top. However, they received heavy mortar fire duing the night. At the dawn of the 30 May, a deluge of shells fell on his position. Lieutenant Bernard de Lattre de Tassigny was killed, his body pierced with eighty wounds.

One newspaper account read: “Young officer, who fell heroically in the middle of battle, setting an example of the finest military virtues at the dawn of an exceptionally brilliant career, opened in France in the Resistance at the age of 15.”

2/1er RTA Counters and Retakes Ninh Binh

The 2/1 RTA Battalion arrived after daylight on 30 May. Part of the battalion immediately began an attack to retake the high crag, or Nui Ninh Binh. And, after taking this position, they took the city of Ninh Binh.

Elements of 2/1 RTA attacking the crag and capturing fortifications

The Algerian riflemen attack the position, supported by light mortars. As the men progress to the rock, they are careful to protect each other when crossing barbed wire.

The rock is recaptured; a lieutenant, followed by his platoon arrives, at the place where he will discover the body of Lieutenant de Lattre. The last defenders surrender while the French flag is hoisted to the top of the rocky peak.

Insignia of 1 RTA

Aftermath

The French retake Ninh Binh from the Viet Minh and hold it during the remainder of the Day River Campaign. The body of Bernard de Lattre is discovered, and is terrible news for his father, General de Lattre. Bernard was his only son.

Following Bernard’s death, his father arranged a Catholic mass at the cathedral in Hanoi. Two days after the battle, Bernard de Lattre’s body was flown home to France, and buried with military honors. The graves of all three de Lattres are side-by-side in the cemetery in Mouilleron-en-Pareds, the birthplace of Jean de Lattre.

Bernard de Lattre gets his 2nd Croix de Guerre, 11 May, 1951

CSVN Scenarios with GM1 and 8e Escadron

There are two scenarios dealing with the battle in Ninh Binh with French reinforcements. The scenario Day Bataille 2 – Chaotic Night features the armored squadron and a “Force d’Intervention”

consisting mainly of Vietnamese infantry from Nam Dinh. This covers night fighting in the evening of 29 May. The filename of this scenario is IC_510530_DR2_Chaos.scn.

The scenario that covers the arrival of GM1 and the subsequent recapture of the crag, and the town

is Day Bataille 3 – GM1 Counter. At this point, the Viet Minh have taken the crag, and still occupy the church and most of Ninh Binh. The 2/1RTA arrives and counterattacks. It is a daylight scenario with filename: IC_510530_DR3_Counter.scn.

Turn 1 screenshot of scenario: Day Bataille 3 – GM1 Counter

References

Bishop Le Huu Tu (1897 – 1967)

http://indochine.uqam.ca/en/historical-dictionary/768-le-hu-t-18971967.html

Groupement Mobile No 1 and battalions (French language)

https://doczz.fr/doc/679066/indochine-1947-1956

2/1 RTA Combat in Ninh Binh (French language)

http://archives.ecpad.fr/la-reprise-du-rocher-de-ninh-binh-par-les-hommes-du-1er-regiment-des-tirailleurs-algeriens-rta/

AFVs of French Indochina War

http://indochine54.free.fr/cefeo/afvs.html

Article in Parachutistes-Militaires about Bernard de Lattre (French language)

https://www.parachutistes-militaires.org/t1194-bernard-de-lattre-de-tassigny

1er régiment de chasseurs (France), Wikipedia

General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny

De Lattre’s Line is new series of articles by David Galster that covers the Day River Campaign of 1951 in Indochina. The articles provide some interesting background information for the upcoming release of Campaign Series: Vietnam.

de Lattre’s Line #3: Dinassaut 3 on Day River

by David Galster | Jan 5, 2021 | CS: Vietnam, Vietnam: De Lattre's Line

Mes amis des jeux de guerre,

The French successfully developed river naval assault divisions, abbreviated as “Dinassauts.” This article provides background on these, and Dinassaut 3’s participation in the Day River Campaign.

Dinassaut

Small fleets of French inland water forces dominated the Mekong, Red, Black and Clear river ways with their maneuvrability and firepower. These “brown water” or riverine units were developed by the French, and every nation involved in similar combat has duplicated the Dinassaut concept. The operational patrols, fire support, and marine infantry transport were very effective.

The Naval amphibious forces evolved from 1945 during the CEFEO deployment. In 1947, the forces were reorganized into the “Force Amphibie de la Marine en Indochine.” (FAMIC) There was a northern group for the Tonkin Delta, and a southern group in the Mekong Delta. The various squadrons were reorganized into “Divisions Navales d’Assaut”, or Dinassauts.

