The Heroism of ‘Wee Paddy’: New Documentary on Shanghai Battle

British soldier Patrick McGowan was just 25 when he was killed by Japanese bullets during the battle of Shanghai in the fall of 1937. McGowan, of the Royal Ulster Rifles, … Continue Reading →

A Photographer in Shanghai: The Americans

The war between China and Japan that broke out in 1937 was a modern media war involving the international press as an actor in the game for public opinion. This … Continue Reading →

Marco Polo Bridge and the Coming of War

In the afternoon of July 7, 1937, soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment of the Japanese Army stationed at the city of Fengtai near the old capital of Beijing, … Continue Reading →

Asia’s Last Day of Peace

Eighty years ago, Tuesday, July 6, 1937, was the last day of peace in Asia. The following day, Chinese and Japanese forces would clash at Marco Polo Bridge near the … Continue Reading →

The First Kamikaze

  Kamikaze – ”Divine Wind” – became the symbol of Japan’s last desperate fight against the overwhelming power of the United States, as young pilots hurled their explosives-laden planes against … Continue Reading →

A Photographer in Shanghai: The Japanese

The war between China and Japan that broke out in 1937 was a modern media war involving the international press as an actor in the game for public opinion. This … Continue Reading →

Asians in WWII Poster Art

Since the US engagement in World War II was to a significant extent directed towards Asia, it is no surprise that a large part of American poster art of the … Continue Reading →

A Photographer in Shanghai: Red Swastika

During the three-month battle of Shanghai in 1937, volunteers of the Red Swastika Society were a ubiquitous sight, present wherever their help was needed. At hospitals, nurses and doctors of … Continue Reading →

A Photographer in Shanghai: Soldiers (Part 2)

One of the most prolific foreign photographers during the three-month battle for Shanghai in 1937 was American-born Malcolm Rosholt. Since he was a westerner, it was possible for him to cover both … Continue Reading →

A Photographer in Shanghai: Soldiers

The battle of Shanghai in 1937 was unique in many ways. For example, it was recorded more exhaustively in the western media than any other battle in China’s long war … Continue Reading →