Which general used 'fire buffaloes' to break through the encirclement and defeat Lord Trinh's army?

The person being referred to is Nguyen Huu Cau.

Nguyen Huu Cau (1712-1751) came from a poor peasant family in Thanh Ha district, Hai Duong province. As a child, he excelled in both literature and martial arts, and was also skilled at swimming, so he was often called "Quan He" (the name of a type of sea fish) by the locals.

Growing up, Nguyen Huu Cau joined Nguyen Cu's rebellion and was well-liked by him, who even gave his daughter to him. After Nguyen Cu was captured, Nguyen Huu Cau took over leadership of the rebel army from his father-in-law. He established a base in Do Son ( Hai Phong ). His army numbered tens of thousands, and the Trinh lord's army attacked many times but always failed.

The Battle of the Fire Buffalo - a battle closely associated with the name of Nguyen Huu Cau. (Illustrative image)

During one battle, Nguyen Huu Cau's rebel army was surrounded on all sides, with no escape route. Convinced they would capture him, the Trinh army used loudspeakers to urge him to surrender.

In this difficult situation, Nguyen Huu Cau decided to use the fire buffalo tactic. According to the book "Essentials of Military Strategy," he had sharp spears tied to the horns and sides of each buffalo. Then, rags soaked in pine resin were tied to the buffalo's tails and set on fire simultaneously.

Overwhelmed by the heat, the buffaloes charged wildly into the ranks of the Trinh army, goring and trampling fiercely, causing chaos among the enemy. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Nguyen Huu Cau launched his main force to attack, causing the Trinh army to be routed. However, in 1751, Nguyen Huu Cau was defeated by the Trinh army and captured and executed.

According to a folk legend from Do Son, the famous buffalo fighting festival in this area originated from the uprising of Nguyen Huu Cau. Legend says that when he returned with his army, the local people brought out three buffaloes to feast him.

As the rebels were about to butcher the buffaloes, they suddenly charged at each other, attracting a large crowd of soldiers and civilians to watch. Since then, the people of Do Son have often held buffalo fighting festivals to commemorate the talented leader Nguyen Huu Cau.

Kim Nha

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/vi-tuong-nao-dung-trau-lua-pha-vong-vay-danh-bai-doi-quan-chua-trinh-ar904816.html