#China #Guangzhou #Sino-Russian Friendship #Guangdong Heroes #WWII Stories

Heroes from Guangdong: Their Fight Alongside Soviet Soldiers in WWII

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II, the narrative of the young revolutionaries from Guangdong, China, emerges, highlighting their valiant contributions alongside Soviet forces. These heroes, who endured unimaginable hardships, have left an indelible mark in the annals of history, symbolizing friendship between China and Russia.

A Legacy of Courage and Sacrifice

In the early 1930s, hundreds of young people from Guangdong were sent to the Soviet Union to acquire essential skills and expertise. However, with the sudden attack of Nazi Germany on the USSR in 1941, these youths found themselves ravaged by the realities of war. Many had experienced lives of luxury, but the battlefield forced them to confront hunger and the biting cold.

At the international children's home in Ivanovo, they learned the value of hard work, contributing in factories and farms. Some even volunteered at city hospitals to aid injured soldiers. Their tales stand testament not only to their resilience but also to the shared human spirit that transcends borders in the fight against fascism.

The Story of Teng Jin-na

Among those who lived through this turbulent chapter was Teng Jin-na, who passed away in December 2020 at the age of 82. During the outbreak of war, the eight-year-old Teng, alongside her peers from the children's home, spent days moving between hospitals, tending to wounded soldiers. Acting as an angel of mercy, she wrote encouraging notes on scraps of newspapers and uplifted the spirits of soldiers with songs and dances. In 2020, the current Russian consul in Guangdong presented her with a medal recognizing the solidarity of Teng and the Chinese people during the war.

In reflecting on their childhood experiences, one peer of Teng recalled, "We fed the wounded, told them stories, and when they smiled, we knew it was all worth it."

Memories of the Front

Li Tung-ming, Teng's oldest son, shared harrowing moments of the war. “When enemy planes dropped incendiary bombs, the older kids would use sand to smother the flames. We survived on potatoes and onions.” Such poignant recollections illustrate the courage and tenacity of youth who bore the weight of immense historical challenges.

Chuang Jian: The Young Fighter

At just 14 years old during the war, Chuang Jian was deemed too frail for military service but exhibited an unwavering spirit in other significant ways. Collecting empty bottles to create Molotov cocktails, clearing snow at airbases, working in munitions factories, and donating blood monthly became his contributions. Motivated by the slogan “Everything for victory!”, Chuang declared, “Every drop of blood we shed, every potato we grew, was our resistive stand against fascism.” His determination is a tribute to a generation that turned scarcity into strength.

The Resilience of Siblings

Another inspiring tale stems from the children of Su Chao-cheng, a notable figure in the Chinese labor movement. His kids, Su Li-wa and Su Che- qhing, after military training, labored in a textile factory in Ivanovo, producing vital supplies for the frontlines. The haunting memories of air raids still echo in their minds, as they narrated how they raced to bomb shelters only to return to their machines when the coast was clear.

Their resilient determination, reflecting the spirit of Guangdong’s youth, became a crucial part of the Soviet war industry, affirming that even the simplest hands can make significant contributions to the fight for freedom.

A Call for Reflection After 80 Years

Now, 80 years later, both China and Russia remember this historical victory together. The narratives from Guangdong not only honor the past but also serve as a reminder of the importance of peace. In an era of increasing conflict and discord, humanity needs transnational bonds of solidarity to navigate future challenges.

Today, this history reminds us that behind every victorious struggle against fascism lie the sacrifices and unity of countless ordinary individuals from all nations. Their collective resolve, forged in the fires of war, continues to illuminate the path for global collaboration in the face of modern issues.