In a heartfelt ceremony on Thursday, a new memorial was unveiled in Dongji, east China’s Zhejiang Province, honoring the brave local fishermen who rescued over 380 British prisoners of war (POWs) 82 years ago during World War II.
The memorial, crafted by the China Academy of Art, stands as a testament to the courage and humanity displayed during the tragic Lisbon Maru incident. Measuring 4.5 meters in length, 1.8 meters in height, and 1.7 meters in width, and weighing approximately one tonne, the naval bronze structure captures the historic moment when Zhoushan fishermen risked their lives to save others.
In October 1942, the Lisbon Maru, a Japanese cargo vessel repurposed to transport more than 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan, was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine off the Zhoushan Islands. Unaware that the ship carried POWs, the submarine’s attack led to a desperate situation. Local fishermen from Dongji township, upon witnessing the sinking ship, sprang into action, navigating treacherous waters to rescue as many survivors as possible.
Inscriptions on the left side of the memorial, in both Chinese and English, read: “Memorial for Dongji Fishermen’s Rescue of British Prisoners of War” and “Love knows no boundary; Friendship transcends time,” alongside a detailed account of the event.
“I hope more people learn about this chapter of history and remember those who made sacrifices for peace,” said Wu Buwei, a descendant of one of the heroic fishermen. “Their actions showed that compassion and humanity can prevail even in the darkest of times.”
The unveiling ceremony was attended by local officials, residents, and representatives from the United Kingdom. The memorial not only commemorates the past but also serves as a symbol of enduring friendship between the peoples of China and the United Kingdom.
“This memorial is a powerful reminder of our shared history,” said a British representative at the event. “We are eternally grateful for the courage of the Dongji fishermen who saved so many lives.”
The story of the Lisbon Maru and the fishermen’s heroic rescue has been a lesser-known chapter of World War II history. With the establishment of the memorial, efforts are being made to ensure that this act of bravery is not forgotten by future generations.
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Memorial commemorating heroic WWII rescue unveiled in E China
cgtn.com
