Treasure Island.
The name, which sounds like a mark on a treasure map, evokes reverie.
It is located in the territory of Hulin County, Heilongjiang Province, nestled in the embrace of the Ussuri River.
Although it is small in size, it has its own unique story.
The northern end was once closely connected to Chinese mainland.
However, the river washed away tirelessly, so that it became an independent island in 1915.
nevertheless
To the east of Zhenbao Island, it is only separated by a river from the former Soviet Union.
。
Small arguments turned into big problems
In the 60s of the 20th century, China and the Soviet Union, two former allies.
The relationship between China and the Soviet Union was like a pair of friends who were once close friends, but because of some misunderstandings and contradictions, they gradually became estranged and even began to be suspicious of each other.
At the negotiating table, the two sides disagreed on the issue of the ownership of the islands.
The atmosphere became increasingly tense.
The heart of the matter can be traced back to an ancient map.
The surface is outlined with rough lines, outlining a boundary line.
This line looks ambiguous on the map,
The territorial struggle has made the already tense Sino-Soviet relations even worse.
It's like two neighbors.
Brezhnev's coming to power added more uncertainty to the already delicate Sino-Soviet relations.
From October 15, 1964 until March 15, 1969, the Soviet Union became more and more aggressive on the border issue.
The number of border incidents provoked by them is as high as 4,189.
Against this background, the Battle of Treasure Island broke out.
Battle of Treasure Island
In 1969, it was a cold morning in spring.
The atmosphere over Treasure Island was so tense that it could almost freeze.
Soviet border guards, silently surrounded the Chinese patrols on the island.
Suddenly, the calm was torn apart by the sound of high-pitched gunfire.
However, the Chinese border guards quickly adjusted their tactics and organized a powerful counterattack.
The Soviets did not stop there.
Soon after, on 15 and 17 March, they deployed KGB border regiments, armed with heavy artillery and tanks, to launch an even more fierce offensive on Zhenbao Island.
The Soviet Union at that time, with its great military power, was formidable on a global scale.
The armament was top-notch at the time,
The equipment of the Chinese border guards is very rudimentary in comparison.
Nevertheless, the fighters of the Chinese border guards did not flinch.
On the icy Treasure Island, they built a strong defense line with their flesh and blood, defending every inch of land with their lives.
"Antique" is amazingly powerful
The Shenyang Military Region quickly took action.
The 85 battalion of the 413 regiment of the 3 cannons, the 2 battalions of the 122 cannon 20 regiment and the 2 battalions of the 37 anti-aircraft artillery 620 regiment were transferred.
Like a warm current, these troops quickly flocked to the cold northern frontier.
thereinto
This imitation of the Soviet D44 gun, although it is behind the times.
However, war has never been decided by relying solely on the advanced nature of weapons.
On the battlefield of Treasure Island, these "old antiques" showed amazing power.
On that cold and windy battlefield,
The rate of fire of this gun is surprisingly fast.
Once it exceeds a minute, the pace must be slowed down.
Otherwise, the barrel will overheat like an angry dragon.
Despite the technical limitations.
The fighters of the 85 cannon artillery battalion, but with their own rhythm of battle.
They know that
Therefore, regardless of the technical requirements of the artillery, the maximum firepower was exerted to the limit of physical fitness.
In their eyes, every shell can be the difference between victory and defeat.
The barrel recoiled again and again, spewing out fury again and again, sending shells at the enemy.
The gunners had beads of sweat on their foreheads.
Despite the sub-zero temperature, their bodies became hot because of the high-intensity operation.
The loader's task is particularly difficult.
They needed to deliver heavy shells into the chamber in a very short time.
Some of the loaders were so tired that they could barely stand.
But instead of stopping to rest, they knelt on the icy snow and continued their mission.
But their eyes were firm, and their movements did not hesitate or flinch in the slightest.
In two battles on March 15 and 17, the 85-mm cannon battalion played a huge role.
A total of 3,196 shells were fired, an average of 178 rounds per gun.
Behind this number are the countless repetitive actions of the gunners, their desire for victory and their insistence on peace.
In two fierce battles for the island.
At an unconventional speed, they fired shells.
The barrel of the artillery became hot and even burned red in the continuous firing.
After the battle, when the smoke cleared, the fighters began to check their "old friends" - the 85mm cannons that had played a long role in the battle.
They were surprised to find that
It's like the wind and frost on the face of a veteran, recording the traces of battle.
What was left was silence
After the smoke of gunpowder on Treasure Island gradually cleared, there was silence and heavy loss.
Soviet casualties: 58 people lost their lives, 94 wounded.
The losses of the border guards were particularly heavy, with 49 fighters killed and 61 wounded, while the Far Eastern Military District also suffered 9 killed and 33 wounded.
The casualties announced by the Chinese side are worrying:
Twenty-nine fighters of the border guards died heroically, 62 were wounded, and one is missing.
Behind these figures, there are the tears and sorrows of countless families, the abrupt end of those young lives, and the immortal deeds of those heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.
In honor and recognition of the heroes of these border troops.
On July 30, 1969, the Military Commission issued an order:
Sun Yuguo, Du Yongchun, Hua Yujie, Zhou Dengguo, Leng Pengfei and other 10 commanders and fighters were awarded the honorary title of "Battle Heroes".
At the same time, 10 units, including the reconnaissance company, the first company, and the company's border defense station, were also recorded as collective first-class meritorious service.
These honors are the best consolation for the heroes and the highest recognition of their heroic deeds.
Sun Yuguo, stationmaster, Du Yongchun, Hua Yujie, bazooka player......
These names may not have been known before the war.
At the commendation ceremony, the military song was loud and the medals were shining.
But everyone understands in their hearts that behind these honors are the blood and sacrifices of heroes.
Many of them may never return to their warm homes and never see the people they love again.
But their sacrifice and dedication have brought peace to the country and the peace of the people.
On the battlefield of Treasure Island, these "antique" cannons.
It's like a group of veterans, although they are old, they are still brave and good at fighting.
In their own way, they dealt a heavy blow to the enemy and built a strong line of defense for the borders of the motherland.