張紹勛 Zhang Shaoxun (1909-71) - suicide attempt?

[keith A]

I have just read that the commander of 87th Division tried to commit suicide after the failed offensive on the Salween in the early summer of 1944, but I thought he remained in command until 1946. Does anyone know details of this event?

regards

Keith

[L1E1]

Zhang received an order to attack Salween. The Japanese 56th division launched a counterattack. Zhang thought his troop was in top danger so he asked Chan Ming Yen 陳明仁 , the Deputy Commander of 71th Army if his 87th division could retreat. Chan said “NO”.

Zhang made the first mistake. He quickly rang up Chan’s top boss, Song Xilian宋希濂, the commander of the 11th Group Army. Unfortunately Chan was also on the next side of the phone. Song had no choice but refused Zhang immediately (Political reason : Song and Chan also came from the 1st class military academy) but later Song called Chan’s direct boss , the Commander of 71th Army to let Zhang retreat.

It is due to his first mistake, Zhang thought he could never retreat from the battlefield. He was rather upset. All he could do was to ask his troops to defend. By luck his troop launched a counterattack and captured the old town of Salween (a very small part of new Salween).

Zhang made the 2nd mistake. He told Chan that he captured Salween. Chan also quickly talked to the seniors. Principle Chiang heard the news and he made an order “ Salween could not loss. Anyone loss Salween would subject to discipline” in other words ………… military police would shoot who loss Salween.

Few hours later, Zhang knew he made a very stupid mistake. Even worst he also knew his troop lost the old town of Salween. ………………………

[keith A]

Thanks chum, so Zhang tried to kill himself or was shot by firing squad? Tough choice. I assume he was replaced pretty quickly, and my info about him being the leader of the 87th until 1946 is wrong.

best regard

Keith

[keith A]

Sorry again. I am being very slow. It appears he was replaced (temporarily) by General Huang Yen (no details). Zhang must have been a favourite to have survived his disgrace?

regards

Keith

[L1E1]

The bullet was found away from his heart where he should aim at.

[keith A]

A bit of a comment on his ability as a soldier then.... Do you know anything of Huang Fen. I can't find any mention of him but maybe he was a staff officer with the 87th?

regards


Keith

[L1E1]

I can't either. You have to proivde us a Chinese Name.

[L1E1]

If you are talking about Wong Yin 黄炎 (or mainland style Huang Yan), he was the deputy commander of the 88th division. He was born on 1907, the 6th class of the Academy, and became the commander of the 87th division on 1945.

[keith A]

Sorry, I miswrote the name. It was indeed Huang Yen (Wong Yin, Huang Yan) according to the generals database. His promotion would seem to be logical. Another young general.