Commemoration of Lisbon Maru Survivors: A Celebration of Resilience and Friendship
A Heartfelt Gathering in London
On a recent Saturday, the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom hosted a poignant reception in London for the descendants of those who survived the Lisbon Maru incident. This event not only honored the bravery displayed during World War II but also coincided with Spring Festival celebrations.
The Historic Voyage of the Lisbon Maru
In October 1942, history was dramatically altered when the Lisbon Maru, a cargo ship commandeered by Japanese forces to transport over 1,800 British prisoners of war (POWs) from Hong Kong to Japan, met its tragic fate. Off China’s Zhoushan Islands, it was struck by American military forces. As chaos ensued and the vessel sank, courageous local fishermen braved their own safety to rescue more than 300 POWs from drowning.
This year’s commemoration marks eight decades since significant victories were won during China’s resistance against Japanese aggression and in global efforts against fascism.
Reflections on Historical Bonds
During his speech at this meaningful gathering, Zheng Zeguang, China’s Ambassador to the UK, highlighted this maritime disaster as an enduring illustration of unity between China and Britain. He emphasized that such acts of bravery have solidified lasting friendships across nations—bonds that “will remain eternal” and act as valuable foundations for ongoing bilateral relations.
Concluding their time together at this special event, attendees joined hands with their families while singing “Auld Lang Syne,” signifying unity amidst shared histories.
Building Community Through Remembrance
Lindsey Archer—whose uncle tragically lost his life during the sinking—shared her thoughts with Xinhua regarding gatherings like this one. She remarked on how such events not only reinforce existing bonds but also cultivate new relationships among attendees. For her and others mourning relatives on both sides—the British survivors’ families alongside those who rescued them—a sense of community has flourished through shared remembrance. “Preserving our ancestors’ legacies is vital; their trials shaped our present,” she stated poignantly.
Last year marked a pivotal moment for Archer when she joined others connected to British POWs—including Kenneth Salmon—to visit China for commemorations at Zhoushan’s wreck site honoring those fallen heroes.
Kenneth Salmon reflected emotionally upon visiting sites linked to his father—a sergeant in Royal Artillery who survived being onboard Lisbon Maru. He acknowledged how profound connections blossomed during their journey: “Zhoushan evokes deep emotional ties,” he said gratefully while praising younger generations’ attendance at these memorial events as essential for preserving crucial narratives about heritage.
Exhibition Highlights Recovery Efforts
As part of this ceremony’s offerings, an exhibition featuring photographs spotlighted advancements made over recent years towards unearthing details surrounding the rescue operations following Titanic-like tragedies faced by ordinary individuals caught within historical turmoil.
