Ba Cụt

Who Was Lê Quang Vinh (Ba Cụt)?

Lê Quang Vinh, known as Ba Cụt, was a complex figure in Vietnamese history, a military commander who led the Hòa Hảo sect during a tumultuous period of Vietnam’s struggle for independence. Born around 1923 in Long Xuyên, he faced an orphaned childhood and was adopted by a peasant family. This early hardship shaped his hatred towards landowners, setting the stage for his future leadership role within the Hòa Hảo sect.

The Rise of Ba Cụt

Joining the Hòa Hảo militia in 1943, Ba Cụt quickly rose to become a commander. His charisma and cruelty made him a formidable leader, but his erratic behavior and frequent breaking of agreements with various factions, including the French, marked his tenure as unpredictable and often controversial.

Allegiances and Conflicts

Ba Cụt’s alliances were as fluid as the Mekong Delta itself. Initially, he clashed with the Việt Minh but later turned against them in 1946 after the assassination of Sổ. His group became fractured and violent, engaging in internal conflicts that mirrored the broader political landscape of Vietnam.

French Connections

The French sought to use Ba Cụt’s forces as a buffer against the Việt Minh but found him unreliable. Despite his disloyalty, they continued to furnish him with supplies because they lacked the manpower to patrol all of Vietnam. Some historians suggest that Ba Cụt’s anti-French activities were not taken seriously due to his ability to pass through French checkpoints without incident.

Key Events and Conflicts

The most notable instance came in mid-1953 when Ba Cụt ordered his men to evacuate their French-supplied bases, taking weapons with them and razing the camps. This move significantly weakened the French-aligned presence in the Mekong Delta, allowing the Việt Minh to make substantial gains.

Final Days

The defeat of France at Điện Biên Phủ in May 1954 signaled the end of their colonial rule. The Geneva Conference in July 1954 ended the First Indochina War, leaving South Vietnam under Diệm’s leadership and North Vietnam to Hồ Chí Minh.

Rebellion and Capture

In early 1955, Ba Cụt was wounded during a battle with Trình Minh Thế. He ambushed a VNA unit, killing three officers and injuring 30 men. Diệm tried to integrate the Hòa Hảo armies into the VNA but Ba Cụt refused. An alliance between Cao Đài, Hòa Hảo, and Bình Xuyên was formed, leading to attacks against government forces.

Final Stand

Ba Cụt’s forces were eventually defeated in battle near Hà Tiên and Rạch Giá. Diệm put him on trial for treason, accusing him of collaborating with communists and committing multiple murders. The proceedings were criticized for their unfairness, and Ba Cụt was executed by guillotine on July 13, 1956.

Legacy

Ba Cụt’s execution marked the end of an era but not without a lasting impact. His followers, led by Bảy Đendon, vowed to avenge him and joined the Việt Cộng to fight against Diệm. The case highlighted Diệm’s authoritarian rule and his suppression of opposition.

Through his life and death, Lê Quang Vinh (Ba Cụt) remains a pivotal figure in the complex history of Vietnam’s struggle for independence. His story is a reminder of the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and conflicts that defined this period.