In a heartwarming act of historical preservation, Frenchman Marcus Detrez has arrived in China with a collection of 622 rare historical photographs taken by his grandfather, Roger-Pierre Laurens, during World War II.
Detrez revealed that these photographs may capture significant moments from the Japanese invasion of China, specifically focusing on the 1937 invasion of Shanghai. The images reportedly depict Japanese soldiers committing atrocities, including the indiscriminate killing of civilians and the destruction of temples, monuments, and other cultural landmarks.
Committed to honoring his grandfather's legacy, Detrez intends to donate the entire collection to Chinese institutions without any compensation. This donation aims to provide valuable insights into a tumultuous period in Asia's history and preserve these important artifacts for future generations.
While the photographs hold immense historical value, their authenticity and significance are yet to be professionally appraised. Nonetheless, this generous contribution underscores the vital role that personal histories play in shaping our understanding of the past.
KhabarAsia.com applauds Detrez's dedication to fostering a deeper connection between France and China through the preservation of shared history.
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Frenchman brings hundreds of rare historical photos to China
cgtn.com