Historic Revelation: Two Female Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Confirmed

The names "Chen Naian from Wenling, Zhejiang" and "Fang Zhaoxiang from Lingyun, Guangxi" are among the names that underwent correction during this review. Historically, Chen Naian’s place of origin was unknown, and Fang Zhaoxiang was incorrectly listed as from "Guangdong Lingyun" rather than "Guangxi Lingyun." With these modifications, the memorial hall aims to honor these heroes with accurate and complete records.

However, the most compelling discovery during this review was the confirmation that two of the martyrs were women: Guo Cailing and Hou Ziqin. This revelation marks them as the second and third recognized female martyrs among the 1,468 Chinese Anti-Japanese aviation martyrs commemorated at the monument.

Their names have been updated to include the designation "(female)" to highlight their gender. A spokesperson from the Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Memorial Hall remarked, "Previously, we only knew the names of the martyrs, but we could not confirm their gender." The discovery of two more female martyrs is significant, given that up until now, Lu Meiyin, a heroic flight attendant who sacrificed her life in the line of duty, was the only female martyr recognized. Both Guo Cailing and Hou Ziqin were young women, only 22 years old, who tragically lost their lives in glider training accidents.

Guo Cailing, a student from Tongan, Fujian, died on April 20, 1943, during a glider training session at Phoenix Mountain in Chengdu. Xiamen historians found a newspaper article from January 8, 1943, titled "Visit to the Glider Class," which described her as "a tall half-Chinese and half-Vietnamese girl who missed her homeland and her family in Vietnam." Additionally, an issue of the magazine "Glide" from 1946 included a photo of a spirited young woman identified as "female instructor Guo Cailing." Similarly, Hou Ziqin, a student at Chongqing University's physical education department, also perished in a glider accident at Phoenix Mountain on May 18, 1943. An article in the March 1, 1944, issue of "Dagong Bao" (Guilin edition), titled "Accident during Yaoshan Performance," recounts the incidents, noting that both women died while participating in glider training.

The social media hashtag #最新确认两名女性抗日航空英烈# (Latest Confirmation of Two Female Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs) has garnered significant attention and reactions on Weibo, China's prominent social media platform.

Many netizens have expressed their respect and admiration for these courageous women. One user wrote, "致敬这些勇敢的女性，她们的牺牲永远不会被遗忘" ("Salute to these brave women, their sacrifices will never be forgotten").

This announcement has also sparked discussions about the broader recognition of female contributions during the Anti-Japanese War. Historically, the recognition of women's roles has been limited, and this discovery brings to light the essential contributions and sacrifices made by women during this tumultuous period. The documentation and acknowledgment of Guo Cailing and Hou Ziqin's sacrifices serve as a testament to their bravery and the vital roles women played in the war effort. The Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs Memorial Hall's efforts to rectify and enrich the historical records reflect a broader commitment to accurately honoring all individuals who contributed to the war effort, regardless of gender.

This initiative encourages the public to continue providing information to ensure that the memories of these martyrs are preserved with the utmost accuracy. The public is invited to contact the memorial hall with any additional information that may aid in this ongoing effort. This recent update is part of a broader endeavor by historians and archivists to ensure that the records of those who fought and sacrificed during the Anti-Japanese War are as comprehensive and accurate as possible. The inclusion of detailed personal histories and accurate biographical information provides a more profound understanding of these individuals' lives and their contributions to the war effort.

In conclusion, the confirmation of Guo Cailing and Hou Ziqin as female martyrs not only corrects the historical record but also highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women during the Anti-Japanese War. Their stories of courage and sacrifice serve as powerful reminders of the diverse and inclusive nature of the struggle against Japanese aggression. As the public continues to engage with and support these historical projects, the legacies of these valiant individuals will be preserved for future generations.