12/20/2008

A letter to my son

Posted by EyeDoc

Son,

As you know our family suffered a great loss on Jan 12, 1945. It is the day my father and your grandfather’s ship was attacked in Saigon by the Americans. He lost his life at age 31, together with many other physicians on board. They were all draftees from Taiwan as members of the Medical Corps of the Imperial Japanese Navy. You have never met him of course. Even I was only one year and 2 months old at the time when he perished, so I do not remember anything about him at all. Your grandma seldom mentioned him except in passing that they had a successful medical practice in 淡水Dansui, named 興亞醫院. That the patients sometimes paid in foodstuff in lieu of cash. And that he enjoyed a cold beer with lobsters after seeing patients. This peaceful life did not last long, though. Your grandfather soon received a draft notice ordering him to report to duty and to go on a transport ship in Kaohsiong. The ship 神靖丸 (Shinsei Maru) left the Port of Kaohsiong on Dec 1, 1944. I remember seeing, years later, a postcard which he mailed home in late Dec, 1944, from Hong Kong before sailing on to Saigon. Grandma had written an autobiography (in Chinese) and the parts that describe this period with her reaction to the news of his death were emotionally charged as you can imagine. I will try to translate it for you at some point.

And thanks to the internet, now I have a somewhat complete story of what happened on that fateful day as well as the circumstances leading up to it. I have now put together a narrative for you, so you can learn a most important chapter in our family history.

I am sure you recall the movie “Midway” which we watched together not long ago. In which I have pointed out one character, Admiral William Halsey, to you and mentioned that this person was the one responsible for the attack on Shinsei Maru. However, that was an over-simplification. The Battle of Midway occurred on June 4 –7, 1942, soon after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Dec 7, 1941). The Pacific War intensified after Midway and the battleground gradually moved westward through Guadalcanal, the Solomons, and eventually to the Philippines. The Japanese Empire was in retreat. And the Pacific Third Fleet Commander during that period was Admiral Halsey. This sets the background.

What I have found about Shinsei Maru are the following:

The ship was built in 1943 in 函館船渠 (Hakodate Dock Co) in Hokkaido with a tonnage of 2,700 tons. It was owned and operated by 栗林商船株式会社(東京) - Kuribayashi Shosen, Inc of Tokyo. Both companies are still in existence today.

It was docked at Cape Saint Jacques when hit by a torpedo from a Grumman F6F Hellcat and sank at 9:55AM, Jan 12, 1945. According to a book "Diary of a Military Doctor" written by a survivor Dr WU Ping-Chen, out of 59 doctors, only 18 survived; all 3 pharmacists died; 80 physician’s assistants, 25 survived; 200 medical workers, 52 survived. All together, of the 342 Taiwanese on board, 247 died. In addition, 12 soldiers - 6 died and 30 crew members - 10 died.

Inside Port Saint Jacques, in addition to Shinsei Maru, 6 other ships were also destroyed. Outside Port Saint Jacques, and inside Saigon Harbor, 9 ships in each location were also sunk. Port Saint Jacques is 120 km by land and 80 km by sea from Saigon.

The air raids were quite intense according to a US Naval Analysis interrogation report of Japanese Naval officers who witnessed the wave-after-wave attacks on Jan 12, 1945. And in the same report, the officer in charge of the transport operation for the whole region turned out to be one HORIUCHI Shigetada, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. He was a permanent officer of 31 years service. His principal war time combat experience was in the First Southern Advance Fleet in the latter half of 1942 and was charged with air protection of convoys during the last eight months of the war. Despite his extensive experience, he certainly had failed his duty in providing air and sea escorts for the transport ships. And yet he blamed it squarely on the High Command, see: http://ibiblio.org/hyperwar/AAF/USSBS/IJO/IJO-47.html

“Q. What were your most important missions?
A. The most important missions in my area were: first, to protect the shipping of oil from the south to the EMPIRE; second, the supplying of the PHILIPPINES. I must confess that both missions failed. It is my opinion that although the officers assigned to convoy duty fully appreciated the vital strategic importance of maintaining supply lines to keep the Combined Fleet able to operate at all, the high command took the counsel, short sighted, of the Combined Fleet Staff in allocating insufficient strength to the maintenance of the vital supply lines. Convoy officers were only specialist auxiliaries of the Main Force and became therefore important (sic, should be 'impotent')."

He died in 1984 at age 87, without having to pay for his war-time dereliction of duty. Indeed, the Shinsei Maru convoy (of perhaps 5 transport ships all together) was escorted by only one tiny mine sweeper (the No 102) en route from Kaohsiung to Hong Kong. And by another 500-ton gun boat, sunk in an air raid, from San Ya to Saigon. I hold him, on the Japanese side, personally responsible for the demise of Shinsei Maru.

So who were those US raiders and where were they based? We can surmise from WW-II time-line in the Pacific recorded in http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/pacificwar/timeline.htm#1945 which listed the following (partial list):

January 3, 1945 - Gen. MacArthur is placed in command of all U.S. ground forces and Adm. Nimitz in command of all naval forces in preparation for planned assaults against Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Japan itself.
January 4, 1945 - British occupy Akyab in Burma.
January 9, 1945 - U.S. Sixth Army invades Lingayen Gulf on Luzon in the Philippines.
January 11, 1945 - Air raid against Japanese bases in Indochina by U.S. Carrier-based planes.

Notice the last entry: The key is “US Carrier-based planes”. The question is which carrier(s)?

According to http://www.cv6.org/1945/1945.htm:
“Enterprise's first strikes of 1945 were against airfields on Luzon, Philippines, followed by raids into Indo-China, and five major strikes on shipping and installations along the Indo-China and South China Sea coasts.” Therefore USS Enterprise is the prime suspect; although there were other carriers as well. This is further confirmed by http://www.sandcastlevi.com/sea/enterprise/voych09c.htm:

“By December 1944, the Enterprise was officially operating as a night attack carrier with the USS Independence. In this role, she participated in attacks in January 1945 as part of the invasion of Luzon. During this operation, the American carriers sank a total of 300,000 tons of Japanese shipping and destroyed over 600 aircraft, to a loss of 200 American planes."

