royal marines in china?.

[rumjar]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2009/post-6733-1244490611.jpgGentemen I have had this group of photos for many years,and know nothing about them

[rumjar]

[rumjar]

many thanks joe.

[rumjar]

I have just spotted a lewis gun on a vickers tripod in one of the pics.joe.

[coldstream]

Rumjar, somewhere tucked away I have a lot of similar themed photos showing British Royal Navy and Marines from the South China Fleet Station dated 1938. I believe but stand to be corrected that they refer to the Japenese invasion of Canton around that time.

Some are very graphic including civilian executions and are therefore not suitable for this forum but as time allows I will try to post some of the others.

Again, not my area of expertise but this may ezplain your Marines in China!

[coldstream]

Rumjar, here are a few of the photos I mentioned, they appear to have belonged to a crew member of HMS Cumberland which was stationed in the South China Sea at the time of the Japanese invasion of Canton.

Firstly a view of crew members and Marines ashore,

[coldstream]

This one is marked to the reverse 'Evacuating civilians in the face of the invasion'

[coldstream]

This one is marked 'Fire at Chapin, Shanghai, Japanese offensive'

[coldstream]

As I said there are a lot of these photos which I do not think are appropriate for this forum showing Japanese Officers executing Chinese civilians and the aftermath of beheadings.

There are also a series of photos showing a military funeral for British Naval personnel with US Marines, French Navy and Indian calvary in attendance, these are dated 1938 and I'm unsure whether they are combat or accident casualties.

Maybe your photos relate to this Japanese invasion of China although as I said I'm no expert on this era. Anyone Gentlemen?

[rumjar]

hi mate,

nice pics i was thinking that my pics were of shanghi but why would some one take pics of both sides.

the man i got them off also had pics from italy 1945 of a well know couple hanging up side down.

did not buy them off him as they where closeups and porn.

joe.

[coldstream]

It is strange come to think of it as amongst the photos I have there are both sides represented, perhaps an enterprising press man selling copies of both sides?

[rumjar]

enterprising yes but look at the the soldiers giving him dirty looks.a brave man what.

joe.

[Mark C]

I have no doubt Rumjar's photos were being sold commercially. I have a sense of deja vu for the first one, which I have the feeling I has been somewhere labeled as US Marines.

The Asian soldiers in dark blue with the one peering at the camera -- I would have reflexively said "Japanese," but aren't those flat British-style helmets? Maybe this is the Chinese navy.

Thanks for posting,

MConrad

Maryland

[Guest Rick Research]

Don't forget that in 1937/38 the European powers were quote unquote neutral. There were German Reichsheer contract military advisors with the Chinese forces (embarassing-- Hitler recalled them and most returned but some remained... premature anti-fascists), but the British, French, Americans et cetera would not--then-- have been "on" either side.

Aside from the risks of random street butchery, uniformed observers/onlookers from the neutral powers would have been able to pass through any lines.

[rumjar]

I have no doubt Rumjar's photos were being sold commercially. I have a sense of deja vu for the first one, which I have the feeling I has been somewhere labeled as US Marines.

The Asian soldiers in dark blue with the one peering at the camera -- I would have reflexively said "Japanese," but aren't those flat British-style helmets? Maybe this is the Chinese navy.

Thanks for posting,

MConrad

Maryland

Yes they are us marines thanks for that gents.

joe.