Everyone in the world knows that the Hunan army has made great achievements in the suppression of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Movement. Have you ever wondered why this local armed force, which was founded by Zeng Guofan, could grow into one of the most powerful armies of the Qing Dynasty in just a few years? If you want to talk about the secret of the success of the Hunan army, it is not only because of the courage and good fighting of the soldiers.
There is a saying that "the soldiers and horses have not moved, and the grain and grass go first". The Hunan army can be invincible, and there are its own advantages behind it. What is so unique about this army? And how did they solve the problem of military logistics, which was a headache for many generals? Why were the soldiers of the Hunan army able to concentrate on fighting and not be dragged down by chores? All these mysteries are hidden in the unique logistics system of the Hunan army.
1. The grain platform system: the mainstay of the logistics of the Hunan army
If we want to talk about the logistics system of the Hunan army, we have to mention the organization called "Grain Station". This grain platform is not a decoration, it is the pillar of the logistics of the Hunan army, and it is the mainstay that supports the combat effectiveness of the entire Hunan army.
It is said that in 1854, not long after the establishment of the Hunan Army, Zeng Guofan realized the importance of logistics support. He knew very well that fighting a war was not only about courage, but also about food and grass. So, he slapped his thigh and decided to set up an agency dedicated to handling grain and salary affairs in a unified manner, which was later known as the "grain platform".
This grain stand is not something that can be set up casually. Zeng Guofan took great pains to personally design the organizational structure of the grain station. He set up a position in the affairs of the prime minister, and this person was the chief steward of the grain station, and he directly obeyed the supreme commander. There are also eight "offices" set up under the grain platform, each performing its own duties and having a clear division of labor.
None of these eight "places" are idle. The internal and external banking offices are responsible for managing military salaries, the copywriting offices are responsible for handling paperwork, the firearms and ordnance offices are responsible for weapons and equipment, the collection and editing offices are responsible for intelligence collection, the issuance and examination offices are responsible for examining and approving military supplies, and the detective offices are responsible for investigating the enemy's situation. Taken together, these eight "offices" are like a precision-running machine, ensuring that the Hunan army's food, salary, ordnance and other material resources are continuously transported to the front line.
With such an efficient logistics organization, the officers and men of the Hunan army do not have to worry about running out of food and ammunition during the war. Do you think, if you are halfway through the fight, your stomach growls, or you run out of bullets, then how can you fight? With the grain platform, the soldiers of the Hunan army can devote themselves to the battle without being distracted to worry about these trivial matters.
Not only that, but the grain table will also be adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, they subdivided into the transshipment bureau, the former enemy grain station and the rear road grain station. In this way, responsibilities are clearer, efficiency is higher, and guarantees are more in place. What the soldiers on the front line need, the grain stations in the rear can supply in time.
Once, the Hunan army fought fiercely with the Taiping army in Anhui, and the front line was in urgent need of gunpowder and ammunition. When the news reached the grain station, the transfer bureau immediately took action and organized manpower and material resources overnight to quickly transport it along the waterway of the Yangtze River. As a result, early the next morning, the front-line soldiers received the urgently needed supplies and repelled the Taiping army's attack in time. This kind of efficient logistics support amazed the Taiping army.
On another occasion, the Hunan army encountered a shortage of food while fighting in Jiangxi. When the grain station learned of this, it immediately mobilized resources from all sides to raise grain from Hunan, Jiangxi and other places. They even used land and water transport to ensure that food could reach the front line quickly. It was this kind of vigorous and resolute action that enabled the Hunan army not to fall into trouble at the critical moment and finally won the battle.
The efficient operation of the grain station not only ensured the needs of the front-line soldiers, but also greatly improved the combat effectiveness of the Hunan army. You must know that although the Taiping army at that time was outnumbered, its logistics support was far inferior to that of the Hunan army. In contrast, the officers and men of the Hunan army did not worry about food and drink, had sufficient weapons and ammunition, and naturally had high morale and full combat effectiveness.
