U. S. Gunboat Panay abandoned
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U. S. Gunboat Panay abandoned
Crew members of the U, S.Gunboat Panay abandon ship. The gunboat had been bombed by Japanese aircraft while anchored in the Yangtze River, outside Nanking, China even though Japan and the U.S.A. were not at war and the gunboat had U.S. flags painted on the deck. Date: 12 December 1937
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Media ID 14133179
© Robert Hunt Library/Mary Evans
Abandon Bombed Crew Gunboat Incident Members Nanking Sino Yangtze 1937 December Panay
EDITORS COMMENTS
December 12, 1937: A Grim Scene of Abandoned Hope on the Yangtze River - The U.S. Gunboat Panay in Peril This poignant photograph captures a pivotal moment in history as the crew members of the U.S. Gunboat Panay abandon ship following a devastating air raid by Japanese forces. The incident, which took place on the Yangtze River outside Nanking, China, occurred even though Japan and the United States were not yet at war. The gunboat, proudly displaying U.S. flags on its deck, was a clear symbol of American presence and protection in the region. The Panay, a former revenue cutter, had been dispatched to China to evacuate American citizens from the area amidst the escalating conflict between China and Japan. On the morning of December 12, 1937, while anchored near the city of Nanking, the gunboat was unexpectedly attacked by Japanese bombers. The assault left the vessel severely damaged and in a perilous state. As the crew frantically attempted to save their ship, they were forced to abandon it and seek refuge on the nearby banks of the Yangtze River. The photograph depicts the crew members, their faces etched with a mix of shock, determination, and despair, as they leave behind their sinking vessel. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight and in front of numerous witnesses, served as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in China and the increasing tensions between Japan and the United States. The abandonment of the Panay marked a significant turning point in the Sino-Japanese War and the lead-up to World War II. The United States, which had previously maintained a policy of neutrality, began to reconsider its stance in the face of mounting aggression from Japan. The incident also highlighted the vulnerability of American interests and personnel in the region, ultimately leading to a more active U.S. role in the conflict.
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