When did the first Japanese air raid on Chongqing occur?
The first Japanese air raid on Chongqing struck the city on the 18th of February 1938. This attack marked the start of a bombing campaign that continued until December 1944.
Questions about Bombing of Chongqing
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What aircraft did Japan use to gain air superiority over Chongqing in 1940?
Japan introduced the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter which shifted the balance of air superiority decisively toward them by mid-1940. The Zero was equipped with powerful engines and superior maneuverability that outclassed nearly every Chinese fighter then in service.
How many people died during the major air raids on Chongqing between 1939 and 1942?
Over three thousand tons of bombs rained down on Chongqing between 1939 and 1942 according to records kept by photographer Carl Mydans. On the 4th of May 1939 alone over three thousand residents died while another raid on the 5th of June 1941 resulted in four thousand people asphyxiated inside a tunnel meant to protect them.
Who were some notable Chinese pilots who fought against Japanese bombers in Chongqing?
Notable Chinese pilots included Major Zheng Shaoyu Captain Cen Zeliu and ace Xu Jixiang who engaged Japanese forces despite severe technological disadvantages. Other pilots such as Liu Zhesheng developed nighttime interception tactics using ground-based searchlights to guide single fighters against incoming bombers.
Why did the United States begin sending fuel through The Hump airlift starting in 1942?
The United States began sending barrels of 100-octane avgas through The Hump airlift after France fell to Germany in June 1940 and Vichy authorities allowed Japanese troops to conduct cross-border raids into Yunnan province. This move threatened to close the Burma Road permanently which had been China's main lifeline for fuel and materials needed to defend Chongqing and Chengdu.