Sword of Light: Humanoid Self-Propelled Artillery

Chapter 334 Helpless Choice
Of course, good grenade throwing techniques are not something that can be accomplished simply by being invented; they must also be promoted throughout the army so that every soldier can use them proficiently in order to improve the overall combat effectiveness of the army.

Therefore, in November 1950, the troops aiding Chaozhou established the first specialized grenade training base on the banks of the Yalu River. This base was initially reorganized from the training corps of the 38th Army and was specifically responsible for training grenade-throwing personnel for various units.

The training content includes three levels: basic throwing, tactical application, and combat simulation. Basic throwing training employs a unique "three-stage" training method. The first stage focuses on stationary throwing, requiring soldiers to accurately hit a fixed target 20 meters away. The second stage trains throwing while moving, requiring trainees to complete the throwing motion while running at high speed. The third stage is nighttime throwing training, practicing accuracy in the absence of light.

By early 1951, the training system had been further improved. Bombing training grounds were successively established in various military districts, forming a standardized assessment system.

The assessment consists of seven events: static throwing, running throwing, prone throwing, jump throwing, crouching throwing, rolling throwing, and continuous throwing. Each event has specific passing standards. For example, in continuous throwing, soldiers are required to throw four grenades consecutively within thirty seconds, and three of them must hit a target circle with a diameter of five meters.

Furthermore, the training content is differentiated according to the characteristics of different terrains. In mountain warfare training, uphill and downhill throwing subjects are specifically included.

The training ground is located on a hillside with an incline of more than 30 degrees, where soldiers need to learn to maintain their balance and make accurate throws in steep terrain.

In addition to training in different terrains, they also conducted training in different environments. For example, in the winter of 1951, the 20th Army carried out special training in high-altitude and cold-weather grenade throwing in the Changbai Mountains, focusing on solving the problems of holding and throwing grenades while wearing gloves.

By 1952, the troops aiding Chaozhou began to implement a new model of "combat-training integration." After each battle, the participating troops were organized to summarize their combat experience and incorporate effective tactical skills into the training syllabus in a timely manner.

For example, the "alternating hand throwing method" discovered during the Battle of Shangganling was quickly incorporated into the daily training of grassroots troops. This method requires soldiers to throw with alternating hands, which increases the throwing frequency and reduces fatigue in one arm.

It's impossible to throw a grenade weighing over a pound dozens of meters without putting in full force. And after just a few full-force throws, your arm will become sore and weak. So, switching arms so that you can throw with either hand will greatly increase your throwing endurance.

In addition to regular bombardiers, the training of special bombardiers is also a major feature.

For example, in the latter half of 1952, the troops aiding Chaozhou selected skilled grenade throwers from various units to form specialized grenade-throwing assault teams. These assault team members not only needed to be proficient in conventional throwing techniques, but also needed to master special tactics. For example, the "curved throwing method" allowed grenades to cross obstacles and strike the enemy in trenches; the "timed throwing method" allowed multiple grenades to explode simultaneously in the target area, creating a concentrated effect.

By early 1953, the grenade training system of the troops aiding Chaozhou was highly developed. Each level of the unit had established dedicated training grounds and equipped them with standardized training equipment. The training grounds featured various realistic combat environments, including simulated trenches, bunkers, and communication trenches.

Prior to the Battle of Kumsong, a unit of the 15th Army even established a complete simulated battlefield, built to scale with actual terrain, allowing soldiers to practice grenade throwing in a near-real combat environment. This scientific and systematic training system laid a solid foundation for the outstanding performance of the aid-to-Chaozhou army in various battles. In the historical record of the aid-to-Chaozhou war, many battles were won by defeating the American army using hand grenades.

For example, the famous "grenade barrage" occurred during the Battle of Shangganling. In the battle for Hill 597.9, the 15th Army creatively employed the "tiered grenade throwing" tactic. This tactic divided grenade throwers into three tiers: close-range, medium-range, and long-range, each responsible for targets at different distances. The close-range tier primarily attacked targets within 15 meters, the medium-range tier covered the area between 15 and 25 meters, and the long-range tier attacked fortifications 25 to 35 meters deep. This tactic played a crucial role in the counterattack on October 19th, with over 3,500 grenades thrown in three hours, effectively halting the US offensive.

In addition, the final battle of the aid-to-Chaozhou war, the Battle of Kumsong in July 1953, provided a typical example of the coordinated use of grenades and other weapons.

During its attack on Jincheng Heights, the 54th Army employed a "four-in-one" operational strategy. First, mortar fire was used for preparation; then, grenades were thrown in large numbers to create chaos; next, assault teams launched a close-range assault with grenades; and finally, engineers used demolition charges to destroy remaining fortifications. In the battle on July 15th, a single battalion threw over 1,200 grenades of various types, successfully breaking through the US defenses in conjunction with other firepower.

These battle examples fully demonstrate the evolution of grenade tactics. From simple throwing to tactical coordination, from individual combat to group cooperation, the troops supporting Chaozhou continuously summarized their experiences in actual combat. Particularly noteworthy is that these battle examples all reflect the characteristics of adapting to local conditions and flexible application. For example, in mountain warfare, they emphasized utilizing terrain advantages; in positional warfare, they stressed sustained suppression; and in extremely cold conditions, they emphasized technological adaptation. These combat experiences provided valuable references for subsequent operations.

By July 27, 1953, when the aid-to-Chaozhou war ended, the aid-to-Chaozhou army had developed a complete grenade tactical system. This system included individual throwing techniques, tactical coordination methods, logistical support measures, and many other aspects, becoming a unique way of fighting.

Especially in the final stage of the Battle of Kumsong, a unit of the 15th Army summarized the "three-three system" bombing method, which is a combat formation of three people in a group and three groups in a unit. This formation method ensured the continuity and accuracy of bombing.

Of course, the reason why the reinforcements to Chaozhou were so determined to use grenades was because they lacked air superiority and had few heavy artillery pieces, or even if they did have them, they couldn't use them.

Without air superiority, those heavy artillery pieces, which weigh several tons or even more than ten tons, simply cannot be transported. Even if they were transported to the Chaozhou battlefield, they would only become sitting ducks for US warplanes.

For this reason, after the equipment was brought in, such as various man-portable air-to-ground and air-to-ground weapons, like the 40mm gun and the Red Tassel, tactical training for grenades and hand grenades came to an end.

The ability to use grenades in creative ways is, in reality, a helpless choice made due to outdated equipment. Behind the saying "When poor, use tactical flanking maneuvers; when rich, use overwhelming firepower" lies a great deal of hardship.

(End of this chapter)