There is another entry on Jan 12, 1945, in http://www.cv6.org/ship/logs/vtn90/vtn90-4501.htm#19450112

This is the VT(N)-90 Squadron (The Avenger dive-bombers) based on USS Enterprise:

“Thursday [i.e., Jan 11, 1945] evening we had an extensive briefing session on the Camranh Bay and Cape St. Jacques areas which were considered among the most likely hiding places for the Jap fleet.”

And on Jan 12, 1945: "The pilots on the strike were Lt. Kippen [Russell F. Kippen], Ens. Jennings [Joseph F. Jennings], Ens. Landon [James D. Landon], Lt(jg) Ashton [John M. Ashton], Lt(jg) Cromley [William L. Cromley], Lt. White [Melber A. White], Lt. Cummings [Ralph W. Cummings], Lt. Collins [C. B. Collins], Lt(jg) Brooks [Charles E. Brooks] and Ens. Atkinson. Four VT and 12 VF from the Independence also joined us in the attack. The convoy was located in Kanfong Bay and turned out to be a group of fifteen ships (the convoy and its escorts). There were three DDs, four DEs, three SA, two FTC, two TB and one CL of the Katori class (though the latter was not positively identified until later). Kippen led the attack, going for the CL and scoring a straddle with some damage done. Jennings went after a DD scoring two hits and strafed an SA. Landon made runs on a DD and an SA getting a direct hit on the stern of the latter, leaving it settling and dead in the water. Ashton and Cromley both attacked SAs with no hits, and both were hit by enemy fire in the wing or elevators. Both returned, scared but safe. Lt(jg) Brooks and Lt. Cummings both went for DEs and DDs but scored no hits.”

There was, however, no mention of an attack on Cape Saint Jacques. It is unknown if this was an omission or a wartime confusion. It did mention that the mission was joined by fighter planes from USS Independence (i.e., the VTs and the VFs). It is possible that one of the 12 VF fighters (i.e., the Hellcats), rather than the ones from the Enterprise, might have been responsible for sinking Shinsei Maru. The fighters from USS Independence did destroy 9 merchant vessels during several tours of duty. The pilots mentioned in the log above all died later when attacking Okinawa and Taiwan.

Even more details can be found in http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25513&page=47

In which the destruction of Shinsei Maru was recorded, among a very long list, as “… oil tanker Kumagawa Maru and transports Shinsei Maru and Toyu Maru off Cape St. Jacques, 10°20'N, 107°45'E…"
and
"Combined, TF 38 sank 41 ships on this day.”


This was known as “Operation Gratitude” carried out by Task Force 38 under Vice Adm John S. McCain (who was the grandfather of Senator McCain). And TF38 turns out to be a large scale operation consisting of 5 Groups. And one of which TG38.5 had USS Enterprise and USS Independence as the core carriers. The VT squadron mentioned above was part of this group.

We know the Third Fleet Commander at that time was William Halsey, Jr (1882–1959). In January, 1945. As a fleet commander, Halsey was then responsible for the death of Shinsei Maru. More directly involved, in executing the war plan as the commander of TF38, was John S McCain Sr (who died in 1945). The pilot of the Hellcat who administered the fatal blow to Shinsei Maru remained un-identified.

The Enterprise suffered severe damages not long after; the last one on May 14, 1945 incurred by a Japanese Kamikaze pilot. 14 died and 34 were wounded.

And unexpectedly in the archives of 神奈川新聞 (Kanagawa News) http://www.halmoni-haraboji.net/exhibit/archives/disp00/S0016.html, I came across the following:

1955.05.26 - 戦時中米軍機にサイゴン港で撃沈された神靖丸の引揚 元日本兵300名の遺骨を発見 元乗組員の生存者は「軍が台湾高雄市で徴収した台湾現地人で身分は医務工員だ」

This is a collection of headlines. Surprisingly, news on May 26, 1955 reported that the wreckage of Shinsei Maru was discovered and the remains of 300 Japanese soldiers found. There is a key phrase here "引揚, Hi-Ki A-Ge", which means “sent back to the home country”. The survivors (in reference to 1945) were identified as soldiers from Kaohsiung City in Taiwan and were Taiwanese medical workers. No one informed our family of this discovery, though. There was no international communication between Taiwan and outside world at that time, at least not for our family.

We have known since 1989 when Grandma finally located your grandfather, enshrined together with 28,000 other Taiwanese war-dead, in 靖国神社Yasukuni Jinja in Tokyo. In late October this year, I have also visited Yasukuni and was directed by a friend to the nearby 千鳥ケ淵戦没者墓苑 Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery. Which, to my utter surprise, was built in 1959 to receive the remains of WWII war-dead, including those recovered from Indo-China. In one instant, I realized that this was where the remains sent back from Vietnam in 1955 were buried. It has 6 floors all underground. This is your grandfather’s final resting place!

The Americans started air raids on transport ships on Jan 11, 1945 and Japan surrendered on Aug 15, 1945 – a mere 7 months later. According to one of the survivors Dr WU, they were all on deck enjoying the scenery, then your grandfather decided to go below deck to study. And soon after, the torpedo hit. The ship sank head first and that was where the doctors’ quarters were located. Your grandfather could not escape his fate – and our family suffers the consequence to this day. It is important to remember that we must not dwell on this tragic past (we never have, not your grandma, nor I). I am also so very grateful that Grandma stayed with us for so long; although Christmas dinners without her will never be the same. One consolation maybe that they are now finally together, after 63 years.