Zeng Guofan once said: "The soldiers and horses have not moved, and the grain and grass go first." The establishment of grain stations is the foundation of our army. This is not a joke. It was precisely because of such an efficient logistics support system that the Hunan army was able to win many battles in the confrontation with the Taiping army, and finally became the main force in suppressing the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.
It can be said that the establishment of the grain platform system has given the Hunan army wings to take off. It not only solves the problem of logistical support, but also enhances the combat effectiveness of the entire army. This innovative move laid a solid foundation for the Hunan army to make great achievements in the troubled times.
Second, the generous salary policy: the golden key to motivate morale
Speaking of the success of the Hunan army, we have to mention its unique generous salary policy. This is not a trivial matter, but a great trick of Zeng Guofan's management of the army, which can be called the golden key to boost morale.
At that time, the Qing army, especially the green battalion soldiers, could be described as poor. The monthly salary of one tael to two taels of silver is difficult to even make ends meet. These poor green battalion soldiers had to do some small business and handiwork to supplement their families. You say, how can a soldier who worries about his livelihood all day long have the heart to practice and fight? It is no wonder that as soon as it encountered the Taiping army, it collapsed.
Zeng Guofan is a person who understands, and he knows the truth of "one soldier bears, and one bears will be bears". If you want to have good soldiers, you must first keep them well fed and clothed. So, with a stroke of his pen, he formulated a set of generous salary policies, so that the treatment of the Hunan army far exceeded that of other Qing troops.
Listen, a Hunan army is brave and can get about four taels or five of them a month. Even the eldest husband in charge of logistics had three taels of silver in his account. This is not a small amount, enough to feed the family, and there is still some money to spare. In comparison, the pitiful salary of the Green Battalion soldiers is simply a drop in the penny.
Such a high salary has naturally attracted many outstanding talents to compete for recruitment. Once, when the Hunan army expanded its army in Changde, Hunan, as soon as the news spread, young and middle-aged people from nearby flocked to it. Among them was a young man named Wang Aniu, whose family was very poor and made a living by working for others on weekdays. He heard that the Hunan army was well treated, so he came to sign up without saying a word. As a result, I was admitted as soon as I was recruited, and since then I have lived a worry-free life.
Not only ordinary soldiers, but even some meritorious talents have joined the Hunan army. There is a talent named Li Wenming, who originally taught in a private school and had a small income. After hearing about the generous treatment of the Xiang Army, he resolutely resigned from his job as a teacher and joined the Xiang Army. With his cultural literacy, he was soon promoted to the military Chinese book, which not only greatly increased his income, but also made a lot of contributions on the battlefield.
The generous salary policy not only attracted outstanding talent, but also greatly improved the morale of the military. If you think, a soldier who is well fed, warmly dressed, and has no worries at home will naturally devote himself to training and fighting. Once, the Hunan army fought fiercely with the Taiping army in Anhui, fighting for many days, although the soldiers were exhausted, but none of them complained of tiredness. Someone asked the reason afterwards, and a veteran said with a smile: "Our salary is much higher than that of the Taiping Army, and we naturally have to work harder than them when we fight!" "
Not only that, but the generous pay policy has also effectively prevented desertion. In other Qing armies, desertion was a big problem. But in the Hunan army, this situation rarely happened. The reason is simple, who would be willing to give up such a good treatment? There was a soldier of the Hunan Army named Zhang Dali, who was originally an idle bastard. After joining the Hunan Army, he not only had a stable income, but also learned a lot of skills. Once, his fellow villagers came to him and persuaded him to flee back to his hometown. Zhang Dali flatly refused, saying: "In the Hunan Army, I can not only support myself, but also send money to my family. On such a good day, I won't run away if I am killed! "
The implementation of the generous salary policy not only stabilized the morale of the army, but also enhanced the combat effectiveness of the Hunan army. Soldiers do not have to worry about their livelihood, and they are naturally able to concentrate on training and fighting. In many encounters with the Taiping Army, the Hunan Army showed super combat effectiveness, which was inseparable from the incentive effect of the generous salary policy.
