Discover the bunker where General De Castries was captured 70 years ago

TPO - 70 years ago, on May 7, 1954, the "Determination to Fight, Determination to Win" flag of our army flew on the roof of General De Castries' command bunker, signaling the complete victory of the Dien Bien Phu campaign. This was the result of 56 days and nights of steadfast, brave, and creative fighting by our army and people.

From the A1 base, cross the Muong Thanh bridge to reach De Castries bunker. The bunker was designed and built with the strongest materials at that time, capable of withstanding many types of firepower.

The roof of the tunnel is covered with arched steel plates, underneath are stacked sandbags.

De Castries' bunker is 20m long, 8m wide, and consists of four rooms. This is the workplace and resting place of General De Castries and the command of the Dien Bien Phu stronghold. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory, the bunker of this defeated general is a tourist attraction for many domestic and foreign tourists.

As the headquarters, De Castries bunker was built with solid fortifications. The bunker was considered the “heart” and “soul” of the Dien Bien Phu stronghold.

Surrounding the tunnel is a defensive fence with a dense barbed wire system.

In addition, the De Castries bunker was also protected by all the most modern weapons and war vehicles at that time. In the photo is one of four French defensive tanks arranged around the bunker to provide maximum protection for the command post.

Today, the structure and layout of the bunker remain intact. In the picture is General De Castries's iron desk. In this bunker, General De Castries received many high-ranking officials such as French Prime Minister Joseph Laniel, the US president as well as international journalists.

At 5:30 p.m. on May 7, 1954, Mr. Ta Quoc Luat - Commander of Company 360, Regiment 209, Division 312 captured General De Castries alive at his desk in the command bunker. General De Castries and 20 officers surrendered unconditionally, and walked out of the bunker between two rows of guns of the Vietnamese army soldiers. Photo: VNA.

After 56 days and nights of steadfast, courageous, and creative fighting, our army and people achieved the Dien Bien Phu victory that "resounded throughout the five continents and shook the earth." This victory directly led to the signing of the Geneva Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina.

President Ho Chi Minh affirmed that "the Dien Bien Phu victory is a golden milestone in history". In the photo is the scene of General De Castries being led out of the bunker in the panorama of the Dien Bien Phu campaign at the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum.

Dien Bien Phu relic is ranked as a special National Historical Relic.

Tienphong.vn