Love,

Dad

12/19/2008

神靖丸於 12/03/1944 11AM 抵達香港

Posted by EyeDoc

根据近代世界艦船事典 (The Encyclopedia of the World, Modern Warships) 記載:
http://hush.gooside.com/

神靖丸一行 [屬"ホ104船團" - 其中包括華頂山,此船在神靖丸遇難後,於1945年3月23日4:28PM 被美第58特遣隊戰机擊沉,見下引] 於1944年12月1日清晨8:30從高雄出發,12月3日早上11點抵達香港.船隻總數不明,可能是5艘货船,但只有一條掃雷艇 (mine sweeper) 護航 (第102号).

原文如次:

華頂山丸 [Ka Cho San Maru]
三井物産貨物船
三井造船玉野造船所で1924.12進水
陸軍が徴用

44.12/1.0830神靖丸等とホ104船団を編成し第102号掃海艇に護衛され/3.1100香港入港

45.3/21.0600鹿児島出港後那覇へ航行中/23.1615(28゚40'N/128゚50'E)でアメリカ第58任務部隊搭載機の攻撃を受け.1628沈没し乗船中の海上輸送第15大隊、第30兵站、沖縄憲兵隊員82船砲隊62船員60計204名が死亡.

2427(3878)T 284.0x42.0x(23.3)ft R 1200hp 12.31knt. [註:此船排水2,427 噸,与神靖丸相當,滿載排水3,878 噸; 尺寸: 284x42x23.3呎; 1,200馬力; 速度: 12.31 knots]

船舶番号30521.

据作家前橋松造先生報導 (2006/平成18年12月11日), 華頂山丸最後孤單的遭遇如此:

"...錦江湾 [註:鹿児島県] から沖縄・台湾に向かって輸送船が数多く出るが、ことごとくトカラの沖で潜水艦から撃沈される。錦江湾を出た船団、昭和18年12月8日~昭和20年3月21日に全部で16船団(延べ197隻)、その中でも悲劇だったのは「華頂山丸」という船で、桜島沖で待機していたらB24に空爆を受け同行の3隻は沈没し、残った1隻の「華頂山丸」は沖合に向けて出発せよという命令を受け出発、大島の笠利沖で沈没する。..."

華頂山丸的航線包括從鹿児島到台灣及沖繩一帶.与神靖丸等104船團抵香港後,不知是否也一起航往西貢.但最後是回到錦江灣.於同年3月23日被美軍空襲擊沉,一共204人陣亡,也是無謂的犧牲,令人歎息.




華頂山丸 (1925)



另,第102号掃海艇船史, 見: http://wpedia.mobile.goo.ne.jp/

1943年(昭和18年)年2~3月に進水
1944年(昭和19年) 9月28日竣工。日本海軍籍に編入、横須賀鎮守府籍。第2遣支艦隊に編入する。 [註:第二遣支艦隊負責華南, 下轄第十五戰隊旗艦"五十玲"輕巡洋艦, 下轄砲艦"嵯峨","橋立", 廣東方面特別根據地隊, 廈門方面特別根據地隊, 特設第四掃海隊等.]
主に東シナ海方面で船団護衛に従事。
大湊*付近で終戦を迎える。 [*註:青森県]
1945年(昭和20年)11月30日除籍、特別輸送艦となり復員輸送に従事。
1947年(昭和22年)11月20日イギリスに引き渡し。浦賀船渠で解体。

日本海軍の掃海艇

12/18/2008

新竹州連煥文醫師

Iris Liu 提供給EyeDoc一個新竹市文化局網頁, 其中提到:

"...中日戰爭爆發,日人徵調台籍居民參戰。當時規定家中有二名男子,一定要有一人至軍中服役。連煥文就是在這樣的情況下,於民國31年被徵調至越南擔任軍醫。翌年美軍轟炸西貢,連煥文不幸遇炸身亡,連煥明痛失愛弟及工作上的得力助手。大戰末期,美軍直接由菲律賓空襲台灣。當時新竹市的「榮町」,即火車站附近一帶,就成為美軍轟炸機首要的攻擊目標。"

首先: "中日戰爭爆發"應是"太平洋戰爭"爆發之誤.日本在太平洋戰爭開始失利,是絕大多數台灣人被徵召參戰的主因.

其次: 吳平城醫師"軍醫日記"的神靖丸人員存歿名單中也記有"新竹州連煥文醫師",應是与上文的連煥文同一人.因為文中"民國31年的翌年"是1943年.這一年一直到年底,太平洋戰爭從珍珠港,中途島才西延到所羅門群島一帶.美軍轟炸中南半島(包括西貢在內)從1945年1月11日即一年多之後才開始.所以連醫師"不幸遇炸身亡"應是与神靖丸遇難同一事件.

我們會繼續求証.

謝謝您, Iris Liu.

12/16/2008

林坤萍醫師夫人去世


非常的遺憾,林坤萍醫師夫人於上月七日過世.
May she rest in peace.

(紀念照片在此頁)

12/11/2008

台南州劉占輝醫師

景福醫訊的廣大傳播讓我們又能增補神靖丸醫師名單:

台南州劉占輝醫師是1939-40年日本東京昭和大學醫專畢業.在斗六才開業行醫三年,就被征召,与最後一梯次海軍軍醫在左營待命,上了船航往西貢後就沒再回來.留下了3歲女兒及11個月大的兒子.劉夫人辛勞一生,身為教師,育人子弟,在2003年過世,享年83.

12/09/2008

Pearl Harbor Raid and Forgiveness

If you prefer Chinese version please click the link below:
http://heartstring2.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post_04.html

被遺忘的一頁台灣史「神靖丸」




Posted by BH

More than two years ago, we traveled to Hawaii to attend my husband's 40th college reunion. After the reunion cruise, we decided to visit Pearl Harbor. While watching a historical film that vividly depicted the Dec. 7, 1941, raid on Pearl Harbor, I couldn’t help but think that if Japan had not raided Pearl Harbor, perhaps my dad would not have lost his life at the young age of 32. Tears streamed down my face as I thought that if the Japanese hadn’t attacked Pearl Harbor, the United States might not have entered WWII and there would not have been war in the Pacific Ocean between Japan and the United States.

