“What echoes through this memorial park?” It is a question that resonates as we stand at the \u4e1c\u6c5f\u7eb5\u961f\u5317\u64a4\u9057\u5740. This site marks a pivotal moment. It commemorates the departure of the East River Column.
The East River Column played a vital role. It was a unit of anti-Japanese Communist guerrillas. They operated in Guangdong and Hong Kong. Their story is etched in local historical traditions. It is about the war and the Communist Revolution.
Let’s delve into the history of the East River Column. Its origins lie in two units. These were the Dongguan Model Able-bodied Young Men Guerrilla Team and the Huiyang Bao’an People’s Anti-Japanese Guerrillas. Wang Zuorao led the former. Zeng Sheng and Zhou Boming commanded the latter.
In 1941 the East River Column grew significantly. It swelled from hundreds to over 6000 soldiers. Anger at KMT desertions fueled recruitment. New members armed themselves with abandoned weapons. The East River Column then mounted resistance against the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade was established in 1942. They were based at the Rosary Mission Centre. Choi Kwok-Leung and Chan Tat-Ming led them. They rescued Allied pilots shot down by the Japanese.
By 1944 the East River Column controlled a large territory. This area was known as the Guangdong Base Area. It stretched from Huiyang to Sanshui and Xinhui.
Japan surrendered in 1945. Zhu De ordered Yasuji Okamura to surrender to Zeng. This order was ignored. Nationalist forces relieved Japanese troops. The East River Column continued to successfully harass Nationalist units.
The Americans then brokered a peace. They offered to transport the East River Column. The destination was Communist-held Yantai in Shandong. The US Navy transported the troops. This was the only time the US Navy transported Chinese Communist soldiers.
The East River Column was reorganized in 1947. It was designated as the Guangdong-Guangxi Column. Chen Yi’s East China Field Army led them.
After the war the East River Column became a legend. This was especially so in Hong Kong and Guangdong. It featured in novels and films. The Guangdong Memorial Hall preserves the unit’s history.
Here at the \u4e1c\u6c5f\u7eb5\u961f\u5317\u64a4\u9057\u5740 remember the soldiers who departed from here. Over two thousand East River Column soldiers boarded ships. They left Shenzhen behind them. They headed north to Shandong. This marked a new chapter in their fight for peace.
The memorial park stands as a reminder. It honors those who fought. It symbolizes a strategic shift. It represents the preservation of revolutionary ideals. It is a place to reflect on their sacrifices.
Here lies a monument. It marks the spot where they embarked. It reads “For the sake of domestic peace we depart from here to embark north to Shandong”.
In 1985 a memorial was established. It commemorates the East River Column’s departure. In 2011 the East River Column Northern Withdrawal Memorial Park was inaugurated.
Here you can find a stone wall. It bears the inscription “East River Column Northern Withdrawal Memorial Park”. This was written by Defence Minister Chi Haotian. A stone carving shows the troops.
Here the names of the East River Column soldiers are engraved. This Wall features the names of those who fought. The reverse depicts their warm welcome.
The \u4e1c\u6c5f\u7eb5\u961f\u5317\u64a4\u9057\u5740 stands as a testament. It honors their courage. It marks a key moment in history. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for peace.