Interestingly, the generous salary policy has also indirectly promoted the economic development of Hunan. A large amount of military pay flowed into the market, which stimulated the development of local commerce and handicrafts. Many businessmen specialize in military supplies and make a lot of money. There are also some craftsmen who specialize in making military uniforms, leather boots and other equipment for the Hunan army, and the business is booming.
It can be said that the generous salary policy is not only an important reason for the strength of the Hunan army, but also a concentrated embodiment of the wisdom of Zeng Guofan's army management. It not only solves the worries of soldiers, but also improves the cohesion and combat effectiveness of the entire army. The success of this policy has provided valuable experience for future generations to build up the army.
3. Naval division construction: the magic weapon of the Hunan army
When it comes to the exploits of the Hunan army, people often think of their heroic battles on land. But what few people know is that the construction of the Hunan army's naval division also contributed to it, which can be called a great magic weapon for them to defeat the Taiping army.
In 1854, when the Hunan Army was founded, Zeng Guofan was well versed in the truth that "those who control water win the world". He was well aware of the importance of the Yangtze River system in military strategy, so he made up his mind to build a strong naval division. This is not an easy task, you must know that the Qing army sailors at that time have long been decayed and almost useless.
Zeng Guofan is not an idle person, he recruited a wide range of talents and recruited many water experts. Among them is a capable man named Peng Yulin, who grew up on the shore of Dongting Lake since he was a child and knows everything about water. Zeng Guofan fell in love with him at a glance and entrusted him with an important task and put him in charge of forming the Hunan Army Naval Division.
After Peng Yulin received the task, he immediately showed his strength. He first selected the strong ones from the fishermen and sailors of Hunan to form the basic team of sailors. These people are good at making a living on the water, and they know the hydrology and geography of rivers and lakes well. With such a talent base, the strength of the Hunan Army's naval division can be said to be increasing day by day.
Speaking of which, the ships of the Hunan Army Navy Division are exquisite. Instead of using bulky wooden boats like other Qing troops, they adopted a special type of boat called a "sand boat". This kind of boat is lightweight, shallow in draft, and shuttles freely in the river, which is simply tailor-made for the Yangtze River water war.
Once, the Hunan Army Naval Division encountered the Taiping Army Naval Division near Anqing. Although the great ships of the Taiping army were majestic, they were slow to move in the narrow waterways. On the other hand, the sand boats of the Hunan army are like fish in water, flexible and maneuverable. They took advantage of the advantages of the ships to shuttle between the large ships of the Taiping army, and finally won a big victory with fewer victories.
Not only that, but the Hunan naval division also installed advanced artillery on the ship. These guns had a long range and great power, and played an important role in water warfare. Once, the Hunan Army Naval Division fought with the Taiping Army Naval Division in Jiujiang, Jiangxi. The two sides come and go, and the battle is stalemate. At this moment, an artillery ship of the Hunan army suddenly attacked, and a series of shells whistled out, directly sinking the main warship of the Taiping army. This move not only disrupted the position of the Taiping army, but also established the victory of the Hunan army's naval division.
The construction of the Hunan Army's naval division was not limited to ships and weapons. Peng Yulin also paid special attention to the training of sailors. He formulated a strict training system, requiring sailors and soldiers not only to be proficient in water, but also to be proficient in various combat skills.
Once, Peng Yulin personally led a team to conduct a drill. He ordered the officers and men of the Navy Division to simulate actual combat in the river and practice various tactics. Among them, there is a little soldier named Li Shuisheng, who was originally a stunned young man from a fisherman's background. Through this exercise, he learned not only how to stabilize the boat in the rapids, but also how to quickly reload artillery in the water. These skills came in handy later in actual combat.
The achievements of the construction of the Hunan Army's naval division were soon tested in actual combat. In 1860, the Hunan Army Navy showed its skills in the Battle of Anqing. Taking advantage of their familiarity with hydrology, they adopted the strategy of attacking the west from the east to the west, and successfully broke through the defense line of the Taiping army. The sailors sailed nimble sand boats to and fro in the complex waterways, dealing a fatal blow to the Taipings.
