Chiang Kai-shek's 88th Division at Nanking

Chiang Kai-shek's 88th Division at Nanking

The 88th Division was an elite unit of the Chinese Nationalists, modeled on the German Lehrbrigade and trained by German advisors. They earned distinction for their successful defensive action during the fiercest fighting in Shanghai against the Japanese from August 13 to December 13, 1937.

On August 15, 1937, the Japanese Imperial Army bombed Nanking, the capital of China. Unrelenting fighting ensued until December 13, when Nanking fell to the Japanese.

"On arriving in Nanking, the main strength was placed at Yuhuatai outside the city walls, while the new recruits were positioned at Chunghua Gate. The main body was hit with great strength by the Japanese 6th and 114th Divisions, was eventually overcome, and effectively wiped out. The Japanese 6th Division—probably the toughest division deployed by the Japanese in Nanking—suffered 306 dead (884 wounded) and the 114th Division 260 dead (790 wounded) in taking Nanking, which again underlines how fierce the resistance offered by the 88th was. Between Dec. 10 - 11, the 88th lost three of the four regimental commanders and both brigade commanders, so fierce was the fighting."

Askew, D. (2003). Defending Nanking.