Chapter 2, The Rules of Survival in the Polar Regions
A company commander widened his eyes in disbelief, and finally, he could not help but burst into tears. Before him lay a snow cave, inside which lay a soldier who could no longer open his eyes, no matter how much he shouted or called out; it was his deputy company commander. This deputy company commander did not block the entrance of the cave with snow; he even deliberately enlarged the opening towards the direction of the cold wind. The thin marching blanket given to him was not draped over his body but was neatly folded and used as a pillow under his head. This deputy company commander did not block the entrance of the cave with snow; he even deliberately enlarged the opening towards the direction of the cold wind. The thin marching blanket given to him was not draped over his body but was neatly folded and used as a pillow under his head
If one wishes to survive in extreme cold, there are four fundamental principles of warmth that must be adhered to. First, clothing should be worn loosely and in layers. Tight clothing and footwear can restrict blood circulation, making frostbite more likely, while also reducing the amount of air between layers, thereby diminishing their insulating effectiveness. Wearing several thinner layers of clothing is more effective than wearing a single garment of equivalent thickness, as the layers create stagnant air pockets that provide insulation. This method also facilitates easy removal and donning; if one becomes too warm, a layer can be quickly removed to prevent excessive sweating, and if one feels cold, an additional layer can be added to increase warmth.
They have done everything they could, but when a difficult night has passed and the sun finally reluctantly spills its light and a little warmth onto the earth, the squad leaders, platoon leaders, and company commanders call out one by one through the snow caves, shouting one after another, yet there are always some snow pits that no longer respond at all
Some individuals have also prepared candles, as the heat generated by a single candle, if utilized properly, is sufficient for them to withstand the extreme cold of the polar environment in such a confined and narrow space as a snow pit
Every grassroots officer is meticulously doing everything they have learned, can do, and are capable of doing. They feed ginger and administer chili water to the frostbitten soldiers. In order to save those frozen soldiers, they remove their own clothes in the snow pits, embrace their soldiers, and use their own body heat to rescue the lives of their brothers
Such stories are continuously unfolding on this plain where ice and snow intertwine. Before the battle begins, it is unknown how many heroes, who did not perish in the eight years of the War of Resistance against Japan or the three years of the Liberation War, are forever trapped in eternal slumber on this foreign land.
This hot noodle soup made from fried noodles is truly delicious. More importantly, this bowl of hot soup replenishes the essential calories needed for survival in their bodies, allowing them to quietly lie in wait in the icy wilderness, anticipating the arrival of their enemies
4. Keep clothing clean. This is important from both hygiene and comfort perspectives, and in winter, it is equally important from a warmth standpoint. Clothing that is soiled with dust and grease will significantly reduce its insulation performance. If the air layer between the garments is compressed or filled, the body's heat will dissipate more easily
3. Keep your clothing dry. In cold climates, the clothing underneath can become damp from sweating, and if the outer clothing is not waterproof, the snow and frost that stick to it can melt due to body heat, also wetting the clothing. If available, wear waterproof outer clothing, which can prevent most of the melted snow and frost from soaking through. Before entering a warm shelter, brush off any snow and frost from your body. Regardless of the precautions taken, there will always be times when your clothing gets wet. At this point, drying your clothes becomes the primary concern. While on the move, place damp gloves and socks on top of your pack. In freezing temperatures, sometimes wind and sunlight can dry and warm your clothing. Alternatively, you can keep your gloves and socks close to your body without folding them, as your body heat will help dry them. At the campsite, you can hang damp clothing on a clothesline or a makeshift rack at the top of the tent. You can also build a fire, which can dry each piece of clothing. When drying leather garments, do so slowly and do not rush. If there is no other way to dry your boots, you can place them between the outer layer and the lining of your sleeping bag, as your body heat will assist in drying them.
2. Avoid excessive body heat. If the heat is too high, you will sweat, and your clothes will absorb the sweat, which will affect your body temperature in two ways: the moisture reduces the thermal insulation properties of the clothing; the cooling effect caused by the evaporation of sweat will lower your body temperature. Adjust the thickness of your clothing to prevent sweating. You can partially open your coat or jacket, remove a layer of clothing underneath, take off your gloves, or remove the hat from your coat or reduce the covering on your head, among other options. When the heat is excessive, the head and hands are very effective areas for heat dissipation.
Remember, cold climates represent a formidable natural force, and their dangers and lethality are no less than those posed by an enemy operating tanks and bombers! In cold regions, the cold wind can draw away a significant amount of body heat; this is the result of moving air blowing against exposed human skin. To put it simply, in an environment of -9 degrees Celsius, a wind speed of 15 knots hitting a person's face brings a chill equivalent to that of a windless environment at -23 degrees Celsius! Therefore, by any means necessary, one must protect their body and must never allow their skin to be directly exposed to the air!
