The historical site commemorating the 52nd Tay Tien Regiment, located in sub-district 12, Moc Chau town, Moc Chau district, served as a gathering point for the Tay Tien troops who migrated from the lowlands before dispersing to the Northwest front and the Vietnam-Laos border. The first Tay Tien unit was the National Guard Company, commanded by comrades Anh De, Tuan Son, and Lam Ngoc, who brought troops from Hanoi to Moc Chau.
Historical Monument commemorating the Tay Tien Regiment.
On October 12, 1945, after receiving instructions from the Central Committee of the Party, the 52nd Tay Tien Battalion shifted its focus to Laos to fulfill its international duty. On October 22, 1945, the 52nd Tay Tien Battalion liberated Sam Neua and drove the enemy back to Xieng Khouang. Comrade Tran Duy Phien's company was ordered to advance to Son La provincial capital in the latter half of October 1945. Faced with the new developments and schemes of the French colonialists in the Northwest, the National Army Command decided to establish the Western Front (Tay Tien).
The Tay Tien Regiment was established in 1947, tasked with coordinating with the Laotian army to protect the national border. The majority of the soldiers in the Tay Tien Regiment were young men, students, and young intellectuals from Hanoi who, during the time of foreign invasion, volunteered to enlist and take up arms to fight on the battlefield. The Tay Tien Regiment operated in a wide area, primarily in the mountainous provinces of Northwest Vietnam, such as Hoa Binh, Son La, Lai Chau, and Thanh Hoa. During the resistance against French colonialism, the Tay Tien Regiment overcame all geographical difficulties to achieve resounding victories.
From October to December 1947, the French colonial forces mobilized 12,000 troops with numerous aircraft, tanks, and artillery to attack Viet Bac. The 52nd Tay Tien Regiment, in coordination with local armed forces, intensified its combat operations to hold back the enemy and prevent them from concentrating troops to attack Viet Bac.
In June 1949, the 52nd Tay Tien Regiment was renamed the 12th Regiment, belonging to Military Region 3. Inheriting the traditions of the former 12th Regiment, the officers and soldiers of the 52nd Regiment fought side-by-side with the 48th and 64th Regiments and other friendly units within the "Dong Bang Regiment," continuing to achieve new feats.
To commemorate the great contributions of the soldiers of the 52nd Tay Tien Regiment, the Liaison Committee of Veterans of the 52nd Tay Tien Regiment, in coordination with the Party Committee and government of Moc Chau district, built the 52nd Tay Tien Regiment Memorial Area. The historical memorial site of the 52nd Tay Tien Regiment covers a total area of 5,000 square meters.2, including items such as: Traditional houses, a relief sculpture, a memorial, a plaque commemorating the soldiers of the Tay Tien Regiment, a memorial area, and a viewing platform.
The monument is designed in the shape of a cluster of bayonets, symbolizing the will and fighting spirit of the Tay Tien army.
Veterans offer incense at the memorial.
The memorial area at the Tay Tien Regiment Memorial Historical Site.
The memorial plaque quotes a letter from General Võ Nguyên Giáo to the soldiers of the Tây Tiến (Western Advance) army.
The observation tower is designed with a transparent glass enclosure, symbolizing the ethereal beauty of the misty landscapes of Northwest Vietnam.
The traditional house preserves photographs, mementos, and artworks created by soldiers during their arduous battles.
Tourists visit traditional houses.
The talented corner of Tay Tien.
Mementos from the "Westward March" era.
With its immense historical and cultural value, on October 25, 2017, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 4012 recognizing the 52nd Tay Tien Regiment Memorial Site as a National Monument. This site has become a significant location for educating young generations about revolutionary traditions, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually.
Huy Thanh