Blackboards and Bomb Shelters

Explore the captivating narrative of three Yale graduates who changed lives while teaching English in China amidst the perils of World War II. This hardback edition, beautifully bound and measuring 152 x 229 mm, features 320 pages of rich history and personal experiences. The story unfolds in the summer of 1941, where these educators faced the daily challenge of teaching in a bomb shelter, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in tumultuous times. As air raid sirens echoed, lessons continued undeterred, showcasing their commitment to education. Following America's entry into the war, each graduate navigated their paths: one drove supplies along the perilous Burma Road, another served with the iconic 'Flying Tigers', and the third remained dedicated to sustaining the school amid crisis. This book artfully intertwines their educational mission with the larger Yale-in-China medical efforts led by a young surgeon in Changsha. This narrative not only highlights the courage and dedication of Americans supporting Chinese resistance during Japanese imperialism but also reflects on the transformative power of education in the face of adversity. Perfect for history buffs, educators, and anyone interested in World War II, this compelling account sheds light on an often overlooked chapter of American and Chinese history.

Author: James P Bevill Publisher: Schiffer Books
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 152 x 229 mm
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 30-11-2021

When three Yale graduates traveled to China in the summer of 1941 to teach English to middle-school students, they routinely taught classes outside a bomb shelter. When air raid sirens wailed, classes continued until the Japanese planes could be heard, then all quickly scrambled inside to safety. The US entry into the war turned their educational mission upside down. One was recruited for a stint driving supplies along the Burma Road. A second Yale teacher took a senior staff position with "Flying Tigers" commander Gen. Claire Lee Chennault. The third man, a conscientious objector, remained at the school to keep it running during the war. Their mission was inextricably linked with the broader Yale-in-China medical mission, headed by a young surgeon in Changsha. This is an engaging story of Americans in China, educating civilians, healing the wounded, and supporting Chinese military resistance against Japanese imperialism. It is the untold story of life on the ground in Free China during the Japanese occupation.