Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network
From its establishment in 1952 to its disbandment in 1972, the Black Bat Squadron sacrificed 148 members over just two decades, leaving behind many lesser-known historical stories. In response, the Hsinchu City Cultural Affairs Bureau’s Black Bat Squadron Relics Exhibition Hall is hosting the “Rise and Fall of the Eagles” special exhibition from now until November 30, 2013. The exhibition is divided into sections including “Risking Everything,” “Heroic Sacrifices,” and “Tributes,” highlighting the brave and tragic deeds of the aircrew who carried out the "Eagle—121" and "Eagle—119" missions in 1961. It commemorates the spirit of these heroes who defended their homeland and revives lesser-known history.
Through exhibitions and illustrated picture books, people of all ages can gain a deeper understanding of the heroic deeds of the Black Bat Squadron. (Photo provided by Hsinchu City Cultural Affairs Bureau)
This exhibition is divided into three zones. The first zone, “Risking Everything,” describes how the Chinese Communist forces, starting in 1960, adopted the strategy of modifying “Tu-4 aircraft” to intercept the Black Bat Squadron’s reconnaissance missions over mainland China. The modified aircraft, designated Tu-4P, could track and intercept our P2V-7U planes for extended periods and attack without hesitation, shadowing them relentlessly. Our side referred to them as “Shadow Aircraft.” In response, the Black Bat Squadron devised a counter-operation called “Eagle—121.” On November 4, 1961, the mission took off from Hsinchu Base, flew deep into five mainland provinces for 13 hours along a long, heavily guarded route—a highly challenging electronic reconnaissance mission. After completing the mission that night, the plane landed at the U.S. military’s Kunsan Base in South Korea the next morning.
The second zone, “Heroic Sacrifices,” recounts the story of another mission. On January 6, the plane took off again from Kunsan Base to carry out another long-range electronic reconnaissance mission over Shenyang in Liaoning Province and Harbin in Heilongjiang Province, code-named “Eagle—119.” Tragically, as the P2V-7U aircraft approached the mouth of the Bili River northeast of Dalian and prepared to conduct a low-altitude approach, it was caught in a massive ambush of anti-aircraft artillery and searchlights meticulously set up by enemy forces. Within 30 seconds, 13 outstanding comrades sacrificed their lives heroically for their country.
The third zone, “Honoring the Fallen,” introduces the life journeys and sacrificial spirits of the aircrew members, including Squadron Leader Ye Lin, Flight Officer Major Yin Jinding, Major Zhu Zhensan, and Major Zhang Guipu.
The “Rise and Fall of the Eagles” special exhibition originated from a washbasin donated by Mrs. Yang Zhaosun, the widow of the late Eagle Mission airman Major Yin Jinding. This washbasin was crafted by mainland farmers from the wreckage of the aircraft lost during the “Eagle—119” mission. This exhibition thus introduces the “Eagle—121” and “Eagle—119” missions and their crew members. Additionally, young Hsinchu artist Huang Nanrong created the “Secrets of the Black Bat Squadron Aircraft—Aircraft Picture Book” for schoolchildren, introducing the planes flown during the Black Bat Squadron’s missions. Through text and illustrations paired with phonetic symbols, children can better understand the stories of the Black Bat Squadron.
● Extended Reading: International Masters Showcase in Hsinchu as Glass Art Festival Opens December 22
http://goo.gl/720XG