I do not harbor hatred against the culprits of Japan or the Americans who sunk the ship “Shinsei Maru” on which my father served as a military physician, It was not until recently by this blog, I learned that the Task Force 38 had sunk “Shinsei Maru”, thus I lost my dad even when I was still in my mom’s womb. Back then, the vice Admiral of the Task force 38, John S. McCain SR. happened to be the grandfather of the Republican candidate for President of the United States this year, (Note: now he has lost the election) . This discovery hadn’t made me not want to vote for Mr. McCain, unless there are other legitimate reasons for me not to. No, I could still have voted for him because I think that in international affairs and wars, he should have a better understanding and insights, because he had been a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. Generally speaking, Republicans care more about international security issues and perhaps more favorable towards protecting Taiwan’s democracy. What I am trying to say is “I have neither hatred against those who caused my dad to die untimely, nor hatred against their descendants. ” ( p.s. I wrote this part long before the election took place)
Recently, a friend of mine in her e-mail to other friend (c.c. to me) mentioned that my father was a former military doctor, serving the Japanese imperialists…etc. She didn’t criticize my dad purposely, yet I felt my feelings was hurt. Her comment was extremely unfair for those who had been drafted by the Japanese government to the Pacific War. Just as Eye Doc. said in this blog:
『Taiwan's post-war phase was kind of being awkward. After the defeat and the withdrawal of Japanese government from Taiwan, there came Chinese Nationalists. It was like changing dynasties, the new political power liked to judge beyond time and history: those who survived "Shinsei Maru" were sometimes called Chinese traitors or Taiwanese traitors, because they had served China’s enemy Japan. They were not able to argue and defend themselves since they were simply politically incorrect. Just think, after Japan had governed in Taiwan for 50 years, if the people of Taiwan identified with Japan as their own country then, was it unreasonable? They had been through Japanese education, all their lives. Should we criticize them if they had developed a kind of mentality of being Japanese citizens? How can we criticize and blame them then?
Although my father had the opportunity to run away from the Japanese Navy, he did not run away. Although some people had urged him to escape long before he went to serve as a military doctor. For example, my maternal grandpa had told him that when his ship landed in Hong Kong, he should run away. Because my grandpa's generation started far before Japanese rule in Taiwan, of course, he could not identify with Japan as his own country. In Dr. Wu Ping Cheng’s book “ A Military physician’s Diary”, he mentioned that my dad, as well as a few others had the opportunities to see their relatives or acquaintances in Hong Kong or Vietnam, they certainly had a great opportunity to run away. (Of course, if the escapees were captured, they would be condemned to death penalty.) However, Dr. Wu also mentioned that if anyone ran away, the rest of the comrades in the ship, would all be punished to lose their freedom. Therefore, I think my upright law-abiding dad, wouldn’t violate any military laws, let alone escape. My dad wouldn’t like to penalize his comrade-in-ship, and most likely, he probably thought it was his duty to defend Taiwan and Japan, he had to do it that way, no turning back at all. (Now, we may consider that they had been brainwashed by a foreign government Japan and had developed silly loyalty to Japan. That was unfair to them.) I happened to know that some people used “red envelope” money to avoid being drafted; it is an unfair world, honest people died as victims, but bribers got to keep their lives. I heard that Dr. Kuo Hong-Wen was not originally on the drafting list, however, another doctor used red envelope, to avoid being drafted, and recommended Dr. Kuo as his younger substitutes. Once a cousin cheerfully told me that it was his father’s luck, not to be a doctor, or else his dad should be the one who died, not my dad, because his dad was my dad’s eldest brother, and only one doctor would be drafted from a family.( He had to hear this drafting information from his dad, my big uncle, as each regional physician bureaucracy has slightly different priorities of drafting.) I listened with sadness, because my dad was determined to be a medical student out of being a filial son, in order to take care of his father's clinic, so that his father could have an early retirement. I heard my dad’s eldest brother wouldn’t study but fooled around all the times so he couldn’t get into any medical school at all. You wouldn’t think the one who was filial and studied diligently would harvest early death, while the prodigal son would keep life as his reward.
Furthermore, I have never thought of my father and the "Yasukuni Shrine" being connected, until China protested former President Lee Teng-hui’s visit to "Yasukuni Shrine" to commemorate his brother, I thought then perhaps my dad’s name was in that famous shrine too? Later on, Eye Doc. Confirmed my guess was correct.
Just as Eye Doc. said that those who survived the sunken Shin-sei Maru were seen as traitors to Taiwan, because KMT then took over Taiwan. Such a serious charge against them, was very unfair indeed.
However, people shouldn’t continue to live in the past and keep thinking, "If something had not happened that way, how nice would the world be! …etc." or "what if something happens this way or that way…etc.”, the "what if" monsters will create unfounded, unnecessary fears for the future. To keep living in the past with endless regrets, remorse and "what ifs" is very unwise too. What is more important? Isn’t it "the present" ? what does God want us to do now? Shouldn’t we treasure our time now to do something to glorify God and benefit others?
I used to think that it was very unfortunate that I was born posthumously. But now I think I have been very fortunate to be born as if to catch the last train before my dad left for the war. During the air raids of WWII, I brought so much troubles to my mom and grandpa. It was fortunate that grandpa was a doctor and I could be born at home in his own clinic. However, my grandpa had to blacken the windows of a delivery room just in case if I was born in the middle of night when there were air raid sirens, a light could still be on inside the dark delivery room. Of course, I could also be born a worm, right? The evolutionist wants us to believe that we humans are not different from other animals . (In one of Kafka’s novel,” Metamorphosis”, he described the terror of the main character waking up one day in the morning only to find himself having turned into a bug.) From another point of view, since we are all born humans, we have already won the lottery, because we have defeated the odds of not being born, being aborted or just being born a worm, not a human being.
Torpedoes, bullets, bombs don’t have eyes, they kill anyone passing through their paths. Task Force 38 didn’t know my dad’s ship was a medical ship because there was no red cross mark or flag on it. Or else, perhaps they wouldn’t have bombed the ship. I do not harbor any bitter resentments towards Japan or US, but I am well aware of the pain and sorrow the war could bring to any family just like my family. I’d hope that there is no more war in our world and no longer there is any family who suffers the loss of their loved ones as a result of the war. However, it is easier said than done; people do have different religious beliefs, there is racism, bigotry and so on ..., it is really hard to have real peace on earth. Only by looking up to the cross, listening to how He forgave those who nailed Him to the cross, that we would be able to forgive our enemies with the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Jesus said: "Father, forgive them because they did not know what they did."

