A Helmet for the Chinese (I)

(The German ‘Fritz’ helmet was a characteristic part of the Chinese uniform in World War Two, especially in the early years of the conflict with Japan. This is the first … Continue Reading →

Knights of the Air (II)

In the previous post, we introduced aviation artist Jim Laurier. With his kind permission, we bring you some more examples of his work, from the China and Pacific theatres of … Continue Reading →

Knights of the Air (I)

Jim Laurier, a native of New England, has created some of the most amazing aviation art in existence, and luckily for those with an interest in the war in China, … Continue Reading →

64 Seconds in Hell

What was it like to be a Chinese or Japanese soldier fighting for one’s life in and around Shanghai in the fall of 1937? No one who wasn’t actually there … Continue Reading →

China Favorite Machine Gun (II)

The Czech-designed ZB-26 was China’s favorite light machine gun during the war with Japan in the 1930s and 1940s. Below is the second of two articles on this legenday weapon, … Continue Reading →

China’s Favorite Machine Gun (I)

The Czech-designed ZB-26 was China’s favorite light machine gun during the war with Japan in the 1930s and 1940s. Below is the first of two articles on this legenday weapon, … Continue Reading →

The Japanese Girl

Zhou Fukang was 23 years old when he met the love of his life. It was a brief encounter, and he never saw her again. At the age of 92, … Continue Reading →

Taierzhuang!

Below are photos and excerpts from an article about the 1938 battle of Taierzhuang, based on a visit to the Chinese city. Written by G. Joekull Gislason, a Sinophile from … Continue Reading →

Political Prisoners in Shanghai in 1934

What kind of political prisoners were incarcerated in Shanghai in the 1930s? What nationalities were they? Why were they jailed? These are questions that Australian historian Anne Atkinson has started … Continue Reading →

‘Moving and Fluent Narrative’: Chinese WW2 Periodical Reviews ‘Shanghai 1937’

Shanghai 1937: Stalingrad on the Yangtze by Peter Harmsen is “a moving and fluent narrative which describes a desperate and bitter battle in vivid prose.” That’s according to the influential … Continue Reading →