This kind of WarI have read references of the methods used by the Chinese communists in the Korean War and these references have stated that that the human waves or hordes of Chinese charging in battles is a myth. Could that have been the basis of a racial fear, the Yellow Peril, by Westerners in the past?
In fact, the veterans of the 1948-1949 civil war (of course the Chinese Civil War really stated a lot earlier) were experienced in small unit tactics and operated in small groups. This volume by a Korean War veteran confirmed the references James Dunnigan (Author of 'How to make War' and other books) made, the Chinese had a close form-up area before they attack with sub-machine guns, grenades and mortars. The Chinese troops were generally tough, experienced peasants who overran American units and inflicted upon the US military their greatest defeat ever at the end of 1950.
This interesting narrative by T. R. Fehrenbach, a retired colonel who saw action in the Korean War, is laced with accounts of small unit actions as well as his disillusionment with the ill-prepared American military. Fehrenbach also understood that the basis of a democratic state may not have allowed the formation of professional legions... Ironic in today's context. Hahaha.
Brian recommended this book a month or two ago. All in all, it's a fast and engrossing read.
2 comments:
Well, to some extent the human wave reaction makes sense. Imagine you're a Chinese company commander who has infiltrated his company right around a platoon of US soldiers, then suddenly envelops them in an assault.
The US platoon will feel like it's in a human wave because it's been overrun at close range by superior fieldcraft. What sensible commander would throw LESS than overwhelming force at an enemy position? The more you use, the less you lose.
Yes, you are right. It is perception. Given that their form-up points (FUP) are close and they amass a 3:1 ratio (not unlike armies elsewhere), it must seem that there is a human wave.
Besides, most of these troops facing the Chinese were American occupation troops in Japan, basically rear-echelon guys, not the World War II veterans anyhow.
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