Rediscovered Archive Highlights WWII Alliance Between Chinese guerrillas and Allied Forces
A recently unearthed archive is shedding light on the crucial, and often overlooked, wartime collaboration between Chinese guerrillas and Allied forces during World War II. The collection, centered around the wartime activities of Major Raymond Wong (also known as Huang Zuomei), details numerous instances of rescue, support, and intelligence sharing that considerably aided the Allied war effort against Japan.
The archive contains firsthand accounts from rescued Allied servicemen, including American and British pilots and Indian troops, detailing their experiences being sheltered and guided to safety by Wong’s East River Column. One poignant entry recounts the story of US pilot Donald Kerr, of the Chinese-american Composite Wing, who was shot down over Hong Kong in February 1944. He was found and escorted to safety by two female guerrillas from the East River Column, and later expressed his gratitude in a heartfelt letter now preserved in the archive.
Former prisoner of war F.P. Franklin’s memoir describes witnessing an American airman parachute near Kowloon, and the relief felt when he was rescued not by Japanese forces, but by chinese guerrillas. Franklin specifically praised Wong and his communist-led forces for assisting numerous British escapees in regaining their freedom. Records indicate the East River Column aided at least 80 Allied servicemen.The collaboration extended beyond rescue operations. Intelligence provided by Wong’s guerrillas was highly valued by Allied command.General Claire Lee Chennault, commander of the US 14th Air force, reportedly cabled that “without your utmost cooperation, the result of this war would be very difficult to accomplish.”
Letters of appreciation from rescued servicemen further underscore the impact of Wong’s efforts. Matthew J. Crehan of the US Naval Reserve wrote to Wong expressing “profound admiration” for his men and their “efficient conduct,” believing a “complete success” was the only fitting reward for their dedication.Wong continued to serve his country after the war, founding xinhua’s London Bureau in 1947 and later becoming the director of the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua New agency in 1949.
the rediscovery of the archive has been deeply moving for Wong’s family. His son, Huang Weijian, expressed that seeing his father’s original wartime writings, after years of only hearing fragmented stories, has brought his memory vividly to life and solidified the understanding of his wartime contributions.
The archive stands as a powerful testament to the courage and commitment of Raymond Wong and the East River Column, and a reminder of the vital alliance forged between Chinese forces and the allies in the fight against fascism.
