Diên Biên Phu 2 - Loss of Beatrice - Campaign Series Vietnam 1948-1967

David Galster
13 March 1954
[Diên Biên Phu, Indochina]:
[SIDE B / H2H] [HIS] [CSL]:

The French established Dien Bien Phu as a "base aero-terrestre" to invite attack on an "impregnable" fortress to destroy a large Viet Minh force in a decisive battle.

But, during the time between the parachute landing 20 November 1953 and early March 1954, the Viet Minh brought in four divisions to surrounded French forces, and massed the artillery of Heavy Division 351. Viet Minh 105mm and 75mm howitzers were placed in solid casemates positioned on slopes, overlooking the valley, with direct line of sight to French defensive targets.

The first Viet Minh objective of the siege was to overrun strongpoint Beatrice (Vietnamese called it "Him Lam"), defended by the best French troops available, Foreign Legion 3rd Battalion, 13th Demi-brigade defended Beatrice.

Two Viet Minh infantry regiments, the 141st and 209th assembled for the attack in the afternoon of 13 March 1954. At 1700, artillery opened fire on Beatrice.

Shelling killed the French battalion commander and the Colonel commanding Groupe Mobile 9.

At dark, Viet Minh infantry began assaults. Their losses were high as French infantry poured fire into the attackers. But, the Viet Minh cut through barbed wire entanglements, and continued firing and attacking.

As Vietnamese soldiers fell, more kept coming. They completely surrounded the strongpoint and entered the northeast defenses.

Attacks continued, and at 2230 they had completely annihilated the center. By midnight, the last French radio message requested artillery fire directly on the command post.

Only 100-odd French survivors managed to escape into a nearby jungle for the remainder of the night.

[ALL, NO VV] [CSEE] [1.00]