On the Military Strategy and Tactics of the Red Army’s Crossing of the Dadu River during the Long March

Abstract

The Long March of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army created a great miracle in human history. This article is based on a historical review of eight important decisions and actions during the central Red Army’s crossing of the Dadu River in the Long March, including feigning attack on Fulin, lightly taking Caluo, night raiding Anshun, forcefully crossing the Dadu River, dividing troops in Anshun, flanking and supporting from the right, galloping and advancing from the left, and courageously seizing the Luding Bridge, aiming to explore the military strategy transformation and the active defense strategy adopted by the Red Army during the crossing of the Dadu River in the Long March, this victory embodies the important historical significance and practical enlightenment of combining the spirit of courage and strategic wisdom, decision-making and tactical execution, and showcasing the military principles and tactics of fighting battles with no certainty of victory, displaying bravery, fearlessness of sacrifice and fatigue, and continuous combat, striving to annihilate the enemy in motion, and supplementing one’s own military supplies by capturing those of the enemy. The triumph of “Crossing the Dadu River” is a shining example of perfect fusion.