珍珠港與所謂的「大東亞聖戰」

--摘自吳平城醫師「軍醫日記」前言--
(請參看下連「軍醫日記」)
http://shinseimaru.blogspot.com/2007/12/blog-post_22.html

自從日本軍閥發動侵華軍事行動後,大約兩百萬陸軍在中國大陸如陷入泥槳似的不能自拔,在這時,日本海軍卻又瘋狂的偷襲珍珠港、香港、菲律賓、馬來西亞等地。在這之前,日木不顧國際聯盟阻止,已進軍越南、寮國高棉,這三個當時仍是法國殖民地。值法國本國已被德國打敗了,日本美其名為共同防衛,和平進駐,其實擺開很多軍艦大砲在河內和西貢,費了三天便強行登陸。
珍珠港等的偷襲,連德國狂夫希特勒都驚駭又憤怒,說日本人像猴子戲裡的猴子:該跳不跳,不該跳時它才亂跳。原先希特勒是要求日本進攻西伯利亞,因當時德國在莫斯科、列寧格勒、史達林格勒,陷入苦戰,師老兵疲。如日本能攻擊西伯利亞東部,使蘇聯應接不暇,則戰局可能改觀。然而當時的日本已經把擴張的目標指向太平洋了。日本命名這個戰爭為「大東亞聖戰」,同時向美、英、法、荷宣仗,戰爭初期,日本皇軍確實所向無敵,但因戰線擴大,人員分散,進入戰爭後期便開始徵召台灣軍人、軍伕、軍醫及醫務助手了。
我們台灣人醫師一批一批地被召往台北淡水河畔,第九號水門邊一片古老建築的地方、受訓一個月。每梯次約一百二十名,每早起來體操、唱軍歌、跑步,同時也天天到當時台大醫學部和熱帶醫學研究所聽講義。沒想到戰爭日亟,受訓未完,就有分別是五名和七名的兩班先被派遣出航。醫生被徵召的條件是醫專或醫大畢業,四十五歲未滿的開業醫師或者病院服務的住院醫師。原則上由年輕力壯的先召,負責遴選的台灣各地醫師公會,有權利稍加修改。有的主張四十歲以上的應該先徵召,理由是他們已有相當經濟基礎,萬一戰死,子女生活也不成大問題。後來發現末結婚的醫師,思想有問題的醫師都成為首先徵召的目標,如與東港事件有關的張鏡川、郭鴻文醫師(末婚)就是這樣被徵召的。東港事件其實是日本高等特務中了盟軍的宣傳,以為東港方面台灣人暗中連絡盟軍計劃登陸,事情鬧得天翻地覆,報紙卻隻字不提。這事也牽連到台南市名律師歐清石氏的坐牢(歐氏在獄中被盟軍飛機炸死)。這是日本統冶台灣最醜陋的政治的一頁。當時都郡市醫師公會和有關督導機構閉門造車,自行訂立徵召順序,真是權大氣粗,誰反對誰就被戴上無愛國心的罪名,一輦子洗不清,其實台灣人除非是精神有問題,誰會有愛國心呢? 有的人,有高人指點,自願加入了軍部或機場服務,巧妙地避開了這場劫數,令大家羨慕不已。

我所屬的台南州新豐郡醫師公會,自始大家討論後,決定由年輕人徵召起。最年輕的某醫師馬上便被召下南洋。我算起來是第五年輕的,原先以為沒那麼快輪到我,未料到衛生課突然藉口海軍需要畢業後三年以上有經驗者而越過前面三人直接召我,我一時莫明其妙,抗議也無效,只好認定命運坎坷了。後來才知道真正原因是我父親先前和警察課長、庄長、醫師公會會長交惡,這是他們共謀的傑作,以公報私仇。
我於一九四四年九月二十五日接到命令,九月二十八日在高雄港集合,這時已經是我受訓完畢後六個月了。我們這一梯次出發以後,戰局惡化。美軍控制西太平洋,日軍便無能力也無船隻可載人出去。也末能逆料這一批台灣人,竟遭美軍擊沉於南中國海,而成為台彎人沉船死亡最多的一次,計有: (從略 請參看本部落格存歿名單)
...我的日記帳有三小本,第一本由一九四四年九月二十八日寫到一九四五年一月十一日沉船前一天。這本放在衣袋的小冊子,陪我在洶湧的西貢海,渡過了美軍的轟炸,又泡了一整天的機油與海水,早已破爛,然睹物生情,惡夢依稀,彷彿仍可嗅出當時瘋狂的硝煙與鹹濕的海水。
...
這三本日記已經保存四十二年。本來戰後就想好好重寫,因原文是日文,寫得又簡單,子女也看不懂,改寫漢文,自己又無自信,遲遲未實現。最近長子光太常說:「你常常講那時情形如何? 不如全部寫出來好了。」因此,我下了決心,寫給子女、親戚、朋友作為一頁歷史,並獻給戰友們以及家眷,也表一番心意。
戰後回來,末聞我的戰友有人寫起這些事,偶而談起,似乎只有我還保有當時的日記簿,想到自己會經身歷險境歸來,便有一種報告史實的責任感。更回想當時的我常向海底戰友們的靈魂默禱著,「保佑我能回老家,我會替您們報告這悽愴的情形,祈望您們在天之靈安息吧!」所以,我不揣才疏學淺,決定忠實地敘述當時台灣軍醫人員實實在在的遭遇與經過,作為對歷史的一份交待吧.