In this battle, there was a sailor soldier named Wang Dayong who made great contributions. He drove a small boat through the artillery fire of the Taiping army, and successfully blew up an important bridge of the Taiping army, cutting off the enemy's retreat. This move greatly shook the morale of the Taiping army and made an important contribution to the victory of the Hunan army.
The strength of the Hunan Army's naval divisions is not only reflected in their combat effectiveness, but also in their logistical support capabilities. They took advantage of the convenience of water transportation to establish an efficient supply system. Whether it is grain, grass or military supplies, it can be quickly transported to the front line by water. This kind of efficient logistical support provided strong support for the Hunan army's land operations.
Once, the Hunan army encountered supply difficulties in the land war in Jiangxi. Just when everyone was at a loss, the transport fleet of the sailors arrived in time. Braving enemy artillery fire, they delivered large quantities of food, grass and ammunition to the front line. This not only solved the urgent need, but also greatly boosted the morale of the front-line soldiers.
It can be said that the construction of the Hunan Army's naval division won a huge advantage for the Hunan Army in the war with the Taiping Army. They not only controlled the water control rights of the Yangtze River system, but also provided strong support for land operations. This water force can be called a magic weapon for the Hunan army to defeat the Taiping army.
Fourth, strict military discipline: the military soul forged by iron and blood
Speaking of the success of the Hunan army, we have to mention its strict military discipline. This is not a vain thing, but the military soul forged by Zeng Guofan with an iron-blooded wrist, which is the key to the Hunan army's repeated victories.
You must know that the Qing army at that time was rotten to the bone. The Green Battalion soldiers not only had low combat effectiveness, but also often bullied the people and plundered their property. Such an army, let alone fighting, even the common people don't take them seriously.
Zeng Guofan knew that in order to build an army that could win battles, he must first rectify military discipline. He formulated a set of strict military discipline regulations, which can be said to be iron-faced and selfless, and the orders and prohibitions were enforced.
This military discipline regulation is not an ornament, but a real implementation. At one time, the Hunan army was stationed in a small village in Anhui. A soldier named Wang Er sneaked out of the camp at night, wanting to go to the village to buy some wine to drink. As soon as he left the camp, he was caught by the patrolling sentry. According to military discipline, leaving the camp without permission is a felony. The next day, Wang Er was dragged to the school field and beaten with fifty sticks in front of the whole army to set an example.
Not only that, but the Hunan army also strictly forbade soldiers to harass the people. Once, the Hunan army passed through a village in Jiangxi. A soldier named Li Datou saw a beautiful girl in the village, so he had a crooked mind and wanted to make a fuss. Unexpectedly, this matter was discovered by his company commander. The company commander didn't say a word, but tied up Li Datou on the spot and sent him to the Judge Advocate General's Office. In the end, Li Datou was not only expelled from the Hunan army, but also escorted back to his hometown and handed over to local officials.
Such iron-faced selflessness soon established prestige in the Hunan army. The soldiers all know that everyone is equal before military discipline, and no one should try to play tricks. Over time, abiding by discipline and law has become a habit of the officers and men of the Hunan army.
The military discipline of the Hunan army is not only reflected in punishment, but also in daily management. Every morning, the soldiers were to be inspected in a procession. From grooming to weapons, be meticulous. There was a soldier named Zhang San, who once rushed to the assembly because he got up late and his clothes were not folded. As a result, he was discovered by the captain and punished him on the spot for running ten laps around the playground. Since then, Zhang San no longer dares to be sloppy, and he is the first one to get up in the camp every day.
Strict military discipline not only restrained the behavior of soldiers, but also improved the combat effectiveness of the Hunan army. On the battlefield, the officers and men of the Hunan army were forbidden and disciplined. Once, the Hunan army engaged the Taiping army in Anqing. The battle is fierce, and the two sides come and go. Suddenly, the Taiping army resorted to a strategy of attacking the east and west, in an attempt to confuse the public. However, the officers and men of the Hunan army did not fall for the plan. They strictly followed military orders and performed their duties, and finally thwarted the plot of the Taiping army.
