Shanghai Diary (Part 9)

In the fall of 1937, the young American sailor Earl Jackson Clanton was in Shanghai on board the USS Augusta, which was keeping a vigil in the port while Chinese and Japanese troops were engulfed in vicious fighting over the fate of the city. Clanton completed a fascinating journal, providing a day-by-day account of the dramatic events, brought to you here courtesy of Clanton’s grandson, Adam Clanton. In this installment, he describes the quiet in Shanghai just before a major tragedy befalling Americans in the Far East, the Japanese sinking of the US gunboat Panay. The photo above, showing American sailors touring trenches vacated after the recent battle, is also kindly provided by Adam Clanton.

Nov 28, 1937:

Thanksgiving dinner and a swell turkey. Oh, boy.

Nov 29, 1937:

Japanese fighting upriver. Proceed up and down river in their picket boats and launches and an occasional auxiliary ship goes upriver. US ships blockaded up Yangtze.

Nov 30, 1937:

Chinese are (part of them) allowed to return to their homes and property (what is left of it) after four months absence during which time the fire swept the whole of it plus being shelled, looted by thieves – to what do they have to go back to? Not a square foot in an area of over 25 square miles in and around Hongkew and Chapei is without either being burned or shelled – making it worthless.

Dec 1, 1937:

Augusta expects to get underway soon. Japs prepare siege on Nanking. Chinese prepare to hold it and Americans and other foreigners are not evacuated.

Dec 2, 1937:

Chinese planes fly over occasionally, but not much firing, nor do they drop any bombs. The mysterious Mr. Woo evidently is fighting in other parts.

Dec 3, 1937:

Had Mother’s Xmas present bought while ashore but left it in rickshaw on coming back to ship. War quiet at present and weather very cool to cold and the poor destitute Chinese still sleep in the streets. It seems impossible yet they stay alive and wear a contented if not quite happy countenance. Am learning a few Chinese phrases and words and can already speak and understand Pidgin English.

Dec 4, 1937:

Japanese continue up and down river. I went ashore and had Chinese chow at Wing On Great Eastern Hotel. All other patrons (Chinese) were eating with chopsticks and I, the only foreigner in place, demanded knife and fork. After rummaging all through the backroom that waiter finally found some and I proceeded to eat the very well prepared Chinese chow.

Dec 5, 1937:

All quiet. Maybe we shove off for Manila soon.

Dec 6, 1937:

Went ashore and out to Marine Club, Nanking Road, Soochow Road and in Chinese sector. Very much fun. Shanghai is like one very large stage with something happening every minute.

Dec 7, 1937:

Japanese and Chinese fighting in Nanking.

Dec 8, 1937:

Japanese send fresh soldiers up river to Nanking.

Dec 9, 1937:

USS Augusta scheduled to leave Shanghai, but didn’t.

Dec 10, 1937:

Quiet around Shanghai – usual happenings.

(To be continued.)

Categories: War, Witnesses

Leave a Reply