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Son’s pride in tribute to leader of the ‘800 heroes’
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THE son of a Chinese army colonel was moved yesterday by artifacts at an exhibition at Sihang Warehouse in Zhabei District that helped tell the story of his father’s heroism. In the warehouse in 1937, some 400 Chinese soldiers and the Japanese army engaged in a four-day fight at the second Battle of Songhu.
Xie Jimin, 78, son of the “800 heroes” leader, Lieutenant Colonel Xie Jinyuan, was attending the opening of the exhibition and reopening of the warehouse .
After a year of renovations — including bullet holes restored — the warehouse had been listed as one of the key cultural relics of China’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).
The clash in Sihang Warehouse saw 423 Chinese soldiers repel repeated Japanese attacks before they were ordered to retreat on November 1.
The 423 soldiers, under the leadership of Xie Jinyuan, were known as the “800 heroes” as they claimed to be 800-strong to confuse the enemy.
Xie Jinyuan survived the battle, but was assassinated by a traitor in 1941.
Exhibits that most impressed Xie Jimin included a monument featuring a letter written by his father before leaving home for battle and a video clip showing how the colonel encouraged his soldiers.
“The letter showed my father’s complicated feelings, as he had to shoulder his responsibility as a soldier while feeling guilty about leaving his family,” said Xie. “It was a ‘death order’ and he showed great courage.”
Retired Chinese army man Chu Kangling and his 8-year-old grandson, were among almost 3,100 visitors yesterday.
“This is a memorable and meaningful experience for us both,” said Chu.
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