The typical Dinassaut Organization consisted of

Command and support craft LCI or LSIL

Transport and support LCT or LCM, usually 2 craft.

Patrol and support with 4 LCVP craft (or sometimes LCAs), later used for mine sweeping

Other support craft, such as LSSL, and tenders

Infantry support company, usually Marine Commandos

The infantry were from different organizations on an ad hoc basis. Marine Commando companies, with about 85 soldiers each, were routinely attached to the Dinassauts. There were six of these, named for officers killed in action: Commando Francois, Ponchardier, Treppel, Montfort, Jaubert, and Hubert de Penfentayo.

Riverine Craft Types

LCA = Landing Craft, Assault (small, British craft)

LCM = Landing Craft, Mechanised (British or US craft – the most common)

LCVP = Landing Craft, Vehicle Personnel (US small craft)

LCI = Landing Craft, Infantry (large, US craft used as command vessel)

LSIL = Landing Ship, Infantry (Large) (large infantry carrier ship – used as command vessels)

LSSL = Landing Ship, Support (Large) (ex-US craft used for command and fire support duties)

LCM 3

Dinassaut 3

This unt was formed in Tonkin, August 1947, under LV Garnier and then CC Acloque. Nam Dinh was the base of operations. Some of the operations Dinassaut 3 were involved with were:

“Léa”, Oct. 1947, “Ondine”, Nov. ’48 (Vietri region), “Anthracite”, Oct. ’49 (Phat Diem region), “Tonneau”, Feb. ’50 (Thai Binh sector) and May-June 1951 (Ninh Binh and Phat Diem region)

Dinassaut 3 was sent to Ninh Binh in late May, 1951 and fought in the Day River Campaign from 29th May to 3rd June, 1951. The composition was 1 LCI, 1 LST, 6 LCMs , and 1 CLA. Commando Francois was attached, with Lt. Labbens commanding.

Subsequently in Day River operations, Dinassaut 3 was relieved by a group known as “Dinassaut A”, under LV Schloesing, consisting of LSSL-6 “Rapier,” with LCMs 30, 32, 34 and 59.

Dinassaut 3 Insignia

Commandos Land at Ninh Binh

Here is a translated excerpt from the book, Les Commandos, by Georges Fleury. It describes the approach of LST 1147 as it landed at Ninh Binh on 27 May 1951:

“The war has been raging for six years now, and the proud key to the last rice fields in the north is nothing more than a confused pile of ruins and piers. The lush vegetation has taken its toll on the sumptuous pleasure gardens, and flamboyant linings. The metal bridge spanning the Day, and supporting the only railway line rising from the countries of the south, is now broken, only piles of trusses, eaten by rust, remain. As southeast monsoons begin to envelope, and as colors change with time, a flat-bottomed barge, armed with two 20 mm guns and machine guns, glides through the calm waters of the Day River. On board, green beret-clad riflemen of Commando “Francois,” long accustomed to this kind of race, follow the parade of river banks, with a professional eye.”

Members of Commando Francois

The landing craft of Dinassaut 3 remained at Ninh Binh, and in the morning of 28 May 1951, Commando Francois set up defensive positions at an abandoned Catholic church, l’Iglise de Ninh Binh. Patrols investigated areas west of Ninh Binh, and the village of Phuc Am, on the other side of the rach Song Van. After finding it mostly deserted, the scouts return to the church surroundings, which had taken on the appearance of a well-organized encampment.

During the pre-dawn hours of 29 May, Viet Minh attacked Ninh Binh, and particularly the strongpoint of the church. Commando Francois was decimated during this battle, and later disbanded in 1953.

Commando Francois Insignia

l’Iglise de Ninh Binh

CVSN Scenario – Day Bataille 1 – Ninh Binh Attaqué

The events of the Viet Minh attack on Ninh Binh in the early morning of 29 May 1951 is recreated in a CVSN scenario. The 12-turn night to sunrise battle features Dinassaut 3 with Commando Francois,

the Suppletif infantry defending the de Lattre line, and the Viet Minh 79th Battalion.

Here is a screenshot at the start of the scenario:

Turn 1 Screenshot of scenario: Day Bataille 1 – Ninh Binh Attaqué

River Operations at Yen Cu Ha

The Viet Minh moved their attacks south, and after failure to take and hold Ninh Binh, moved down to Yen Cu Ha, and attacked on 5 June. That outpost was reinforced with the 13th Company, 7th Colonial Parachute battalion. They were transported by riverine craft of Dinassaut “A”.

Dinassaut “A” had the large LSSL-6, the “Rapier,” which effectively fired and drove back Viet Minh attackers at Yen Cu Ha. The paratroopers were transported by LCMs 30, 32, 34 and 59.