This kind of strict military discipline has also won the trust and support of the people. Once, the Hunan army passed through a small town in Hubei. When the local people heard that the Hunan army was coming, they were so frightened that they closed their doors one after another. Who knew that after the Hunan army entered the town, not only did it not harass the people, but instead helped the old, weak, sick and disabled to carry water and chop firewood. This scene deeply touched the residents of the town. Since then, whenever the Hunan army passes through this town, the people will take the initiative to send food and water to express their respect for the Hunan army.
Strict military discipline is also reflected in the logistics management of the Hunan army. The Hunan army has a strict material management system, and every penny and grain of rice must be carefully calculated. Once, the Steward Wang, who was in charge of the military quartermaster, noticed that something was wrong with the accounts. After careful inspection, it was found that it was a man named Liu Xiaoer who secretly deducted some rice grain. Steward Wang immediately reported to his superiors, and Liu Xiaoer was quickly found out. In the end, Liu Xiaoer was not only expelled, but also had to compensate for the stolen rice grain. This incident caused a lot of shock in the Hunan army, and no one dared to use their brains again.
The strict military discipline of the Hunan army was not only reflected in peacetime, but also played an important role in wartime. Once, the Hunan army fought fiercely with the Taiping army in Jiangxi, and the battle was very tragic. Seeing that the ammunition was about to run out, some soldiers began to waver and wanted to retreat. At this moment, the commander shouted: "Whoever dares to retreat, military law will deal with it!" This burst of drinking brought everyone to their senses. In the end, with its tenacious will, the Hunan army persevered until the arrival of reinforcements and won the battle.
Strict military discipline is also reflected in the attitude of the Hunan army towards prisoners. At that time, many armies had the bad habit of mistreating prisoners, but the Hunan army strictly forbade this behavior. Once, the Hunan army captured a group of Taiping troops in Anhui. There was a soldier of the Hunan army named Zhao Si, because his brother died at the hands of the Taiping army in the battle earlier, and wanted to vent his anger on the prisoners. His actions were soon discovered, and as a result, he was severely punished. This incident was passed down as a good story in the Hunan army, which further demonstrated the strict military discipline of the Hunan army.
It is this kind of strict military discipline from top to bottom and everywhere that has forged the unique military soul of the Hunan army. It not only made the Hunan army invincible on the battlefield, but also allowed the Hunan army to establish a good image among the people and laid a solid foundation for the development and growth of the Hunan army.
5. Offensive and defensive: the combat strategy of the Hunan army
The reason why the Hunan army was able to perform miraculous feats in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Movement was not only because of its sophisticated equipment and strict military discipline, but more importantly, because of its unique and effective combat strategy. This strategy can be described as both offensive and defensive, rigid and soft, and can be flexibly dealt with in different battlefields and situations.
Speaking of the offensive of the Hunan army, it is really breathtaking. They did not charge blindly like other Qing troops, but paid attention to the strategy of "defending as attacking". The essence of this strategy is to first stabilize the defensive line, then look for the enemy's weak spots, and kill them with one blow.
Once, the Hunan army confronted the Taiping army in Anhui. The two sides looked at each other across the river, and neither dared to act rashly. At this time, Li Xuyi, the commander of the Hunan army, came up with a clever plan. He ordered his troops to build fortifications on the banks of the river, pretending to be stationed for a long time. Seeing this, the Taiping army thought that the Hunan army was going to fight a protracted war, so they relaxed their vigilance.
Just when the Taiping army was lax, Li Xuyi suddenly ordered a surprise attack. The soldiers of the Hunan army took advantage of the dark moon and high wind to quietly cross the river and smash the Taiping army camp. The Taiping army was caught off guard and fled in a hurry. In this battle, the Hunan army not only annihilated a large number of enemy troops, but also captured a large number of military supplies.
Another characteristic of the Hunan army's offensive strategy is that it is good at using the terrain. Once, the Hunan army engaged the Taiping army in Jiangxi. The area is hilly and the terrain is complex. Luo Zenan, the commander of the Hunan army, skillfully took advantage of this terrain. He ordered his troops to disperse and hide on various hills, forming an encirclement. The Taiping army mistakenly thought that the Hunan army was weak and rashly launched an attack. As a result, as soon as they entered the valley, they were fiercely attacked from all directions. In this battle, the Taiping army suffered heavy losses, while the Hunan army was almost unscathed.
