Bullet marks. Here on the Sihang Warehouse, they are a stark reminder of a battle fought. A battle that echoed far beyond the walls of this very building.
The Sihang Warehouse stands as a memorial. It commemorates the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. In 1937, this area was the Zhabei District of Shanghai. The defense of Sihang Warehouse marked a pivotal moment in the Battle of Shanghai. It was a conflict that lasted three long months.
From October 26 to November 1, 1937, the Sihang Warehouse became a battleground. Chinese soldiers defended it against waves of Japanese attacks. They covered the retreat of other Chinese forces. This defense boosted the morale of the Chinese army and people. They were demoralized after the Japanese invasion.
The Sihang Warehouse served four banks. This is how it got its name. It became a symbol of resilience and resistance.
Inside these walls, 423 defenders stood firm. They became known as the Eight Hundred Braves. Col Xie Jinyuan led them. He was a deputy commander of the 524th Regiment. To mislead the Japanese, Col Xie inflated the number of soldiers. He told girl scout Yang Huimin that there were 800 soldiers. She then announced this to the public.
For four days, these brave soldiers held their ground. They made the Sihang Warehouse famous internationally. The story of Col Xie Jinyuan and his Eight Hundred Heroes became legendary.
In 1985, the city recognized the Sihang Warehouse as a memorial site. But it was used as a market for a while. Later, the City Hall allowed cultural industries to set up shop here. Today, a display room exists in the cockloft.
Plans are underway to honor this site further. There are plans to repair the bronze statue of Col Xie Jinyuan. The walls will be restored to show the bullet holes and shell craters. These scars are from the Japanese attacks.
The defense of the Sihang Warehouse was a morale-boosting event. It lifted spirits during a dark time. Its location across Suzhou Creek meant the battle was visible to the western powers. This brought international attention to China’s resistance.
Chiang Kai-shek wanted to show China’s determination to resist. He hoped for intervention from other nations. The Nine Powers were to meet on November 6. The defense of the Sihang Warehouse was a key part of this strategy.
The defenders were well-equipped. Each soldier had a rifle. They had 300 rounds of ammunition. Each had two crates of grenades. They also had a German-made helmet and a gas mask. The battalion had 27 light machine guns. Four water-cooled Maxim guns provided heavy firepower.
The Japanese forces advancing on Zhabei were part of the Shanghai SNLF. The 10th Battalion was the main force against the Sihang defenders.
The fighting was intense. Chinese soldiers volunteered to defend the warehouse. This was exemplary conduct. They spread out across the warehouse. They fortified their positions.
The Chinese defenders ambushed a column of Japanese soldiers. They had been marching toward the warehouse. The Chinese sealed doors and windows. They created dummy positions to draw Japanese fire.
Spectators gathered across the Suzhou Creek. They cheered the Chinese soldiers. At night, the defenders repaired damages. They constructed fortifications.
Girl guide Yang Huimin played a crucial role. She delivered a Republic of China flag to the defenders. She wrapped the flag around her body. She sneaked past British sentries. She rushed across the bridge to the warehouse.
On October 29, the Chinese defenders raised the flag. Thousands of people watched from across the river. The crowd shouted Long live the Republic of China.
The Japanese launched renewed attacks. But the Chinese defenders held firm. Civilians helped by writing warnings on large posters. They alerted the soldiers to Japanese movements.
Under pressure from the Japanese, foreigners urged the Chinese to stop fighting. Chiang Kai-shek authorized a withdrawal. On November 1, the defenders retreated. They moved into the foreign concessions.
Today, visiting the Sihang Warehouse is free. But reservations are required. You can see the bullet marks on the walls. They are a reminder of the past. They are a testament to the courage of the soldiers who defended this warehouse.