Gazing at those brothers lying in the snow pits, their youthful eyes forever closed, holding onto these soldiers who have spent countless years together, more like true brothers than biological ones, the grassroots commanders are all gently sniffing, their lips constantly moving
In the vast and boundless universe, on this blue planet called Earth, in the icy world known as the Gaimar Plain, under the illumination of the rising sun, countless Chinese soldiers, with tears of sorrow on their faces, raised their heads. They faced the biting cold wind that came from Siberia, traversed through Northeast China, and arrived at this snowy plain, casting their gaze resolutely towards the distant south. It is unknown how many hearts are thinking the same word: Let us fight! They faced the biting cold wind that came from Siberia, traversed through Northeast China, and arrived at this snowy plain, casting their gaze resolutely towards the distant south. It is unknown how many hearts are thinking the same word: Let us fight!
On the 24th, during a rapid march, I attempted to help a soldier who had fallen, but as a result, my right hand was cut and subsequently suffered from frostbite, leading to complete loss of sensation by yesterday. I do not know how many times I tried, but I found that I could no longer pull the trigger to fire my weapon; my hand is useless! Throughout my life, I have traveled far and wide, not knowing how many times I have crawled out from piles of corpses. The Japanese bombers did not kill me, nor did Chiang Kai-shek's artillery. I have long ceased to regard my life as significant. It does not matter that my right hand is incapacitated; I can still encourage my brothers, and I can use my left hand to help load bullets and clean guns. However, it was only last night that I discovered my feet had also suffered from frostbite. My ankles are swollen like radishes, and I can hardly stand. I have become a complete invalid, a deputy company commander of an assault company, forced to hide at the back, unable to fire a weapon or even walk. On the battlefield, I will only become a burden to you all. Even if I am sent back home, what meaning is there in surviving?
Knowing that the 1st Marine Division had not yet engaged and that the battle had not yet begun, these Chinese soldiers remained quite composed during their meals. Each of them received a small amount of quicklime, which is indeed a valuable substance; when mixed with water, it generates a considerable amount of heat, allowing them to barely melt the ice they found into hot water, which they then mixed with the fried noodles in their bags to create a bowl of hot noodle paste. No one opted to use the snow powder that could be easily gathered by bending down, as someone had clearly informed them that if they could not find a suitable water source and had to rely on heat to melt ice for water, they should use ice blocks. This is because the amount of water obtained from melting ice of the same volume is far greater than that obtained from melting snow. Moreover, it is crucial to note that many people have a misconception; in reality, ice melts more easily than snow.
These Chinese soldiers did not camp directly in the icy wilderness; instead, they utilized their expertise in civil engineering to construct makeshift snow shelters using snow powder and ice blocks. They built snow caves that could barely accommodate a person lying down. Once inside, they could pile up snow powder to block the entrance, creating a closed environment similar to an igloo used by the Eskimos
He died of freezing, deliberately frozen to death. Next to him, there was a letter left behind.
The letter ends here
Therefore, I have chosen death; at least in this way, I die on the battlefield, and I can still be considered a righteous martyr! Company Commander, this time I made this decision without your approval, so please allow me to choose my own path one last time! ... Company Commander ...! ... I am sorry! If there is a next life, we will still be brothers. ! ! ! '' Company Commander ...! ... I am sorry! If there is a next life, we will still be brothers. ! ! ! ''
Smith's feelings were not misplaced; in front of the 1st Marine Division, there were indeed tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers quietly lurking in the icy wilderness, waiting to fall into their trap. These Chinese soldiers wore thin uniforms, and some had not even received the essential cotton hats for survival. Although the higher-ups had prepared additional necessary supplies for this sniper operation, their food remained pitifully scarce. In each of their backpacks, besides the seven days' worth of fried noodles, there were also two frozen corns that could be used as weapons and a few charred potatoes.
War
Every company commander, platoon leader, and even squad leader has memorized these words verbatim. Although many are still unable to fully comprehend the meaning of these words, each of them firmly remembers how to provide first aid when someone suffers from frostbite. They are aware that in such an environment, trench foot and immersion foot can occur. They understand that in extremely cold conditions, it is essential to control the water intake of each soldier. If they drink too much water, they will have to get up at night to relieve themselves, which will waste a significant amount of body heat. However, if they drink too little, dehydration can occur, and soldiers may face death in a short period. They also understand what sunburn is and know that in this world, there is a condition that can render one's vision unclear for an extended period, known as "snow blindness."
If there are no major wars, no fierce battles, bloodshed, frenzied conflicts, or mad wars, even their division commanders, their army commanders, and even their supreme commander would not be able to suppress the surging, sorrowful, and furious killing intent rising within these soldiers
In their eyes, the death of a soldier on the battlefield is as natural and beautiful as a silkworm finally transforming into a butterfly. As the saying goes, one cannot walk by the river without getting their feet wet; during a forced march on unfamiliar terrain, it is likely that some unexpected situations will arise, and they can accept a certain level of normal non-combat casualties. However, who can accept the fact that on just one day, November 24th, over seven hundred soldiers suffered severe frostbite? And who is willing to know how many people, during the two days and nights from the 24th to the 26th, permanently closed their eyes, and how many, even if they did not die, became disabled for life? Who can accept that on just one day, November 24th, over seven hundred soldiers suffered severe frostbite? And who is willing to know how many people, during the two days and nights from the 24th to the 26th, permanently closed their eyes, and how many, even if they did not die, became disabled for life?