Directive on Collecting Experience in Attacking Earthen Forts and Blockhouses

(October 14, 1931)

(1) Earthen forts and blockhouses are the last strongholds of the local tyrants. If these last strongholds are not wiped out, many peasant masses will still not dare to rise up. In order to eliminate the Red-White antagonism, win over the broad masses, capture the local tyrants, and raise funds, it is imperative to completely destroy the earthen forts and blockhouses.

(2) Previously, attacks on earthen forts and blockhouses relied solely on infantry charges and artillery intimidation, which proved utterly insufficient, resulting in heavy casualties while the earthen forts and blockhouses remained untaken. There was a total failure to understand the effectiveness of employing engineering troops to dig tunnels, construct approach trenches, lay landmines, and blast through their walls before charging in, or to use large quantities of gunpowder to blow them up completely.

(3) In the recent struggle experience of attacking earthen forts and blockhouses, the Red Army has gained many lessons and learned many skills, and has with confidence opened up many famous blockhouses and destroyed the enemy’s last fortresses.

(4) The local tyrants are building earthen forts and blockhouses in the villages, and the warlords have already constructed strong fortifications in the cities to defend against the Red Army’s attacks. The Red Army’s tactics for attacking cities and fortifications should be learned and perfected in the struggle of attacking earthen forts and blockhouses.

(5) Upon receiving this directive, all armies must, regarding the practical experience of commanders at the army, division, and regiment levels who have directly attacked earthen forts and blockhouses, the disposition of forces, and the methods of work—such as the methods of digging tunnels, the tools used, the types and quantities of explosives for blasting, the effectiveness of the explosions, and the results achieved—conduct detailed meetings for discussion, compile the findings, and report them to the General Headquarters. The General Staff Department of the General Headquarters shall then discuss and compile

[1] This is Directive No. 1, Su Character Series, of the First Front Army of the Red Army, issued by Mao Zedong and Zhu De.

the effective and proven methods into a training manual for fortification and city assault to train the Red Army. This is urgently needed at present. The compilation and reporting must be completed within ten days of the directive’s receipt. No delay is permitted. This is an order.

Commander-in-Chief: Zhu De

Political Commissar: Mao Zedong

October 14, 1931