後記 (posted by BH): 非常感謝吳醫師的「軍醫日記」,我終於知道我爸爸沉船的名稱「神靖丸」。我爸爸的沉船叫什麼名字,一直是一團迷 , 我們一無所知, 直到吳醫師的文章見報 (太平洋時報)。老實說,我起先的態度是不想也不忍心知道詳情,因為太痛苦。所以都睜一眼閉一眼, 掃瞄而過,不想仔細讀呢。說來慚愧,辜負吳醫師的用心良苦,也不曾在他生前向他表達謝意。

吳醫師的日記本放在他的衣袋中,陪他在洶湧的西貢海,渡過了美軍的轟炸,又泡了一整天的機油與海水,早已破爛 ; 這本日記保存了四十二年才發表見報(他在他的「前言」裡說道:『本來戰後就想好好重寫,因為原文是日文,寫得又簡單,子女也看不懂,改寫漢文,自己又無自信,遲遲未實現。經長子光太鼓勵,下了很大的決心,寫給子女、親戚、朋友作為一頁歷史,並獻給戰友們以及家眷,也表一番心意』。)

吳醫師的努力與毅力是何等的難能可貴!「軍醫日記」也已絕版、他為我們保存這一頁鮮為人知的台灣歷史、讓我們好好珍惜!我把他的「前言」幾乎全部登出,謹向他在天之靈致最大的敬意與謝意! (事先未經其子女及發行人同意,敬請見諒。)

P.S. Here is a link for you as an extension reading to Dr. Wu's foreword in his “A Military Doctor's Diary”, it is my personal family story and testimony. Any comments are very welcome! (Or if you prefer to read in English click the English link below: these two links are twin of the same article.)

Pearl Harbor Raid and Forgiveness

心絃交響 : 被遺忘的一頁台灣史「神靖丸」

11/18/2008

台中寶覺寺

Posted by Eyedoc

台中寶覺寺內立有的"靈安故鄉"碑及立碑緣起
寺中工作人員非常善心的告知,海交會保存有六冊陣亡人員名單,貯於保險箱之內.他們愿意代查与神靖丸有關資料.希望能終於補全名單.

11/16/2008

Update 12 - 高雄州李飛鵬醫師

Posted by EyeDoc
神靖丸人員存歿名單源自吳平城醫師"軍醫日記"頁218 (1989年出版),其中登載高雄州生還者之一"*李飛鵬", "*"為"回台後病死者"的註解,後來的日文版”海軍軍醫日記”(1996年出版)也同樣記載.生還者名單以常理判斷不應有誤.但這位李醫師似乎与另一台北州李飛鵬醫師同名同姓但不同校.很遺憾的是吳醫師已過世,無法求証.

最重要的一點是台北州的李飛鵬醫師与神靖丸無關, 1945年從台北帝大醫專畢業後即在新店當開業醫,直到七十歲退休,仍然健在,現住台北市.謝謝李醫師家屬們的指正.

補正及補全神靖丸存歿名單並不容易.還得請大家繼续幫忙.如果有人知道隨神靖丸出征但生還的高雄州李飛鵬醫師,請務必与我們聯系.

10/16/2009

上提乃源自吳平城醫師"軍醫日記"頁218 (1989年出版) 神靖丸人員存歿名單中高雄州生還者之一李飛鵬醫師返台後病逝.

日前李醫師的孫兒和外孫王先生兩位來函告知,李飛鵬醫師是平壤醫學院畢業.在船難生還回台之後,一直在鳳山開業 (同仁醫院),直至約30年前因病去世,享年67歲.

原來不知李醫師船難是否與神靖丸沉沒同一事.幸好李飛鵬醫師留下一張船沉地照片,註明是聖雀岬.讓我們很有信心的知道李醫師是與最後一批出征的台灣人醫師及醫務人員同行.而且吳平成醫師名單的這一部份完全正確. 同時李醫師外孫王先生也回憶: "...據我母親轉述,沉船當時有些人往船艙下面跑,而往上逃生者,大都能夠得救。 因我外公不黯水性,因此抱著船板浮木而獲救。"這和幾位倖存者的經歷一致.

平壤醫學院建於1923年,全部由日本人任教授及系主任.1945年蘇聯佔領平壤後,學校瓦解.戰前台灣人在本土外也就學於日本,朝鮮,美及英,德各國.也是一個傳統.

非常感謝李醫師家屬提供資料.


11/14/2008

臺中之旅

Posted by Eyedoc

林鵬飛醫師收藏的臺北帝國大學附屬醫學專門部1941年班合照,攝於1937年4月入學之時

前排左二為林鵬飛醫師,是全班最年輕的同學,當時年齡僅17歲又兩個月.因為太年輕被暱名為Das Knabe.是桌球棒球校隊選手.前排右二為淡水鄭子昌醫師(EyeDoc之父).照片是EyeDoc 11月初返臺,訪臺中時,林醫師當面贈送.非常珍貴.

全班共40人.臺灣生21人.日本人學生很多是窮困家庭出身,靠軍方支持學業.畢業後就當軍醫.太平洋戰爭一吃緊,軍力不足,才開始徵召臺灣人.

EyeDoc也有緣在臺中見到當年的桌球校隊經理孫瑞蒸醫師.兩代人能藉神靖丸一事見個面,也是非常難得.船被擊沉之際,孫醫師從甲板上被震入海中.後來轉至新加坡,印尼泗水繼續服役.戰後回到高雄,臺南執業.甚少談到過去.

11/12/2008

遊就館

Posted by Eyedoc

靖國神社大殿右方有半日半西式的建筑叫"遊就館".它的取名,是源于荀子勸學篇中“故君子居必擇鄉,遊必就士,所以防邪僻而近中正”的“遊必就士”之意而來.事實上是個軍史館.共兩層.

