BATTLE // February 23, 1950
Battle of Nan'ao Island
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Battle of Nan'ao Island marked the elimination of the last Nationalist holdout in the Swatow area following the communist seizure of Guangdong. The island's garrison of 1,375 men was effectively destroyed in a single engagement: 27 were killed and 1,348 were captured, including two senior Nationalist officers, the deputy commander-in-chief of the 1st Cantonese Column and the deputy commander of the 58th division. The capture of 1,304 firearms added materially to PLA resources. The fall of Nan'ao completed the communist consolidation of the Guangdong coast, closing off an enclave that had persisted after the province's fall and removing a potential Nationalist foothold in the region.
Tactics
The PLA committed the 121st Division of the 41st Army against the island garrison, a force of roughly 7,000 against 1,375 defenders. The engagement lasted eight hours and ended with the entire garrison killed or captured. The overview does not describe the specific maneuvers, formations, or methods of assault used.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Republic of China (Taiwan)1,375medium
- People's Republic of China7,000medium
People's Republic of China fielded a 5.1 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- Republic of China (Taiwan)1,348medium98% loss rate
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