Of course, the defense of the Hunan army is also a must. They adopted a strategy of "attacking as defending," that is, while defending, they constantly launched small-scale surprise attacks on the enemy to disrupt the enemy's deployment.
Once, the Taiping army pressed the border and prepared to attack the city of Nanjing, where the Hunan army was stationed. In the face of a strong enemy, Zeng Guoquan, the commander of the Hunan army, did not retreat into the city, but adopted the strategy of taking the initiative. He ordered his troops to send small units every night to launch harassing attacks on the Taiping camps. This tactic not only disrupted the offensive rhythm of the Taiping army, but also greatly depleted the physical strength and morale of the enemy army.
Eventually, when the Taiping army launched a general offensive, it was exhausted. However, the officers and men of the Hunan army recuperated and waited for work. In this battle, the Hunan army not only successfully held the city of Nanjing, but also inflicted heavy losses on the Taiping army.
Another distinctive feature of the Hunan army's combat strategy is that it is good at using psychological tactics. They know very well that war is not only a military contest, but also a contest of wills.
Once, the Hunan army confronted the Taiping army in Anqing. The strength of the two sides is equal, and it is difficult to distinguish the winner for a while. At this time, Hu Linyi, the commander of the Hunan army, came up with a clever plan. He ordered the troops to carry grain and grass with great fanfare every day, and deliberately let some "refugees" blend into the Taiping army to spread the news that the Hunan army had enough food and grass.
When the Taiping army heard about this, the army was in turmoil. They were already short of food and grass, but now they see that the Hunan army has enough food and grass, and their morale is even more low. Just when the Taiping army's heart was shaken, Hu Linyi suddenly launched a general attack. The Taiping army was already demoralized, and coupled with being caught off guard, it quickly collapsed.
The Hunan army's combat strategy is also reflected in their use of new weapons. They not only introduced foreign guns and artillery, but also used these weapons creatively according to the actual situation.
Once, the Hunan army engaged the Taiping army in Jiangxi. The Taiping army relied on the strength of the population and constantly launched charges. Faced with this situation, Peng Yulin, the commander of the Hunan army, had an idea and came up with a clever plan. He ordered the foreign gunners to be divided into three rows. The first platoon immediately lay down after firing, the second platoon straddled the first platoon and continued firing, then the third. And so on, forming a kind of continuous fire similar to that of a machine gun.
This tactic caught the Taiping army by surprise. Their charges were repulsed again and again, and eventually they had to retreat in disarray. In this battle, the Hunan army won more with less, creating a record of one as ten.
Another important feature of the Hunan army's operational strategy is that it pays attention to intelligence work. They know very well that knowing themselves and knowing their opponents will not be defeated in a hundred battles. Therefore, before each major battle, the Hunan army would send a large number of spies to find out the enemy's situation.
Once, the Hunan army prepared to attack the city of Nanchang, which was occupied by the Taiping army. Before the attack, Zeng Guofan, the commander of the Hunan army, sent multiple spies to penetrate deep behind enemy lines. These spies not only probed the deployment of the Taiping army, but also figured out the topography of the city.
With this detailed information, Zeng Guofan formulated a thorough battle plan. He ordered his troops to attack from the northwest corner, where the Taiping army was weakly defended, while creating momentum in the southeast direction to attract the enemy's attention. This plan worked wonders, and the Hunan army soon broke through the city defenses and took Nanchang in one fell swoop.
It was this kind of offensive and defensive, flexible and changeable combat strategy that enabled the Hunan army to win many victories in the contest with the Taiping army. Not only are they able to confront the enemy head-to-head on the frontal battlefield, but they are also able to flexibly use various tactics to strike the enemy by surprise. This strategy not only maximized the advantages of the Hunan army, but also greatly weakened the combat effectiveness of the Taiping army, and played a decisive role in the final pacification of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.