All Battles

Operation Léa

1947 • Việt Bắc Luftlande-Op

Historical Overview

Operation Léa was a French Union military operation between 7 October and 8 November 1947 during the First Indochina War. It is also known as the Việt Bắc campaign by the Viet Minh. It was an attempt by the French General Valluy to crush the Việt Minh. An airborne force would capture the Việt Minh leadership and three French columns would strike into the Việt Minh heartland.

Quick Facts

Outcome:Tactical French victory.

French Paratroopers

  • Commander: Jean-Etienne Valluy
  • Strength: ca. 12.000
  • Casualties: ca. 1.000

Việt Minh

  • Commander: Võ Nguyên Giáp
  • Strength: ca. 15.000
  • Casualties: ca. 3.000

Strategic Context

Attempt to capture Hồ Chí Minh and Giáp.

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Historical Locations

Exact location not recorded in historical records