During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Eighth Route Army, as an important army under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, made great contributions to China's national independence and liberation. The three divisions of the Eighth Route Army, namely the 115th Division, the 120th Division, and the 129th Division, undertook different historical missions, but they all made great achievements for the victory of the Anti-Japanese War.
The 115th Division was reorganized from the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army and undertook important combat missions in the early days of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. In September 1937, Lin Biao and Nie Rongzhen set up a Fuping Pass at the command post, and annihilated more than 1,000 people from the 21st Brigade of the 5th Division of the Japanese Army's elite in one fell swoop, destroyed more than 100 automobiles and more than 200 carriages, and captured more than 1,000 guns of various kinds, 5 military horses and other trophies. This victory was the first major victory of the Eighth Route Army since its departure, and it was also the first victory of the Chinese army in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which greatly boosted the morale of the Chinese army and people. After that, the 115th Division waged a long-term struggle against the Japanese army in North China and made outstanding contributions to the defense of the motherland. Secondly, there are many celebrities in the 115th Division, not to mention anything else, the 115th Division has produced 3 marshals at one time, namely Lin Biao, Luo Ronghuan and Nie Rongzhen, which cannot be compared with the other two divisions. According to statistics, by the end of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, there were more than 200,000 regular troops under the jurisdiction of the 115th Division, and if the local armed forces and militia were included, the number of the 115th Division at that time could exceed 400,000, the largest among the three divisions.
The 120th Division is a unit led by He Long and Xiao Ke, and its main activities are in the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei region. On January 27, 1938, He Long and Xiao Ke led the 120th Division in the central Hebei region to fight fiercely with the Japanese army, destroying more than 4,000 enemies. The victory in this battle not only dealt a blow to the aggressive arrogance of the Japanese army, but also opened up a new battlefield for the Chinese army behind enemy lines. In the following years, the 120th Division fought countless battles with the Japanese army, always held the rear position in the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei region, and made great contributions to the victory of the Anti-Japanese War.
Compared with the 115th Division and the 129th Division, the 120th Division can be said to be a unit with a low sense of presence. This is closely related to the responsibilities they undertake. As the unit of the Eighth Route Army responsible for safeguarding the security of the central chief, the 120th Division is mainly tasked with consolidating the rear and ensuring the safety of the leadership. Therefore, they are rarely involved in battles at the front. However, this does not mean that the 120th Division did not make important contributions. While defending the head of the Central Committee, the 359th Brigade of the 120th Division, under the leadership of Brigade Commander Wang Zhen, actively carried out production self-sufficiency activities and carried out the reclamation of Nanniwan. Their efforts enabled the troops to be consolidated in the rear and provided a strong guarantee for the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The 129th Division was formed by Liu Bo
A force led by Cheng and Xu Xiangqian that can fight well. On April 7, 1938, Xu Xiangqian led the main force of the 129th Division and some troops of the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei Military Region to fight in Changle Village, destroying more than 2,000 enemies and successfully cutting off the Japanese army's transportation line. The victory in this battle not only dealt a heavy blow to the morale of the Japanese army, but also accumulated valuable experience for the Chinese army on the battlefield behind enemy lines. After that, the 129th Division waged a long-term struggle against the Japanese army in North China and made outstanding contributions to the defense of the motherland.
The other 129th Division is known as the "Division of Bright Sword", and its heroic deeds are vividly displayed by the TV series "Bright Sword". This unit not only produced excellent commanders and fighters, but also had combat effectiveness that made the Japanese army fearful. The 129th Division performed well in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and trained a large number of outstanding generals, including Liu Bocheng, Xu Xiangqian, Chen Geng, Xu Shiyou, Wang Jinshan, Chen Xilian, etc. Their common characteristics are loyalty to the party, deep affection for the people, and fearlessness towards the enemy. These generals made many miraculous achievements in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and made great contributions to the cause of China's liberation.
Among them, the 386th Brigade is an elite unit in the 129th Division, with Chen Geng as the brigade commander. The 386 Brigade is known for its superior combat effectiveness, often undertaking key tasks at critical moments and winning many battles. Under the command of Chen Geng, the 386 Brigade participated in many major battles, such as the Battle of the Hundred Regiments, and each time the Japanese army paid a heavy price. It is precisely because of the prestige of the 386 Brigade that the Japanese army hates it to the core. In order to deal with this unit specifically, the Japanese army even wrote the words "Specializing in the 386th Brigade" on armored vehicles, which shows its fear and hatred for the 386th Brigade. However, this did not stop the 386 Brigade from advancing, and they still moved forward bravely and made great contributions to the victory of the Anti-Japanese War.
Although the three divisions have different development trajectories, they all strive for a common goal. All of them fulfilled their missions in their posts and made tremendous contributions to the cause of the liberation of the Chinese nation. Their history and contributions are not only the precious wealth of the Chinese nation, but also an important spiritual pillar for us to continue to move forward today. Let us remember this period of history, inherit the legacy of the martyrs, and work hard to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!
In short, the three divisions of the Eighth Route Army developed and grew under different historical backgrounds, and made indelible contributions to China's victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and national independence. Their history and contributions are not only the precious wealth of the Chinese nation, but also an important spiritual pillar for us to continue to move forward today. Let us remember this period of history, inherit the legacy of the martyrs, and work hard to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!