In the fall of 1947, fighting the Vietminh included reoccupying Colonial Road #4 and Cao Bang. Battles intensified during the next three years. Those took place mainly on the road itself, winding through chaotic mounts close to the Chinese border. The legendary RC4 became defense line and supply line at the same time.
In 1950 an agreement between Mao Tse Tung and Ho Chi Minh allowed General Giap’s units to tenfold their power thanks to the massive support of the Chinese communists and the advice of Chen Geng, one of their best generals. The climax of the battles was reached October 1950, when two groups of forces were annihilated after a few days of fierce fighting. This first defeat of the expeditionary Corps provoked the loss of nine battalions, and death or captivity for 5 thousand of the 6500 soldiers taking part.
In a large historical context, this work describes the 1947 to 1950 operations linked with reoccupation, defense and evacuation of Cao Bang and Lang Son.
Illustrated by many documents, testimonies, maps and photos, it revives in action all units of the three Armies and the Services. This book is a tribute to the memory of the people who gave their lives on those forgotten borders