一階第18展示室四壁有二戰特攻隊員們的照片.也有櫥櫃展示遺物遺書.其中之一是林瑞璫先生寄給嘉義郡水上庄,三界埔110號,父林胚及母林雪娥的家書.林先生是1945年7月17日在菲律賓Leyte戰沒.當時是陸軍二等兵,屬68旅團砲兵隊(星10006部隊).

一定也有其他台灣人在內.厚厚的名冊,可惜無法仔細尋找.

如果家屬要尋找合祠在靖國神社內的親人,可以填寫以下申請書.當場交給神職人員入內調查.如果不能親自出面的話,可以用正式委託書,由住在日本的朋友,代理人代辦.親人氏名一欄以日治時期戶籍姓名為準.如果無居日友人,請聯絡 hmcheng542@msn.com

10/31/2008

靖国神社 と 千鳥ケ淵戦没者墓苑

Posted by EyeDoc


Eyedoc東京尋父之行 (10/30/2008):


(Click arrow to start the video)

根据神奈川新聞1955年神靖丸乘員300人遺骨引揚(ひきあげ)的報導,及1959年3月建成的千鳥ケ淵戦没者墓苑目的就是收納海外戰場無名戰死者.如無意外,此墓苑應是神靖丸醫師,醫事助手及工作人員最後安息之地.網站在: http://homepage2.nifty.com/boen/

同墓合葬二戰戰歿軍人,軍屬,及準軍屬遺骨共352,926柱,其中1959年次從中南半島地區迎回共4,598人(詳細千鳥ケ淵戦没者墓苑納骨一覧表見此網頁).

遺骨収集の実施: 1952年開始,見http://www.mhlw.go.jp/bunya/engo/seido01/index.html


墓園位于靖國神社及皇宮半藏門之間.非常感謝山中教授指引.

10/16/2008

景福醫訊

Posted by Eyedoc

景福醫訊 - 台大醫學院校友會刊 - 25卷9期會登載"神靖丸"一文,紀念被征召15名校友,其中11人陣亡.以下節錄一小部份:

"...臺大醫學院有11位校友,在1945年1月12日,一起戰歿於離西貢海路80公里的聖雀岬Cape St Jacques 港內.他們所乘被美軍擊沉的日本海軍征用運輸船,就是神靖丸.但是這段歷史,學校並無記錄,各地醫師公會也無通告,連早期開同學會時都還無人知曉. 倖存者歸台後,各奔前程,全心全力工作,不再或不能再回憶一場噩夢般的生死往事..."

"...被徵召的神靖丸醫生和助手們,一共342位,正是台灣醫界的菁英.他們的經歷介於日本戰敗投降前7個月及台灣戒嚴時期之間.正所謂的尷尬時期.247位戰歿者像泡沫一般,居然從歷史中消失. 這麼鉅大的台灣教育與社會的損失,竟然只給家屬們留下永遠的傷痛和懷念..."

有興趣的读者,請直接与景福基金會聯系.景福醫訊的網址在.

11/16/2008: 文中名單高雄州李鵬飛醫師可能不是從台北帝大醫專畢業.謹此更正.

看不見的一隻手!(轉貼)

郭鴻文醫師之三妹--陳郭明華傳奇的大半生
原載「永恒的生命」

...小時候,曾經不慎被小朋友推入糞坑,還好前一天,人家剛來挑肥,將糞坑的水位降低了, 所以我才未淹死。國小時,有 一次感冒,趁佣人去拿開水給我服藥時,自己一口氣,把六包退燒藥全部吃下,女傭年輕又缺醫學常識,還驚奇地跑去告訴母親,誇獎我能幹,幸好父親緊急救治,才末發生危險。有一次,郭束昭姑姑的小孩---當時3歲的李慶安醫生,因不慎陷入軟泥裡,幾乎沒頂,我竟然能奮力把他救了起來。在東港海邊,我也曾跳入海水中玩, 突然一個大浪打來,驚慌中自己爬回岸上。從小,神便在暗中一再保守我的生命。...有一次我想利用休假回台灣探親,但因少一張船票,而作罷。此艘原先我要搭的船,高千穗丸,在航行途中因觸水雷,而發生了震驚當時的沉船事件,船上有一些台灣人罹難。...8/9/1945長畸發生了舉世皆知的原子彈爆炸事件。...有一位來自家鄉東港國小的鄰居,曾是我在長崎純心女子高校的同學,她因被原子彈炸傷,特地到我姑丈的診所求治,我便照顧她,直到去世為止,並為其遺容化妝。...在我45歲那年,有一次與先生開車,經過潮洲大橋時,車門突然開啟,我摔了下去,所幸蒙神保守,讓我只是輕傷...
(全文請看下連)
http://heartstring2.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-post_4280.html
掉進古早糞坑的小女孩(轉貼)

8/14/2008

不想做「我」的童年

Posted by BH

看了 郭鴻文醫師么妹麗華女士描述的「在家不許歡笑」的童年, 心裡有很大的衝擊, 難過, 不捨與感謝. 感謝家母沒有下這一道「不許唱歌, 不許歡笑」的禁令. 也感謝家母在自身深沉的痛苦裡, 仍然用厚厚的母愛澆灌我. 雖然如此, 我卻只看到我沒有的, 而不知珍惜我所擁有的, 成天好像唱著天倫歌「人皆有父, 翳我獨無...」人比人, 真是氣死人! 有著說不出的自我矛盾.

