October 9 , 1937
The fighting has been intense this week . The Japanese armies are overwhelming us and they are on the verge of taking Dachang . We still fight though . My friend got shot today . He died a few hours ago from too much blood loss . I still grieve for him . I miss you .
Ah Cheng
This time , they only received three letters .
October 27 , 1937
The Japanese have started attacking from the South , past Hangzhou . I ’ m sorry I haven ’ t written as much as I should have , we have been too busy , trying to fight off the Japanese . They finally took Dachang . Now all we have to defend is the South of Shanghai . Luckily , I haven ’ t been injured yet except for a few unavoidable scrapes and bruises . I asked for bandages but they said that they had run out . There are too many people to treat .
Ah Cheng
November 3 , 1937
We have been moved down South . Most of the other soldiers have been moved out of Shanghai . They have gone to try and fight for Suzhou Creek . We are the only ones here . People have lost faith . Most of our original army has been defeated . I am losing hope . I stopped praying .
Ah Cheng
November 10 , 1937
We are still fighting desperately against the Japanese . Right now , I have a break before I have to go back out onto the battlefield . I don ’ t have enough time to write a really long letter . They are calling for me now . I have to go . I miss my bed . I miss sleep .
Ah Cheng
Then there were two letters .
November 13 , 1937
I got an injury to my head and my leg . I was shot in my leg then I lost consciousness and hit my head on some nearby rubble . I have been sent to the infirmary for a quick recovery . The war is not over yet . I will get better soon then I will fight again .
Ah