Evacuation of the last Yangshupu residents

Title : Evacuation of the last Yangshupu residents

Topic : Virtual Shanghai

Year : 1937

Location : Shanghai: International Settlement

Date (start) : 1937

Nature : B&W Photo

Support image : Book

Caption on support : Threats of new hostilities in the Eastern area caused the evacuation of about 6.000 Chinese civilians from Yangtzepoo on August 31. Evacuation trucks were supplied by the Shanghai Volunteer Corps, the Police and household removal companies.

Information data : The caption does not reflect the actual cation published on September 8, 1937 with the original picture: "(News of Sept 1): "The remaining residents in Yangtzepoo odered out by the Japanese Naval Landing Party (believed to be presage to major offensive) .. there remain some 6,000 Chinese civilians who had remained through the storm and stress of the last two weeks.. they were evacuated presumably south of Soochow creek... by SMC (SVC, police, Marden's trucks) cars (only foreign drivers were allowed)..Around 4,500 were transported...1,500 proceeded on foot..they were mostly poor people, carrying a single bundle, and apprehsension was painted in the faces of most... from straw-hut settlements and obscure alleyways they emerged by the hundred... there were many who had to be coaxed to get out.. the sight of a policeman spelled trouble to them and they retreated to distant hiding -places.". As can be seen on the picture, at least one Chinese Buddhist organization was involved in the rescue operation. The North China Daily News made no mention of it.

Keywords : refugee;war;truck;police;evacuation