Division began to retreat and the 312th launched one more desperate attack to reverse the decision, but it was too late. By noon on 17 January, both Việt Minh divisions scrambled for the mountains. Aftermath Although the impressive French victory did not provide any short-term reprieve—Giáp would try to breach the line again shortly—it was a morale booster for French forces and confirmed that Paris had made the right decision in picking de Lattre to lead the effort against the Việt Minh. Strategically, the battle meant that the war would go on and ultimate victory would not be easy for either side. References Bibliography Vinh Yen Vinh Yen Vinh Yen Conflicts in 1951 1951 in French Indochina 1951 in Vietnam History of Vĩnh Phúc Province January 1951 events in Asia