Chongqing

Joseph W. Stilwell

May 12, 2005

Our river cruise ended in Chongqing, China’s largest city with over 31.6 million people. It was the capital of China during WWII and as we drove into the city, the tour guide pointed out caves within the city that were used as bomb shelters. At first, I was not impressed by Chongqing, most of the city appears to be in a state of neglect. Although the temperature was warm, there was a constant fog making it difficult to see beyond a few city block and from what I heard, that is normal. Just as I was beginning to wonder why 31.6 million people live there, the bus took another turn and we found beautiful shopping areas and nice restaurants. Not sure I would venture back there but Chongqing will be remembered in my mind as the city of extremes.

After saying goodbye to the MV Dragon crew members we headed out to the Joseph Stilwell Residence and the Flying Tiger Museum which is across the street from the Stilwell residence. I had tried researching this before I left and didn’t come up with a lot of information on the residence or museum and I didn’t know what to expect, both turned out to be a pleasurable experience. The residence and museum have a lot of pictures and information about WWII, Stilwell and the Flying Tigers.

Interestingly enough, as I entered the General Joseph Stilwell Residence, someone recognized me from Los Angeles who was on another tour group. It really is a small world.

General Joseph Stilwell (1883-1946) commanded all US armed forces in the China-India-Burma Theater in WWII and lived in Chongqing from 1942-1945. He led the Chinese troops to defeat the Japanese invaders.

The house was filled with information regarding Stilwell, his Chinese wife and the missions he was involved in during WWII. Chongqing was China’s capital at that time and the Japanese had cut off the supply routes from India. Stilwell had supplies flown over the Himalayas (known as the Hump flights) and eventually regained control of the Burma Road.

The Chinese considered General Joseph Stilwell a friend, He studied the language, and did a lot to promote the diplomatic relationships between US and China.

The house has the original furniture donated by Stilwell’s wife. At the center of the house was the center of US Military missions. Wouldn’t it have been interesting to have been a fly on that wall during the war?