Re-enacting the legendary Dien Bien Phu bicycle troop

During the Dien Bien Phu campaign that lasted from March 13 to May 7, 1954, more than 20,000 of our frontline laborers with their rudimentary bicycles surprised the enemy. With determination, each laborer transported hundreds of kilograms of goods and ammunition on a bicycle to the battlefield. In the parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the legendary bicycle troop will be vividly recreated to help people better understand the logistics work from the rear to the front.

The final parade and marching practice session in preparation for the 70th Anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory took place at National Military Training Center 04 (My Duc district, Hanoi).

During the parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory, the image of legendary bicycles will be vividly recreated.

This will be a special parade block and will probably only appear in military parades and parades commemorating the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

During the Dien Bien Phu campaign, under the talented leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the Party Central Committee, along with the army's glorious achievements on the battlefield, there were also silent contributions from the frontline labor force.

Division 3 (Military Region 1) was assigned the task of selecting and training officers and soldiers to participate in the parade.

Captain Nguyen Dai Ta, Deputy Battalion Commander of Battalion 2, Regiment 2, Division 3 (Military Region 1) said that the criteria for participating in the parade are soldiers with a height of 1m7 or more, good health, flexibility, endurance; clean and clear moral and political qualities... In total, including reserve vehicles in the formation, there are 45 vehicles, corresponding to 45 soldiers selected to drive, and in the main parade formation, there are 41 vehicles.

The vehicles were modeled after the bicycles used in the campaign and are on display at the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum (Dien Bien province).

In the past, bicycle-packing was carried by 2-3 frontline workers, carrying 200-300kg. In this parade, there was only 1 soldier, so the weight of the sack was reduced to about 100kg.

Captain Ta shared that at first, there were some difficulties in preparing the vehicles and packing bags to make them as similar as possible to the bicycles used in the campaign. In addition, the vehicles were also equipped with two boxes at the front of the vehicle. During the war, these boxes were used to store oil lamps, drinking water, and food for the frontline workers.

The soldiers also had to go at the right distance, at the right pace and skillfully keep the vehicle balanced. The movements were simulated with the old supply and transportation process such as pushing the pass, going uphill, downhill, going straight on flat roads... "We started practicing on February 19, then on March 18, we moved to the National Military Training Center 4 to practice with other parades and marching groups," said Captain Nguyen Dai Ta.

After 2 months of training and practice, the young soldiers have now overcome difficulties, become familiar with the bicycle, and are able to carry out their duties in the spirit of the Dien Bien fire line workers of the past, because more than a task, this is a source of pride in continuing the spirit of overcoming difficulties of the previous generation.

The parade and march within the framework of the 70th Anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory will take place on the morning of May 7 at Dien Bien Provincial Stadium.

The 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory is an important event for the entire Party, people and army to widely propagate and educate about the significance, stature and historical value of the victory "Resounding throughout five continents, shaking the world".

Red block.

All ready for the 70th Anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory.

(According to toquoc.vn)

Source: https://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/110127/Tai-hien-