The Shentouling ambush was a magical "ambush war" that was suddenly launched under the nose of the Japanese army under the command of the brigade commander Chen Geng of the 386th Brigade of the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. In this ambush battle, the 386th Brigade of the Eighth Route Army mobilized the strength of three regiments and fought fiercely for more than 2 hours, killing about 1,500 enemy troops, capturing more than 80 enemy soldiers, capturing more than 300 long and short guns, and killing and capturing more than 600 mules and horses, while the 386th Brigade only had more than 240 people. The Japanese army, which had always been arrogant, was shocked by this battle, but also admired the excellent military command of the Eighth Route Army, calling it a magical "ambush war."In March 1938, the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army conducted a large-scale ambush on the Handan Chang Highway between Lucheng County and Shexian County in Shanxi Province. This battle, known as the Shentouling Ambush, was a famous victory of the Eighth Route Army in the War of Resistance Against Japan.
The Handan Highway was an important supply route for the Japanese army, and the Japanese army often escorted large quantities of supplies through this area. The commander of the 129th Division of the Eighth Route Army decided to set up an ambush here to attack the Japanese convoy. In order to ensure victory in the battle, the Eighth Route Army made full preparations.
First of all, the Eighth Route Army conducted a detailed reconnaissance of the Handchang Highway and learned about the route and time of the Japanese army's march. Then, they chose Shentou Ridge as the ambush site. Shentouling is flat, and the road passes through the middle, and it is lined with hills and ravines, which are ideal for ambushes.
In order to conceal themselves, the Eighth Route Army camouflaged near the ambush site. They took advantage of the terrain, dug trenches and caves, and hid their forces and **. At the same time, they also set up some obstacles on the road to hinder the march of the Japanese army.
On March 16, the Japanese convoy finally appeared. When the Japanese entered the ambush circle, the Eighth Route Army suddenly attacked. The Japanese army was caught off guard and immediately fell into chaos. Taking advantage of the favorable terrain, the Eighth Route Army carried out heavy shooting and bombardment of the Japanese army. The Japanese army was heavy and fled.
In the battle, the Eighth Route Army showed superb tactical literacy and tenacious fighting spirit. They adopted tactics such as dividing their forces and encircling them and outflanking them, effectively dividing the Japanese forces and making them unable to support each other. At the same time, the Eighth Route Army also gave full play to the advantages of close combat and night fighting, making it difficult for the Japanese army to fight back.
After several hours of fierce fighting, the Eighth Route Army finally won the battle. In this battle, the Eighth Route Army killed, wounded and captured more than 1,500 Japanese soldiers at the cost of more than 240 people, creating a record for destroying the most enemies in one battle on the same battlefield.
The Shentouling ambush was a successful ambush battle of the Eighth Route Army in the War of Resistance Against Japan. The victory in this battle effectively dealt a blow to the arrogance of the Japanese army and inspired the confidence of the people of the whole country in resisting Japan. At the same time, this battle also embodied the superb tactics and tenacious spirit of the Eighth Route Army, and became one of the classic examples in the War of Resistance Against Japan.