Date of letter:1993-03-17
Address of author:Changsha City, Hunan Province
Date of event:1941-06-11（lunar calendar）
Location of event:Xiangtan County, Xiangtan City, Hunan Province
Name of author:Qian Qifen
Name(s) of victim(s):Qian Qifen’s father, uncle, younger brother and sister
Type of atrocity:Air Bombings, Others（AB, OT）
Other details:The Japanese bombed my hometown, and our house and belongings were destroyed. In the second bombing, my father, uncle and younger brother were killed, badly mutilated; my sister was bombed to be a cripple. For this, my mother suffered from insanity, and died after medical treatment failed. Since then, my happy family was ruined. I must claim for compensation from the Japanese government for blood debts of my family.
Mr. Tong Zeng,
After reading your letter to family members of victims killed by the invading Japanese army during its war of aggression against China, I’m filled with admiration and respect for your righteous act. Although it’s been nearly 50 years since the victory of the war, nothing has been done to comfort victims of Japanese invaders. Demanding compensation from the Japanese government is a righteous request of the Chinese nation. In the war aggression, millions of innocent Chinese people were tragically massacred. My family were also victims, including me. Recalling painful scenes makes me sad.
My family lived in Lianhua Street, Shisizong, Xiangtan County, Hunan Province and had a house of about 200 square meters. On lunar June 11, 1941, the 30th year of the Republic of China, 9 Japanese planes bombed Xiangtan, burning down my family’s house and all property in it. All my family even had no clothes to change. This was the first time we suffered. Then, my whole family moved to Wanfu Street, Shiliuzong, Xiangtan County. On lunar June 14, 18 Japanese planes bombed Xiangtan. My whole family hid in Jinting School. 4 of my family members including my father, uncle and younger brother who were hiding under a big tree on the school’s playground were killed by a bomb. Their bodies were badly mutilated. It was appalling. My younger sister Qian Qifen was injured in the bombing and later became disabled in the foot. On that day alone, about 500 people were bombed to death. Not long after that, my grandmother and mother suffered from mental disorders due to anxiety and died despite treatment. My perfect family was thus torn apart. Only orphans and widows are left to live a painful life. We must demand the Japanese government to repay the debt of blood. Above is my claim.
Victims’ family member Qian Qifen
March 17, 1993
Address:
Qian Qifen in care of Lang Shizhen, Department of Transportation, Provincial Economic Commission, Changsha City
Postal code: 410011