所以不瞞你說,我特別鍾愛「心有千千結」(Knots) * 裡面的一篇「無理頭」, 把它翻譯出來.--雖然是精神病患者的獨白囈語, 然而卻也反映出人性裡最深層的空虛寂寞,那份無法進入自己靈魂深處的囧狀與無奈。搞不清自己是在裏頭或外頭,在眾人裡頭,卻沒有歸屬感, 邊緣人的深沉寂寞。

畢竟我是遺腹子所以很小的時候,我就嚐到人世間的悲涼,特別是在一個西瓜效應,勢力眼的社會與環境中。我深知在世俗的眼光裏,我乃是剋父,大逆不道之輩,其實如果能換取父親的生命的話,我真希望不必出生。在別的小孩天真無邪玩耍的年齡,家父的沈船迫使我提早沉思生生死死的問題。

( 詳見下文http://funp.com/t174950 )

年紀小小的我,老實說一直不想做「我」自己,我希望我能做「別人」--有父親的「別人」。而且這個「我」字,叫我很困惑。因為其他的人也在想這個「我」如何又如何...看到嬰孩誕生,我就想又來了一個將會思考「我」的人, 這個「我」又從何而來呢? 我常在想,為什麼他人心目中的「我」字與我的「我」字會不同呢?為了這個疑惑,讓我幼小的心靈想的暈頭轉向,似乎嚐到一點點小哲學家的痛苦,把簡單的「我」字變得十分地複雜。狂妄自大與自悲常常交替互換, 搞不清楚「我」是誰 ?

直到我長大以後,才在主的愛裡頭,找到「我」的定位 --知道「我」雖渺小,主卻願意為我死,這樣的大愛叫「我」不再想做別人了。況且雖然「我」沒有父親,卻有天上的父時刻看顧及祂賜的慈母無微的照顧直到她回天家。我真不該抱怨, 而應充滿感恩才對。最後謹以這首深深安慰我的詩歌獻給許多遭受苦難的人們. 的確, 世上的憂傷, 天上總能醫

憂傷者來就主
憂傷的人快來、無論在何地;來到施恩座前,虔誠屈膝。
呈示創傷的心,傾訴你苦悲; 世上的憂傷, 天上總能醫

.*簡介「心有千千結」『Knots』 by R.D. Laing (詳細請按)

http://heartstring2.blogspot.com/2008/07/knots-by-rd-laing.html

無理頭 (心有千千結)

他在裏頭,
然而他卻在他曾在裏頭的外頭
他感覺非常空虛,因為在他裏頭空無一物

他想辦法進入他自己的裏頭,
也就是進入外頭的裏頭,
那個他曾經在裏頭的外頭

他曾經嘗試著使自己進入裏頭
就是那個他在外頭的裡頭;

既吃又被吃
既把外頭吞吃變成裏頭並且被外頭吃到裏頭去
但是這樣子還不夠,他想辦法進入他在外頭的裏頭的外頭的裏頭,
並且進入外頭的裏頭但是他不可能藉著把外頭變成裏頭來進入外頭的裏頭

因為:


雖然他充滿了外頭的裏頭的裏頭
他還是在他自己裏頭的外頭
而進入外頭的裏頭
他還是覺得非常的空虛
因為當他在裏頭
甚至外頭的裏頭也還是外頭
而在他的裏頭仍然是空無一物

那裏從來也沒有任何的東西
而且將也不會有什麼東西



8/11/2008

永遠的懷念-郭鴻文醫師之父郭生章醫生


黃郭麗華 文(郭鴻文醫師照於出征前夕. 前排右二麗華)

我的父親郭生(成)章醫生因其長兄年幼就夭折,因而排行老大,家中共有九弟四妹。父親自幼聰穎深得祖父母的疼愛,並受祖父的勉勵而學醫,祖父認為醫生不但可以濟世救人還可以有安定的生活,幸蒙上帝的恩暘,父親順利完成學業並開業行醫。

1942年日據時代,父親被日警捏造莫須有之「東港高等事件」因此被捕入獄。父親要求大哥鴻文停止日本東京帝國大學醫學博士研究,回台代父親主持醫院院務,不幸被日軍徵召為軍醫,在越南西貢聖雀水城遭美軍空襲而罹難。

父親出獄後,雖然面對失去愛兒之痛和許多人生的重大挑戰. 但他以堅定的信仰, 堅持超然的處境, 與世無爭,不貪圖名利、不染俗世,負擔起家長與長兄之責。他一生盡其所能,幫助他的弟妹和教養子女全部都受良好的教育, 並順利成家立業。父親一生熱心公益,協助周遭需要幫助的人, 並不求任何的回報。每年冬令救濟時節,父親除了響應捐款外並發放"施療券」壹千張,主要目的是幫助在地方上生活困難, 生病但卻沒錢就診的人,可以得到醫治。馬太福音63~4: 『你們施捨的時候`不要叫左手知道右手所作的。要叫你施捨的事行在暗中,你父在暗中察看,必然報笞你。』父親一生遵守上帝的教導, 樂善好施, 不在人前談論自己的付出,也常以此告誡我們為善不欲人知的道理。

憶起父親一生,盡都值得我們學習的地方,他對人的愛心更是深刻地留在我們心中.直到我婚後, 還常遇到有些不認識的人,對父親有不住的感謝心.當遇到這樣的景況,其實心裡真是充滿感謝。父親樂於助人的的風範也一直影響我,如今我已定居美國30多年,孩子們也都成家立業,退休幾年來, 我也是竭盡所能地幫助需要的人,並且熱誠款待遠道而來的朋友,我想這就是我們家的傳家之寶吧!

使徒行傳2035:我凡事給你們作榜樣、叫你們知道、應常這樣勞苦、扶助軟弱的人、又當記念主耶穌的話、說、施比受更為有福。』是父親最喜歡的一段經文,也是父親一生的寫照。

8/05/2008

自我懲罰的郭父--全家不能有笑聲


追思我的大哥--郭鴻文醫生

我是郭家排行老么,上有三位哥哥都學醫,還有四位姐姐,鴻文排行老大,大我十九歲。
1941 年12月8 日大東亞戰爭爆發之後,1942 年8月發生了轟動全台灣的「東港特高事件」(請參考鍾校上編著「台灣先民奮鬥史」一書)家父郭生章在東港行醫,卻被日本警察捏造誣告成牽涉反日人士, 東港事件之一,被捕判刑十五年,入獄. 直到日本戰敗投降,1945 年10月25日才出獄。
大哥因父親入獄,而停止東京帝國大學醫學院博士研究的學業,回台灣主持醫院的院務。大哥回台灣主持院務,不到半年之久,被徵召當軍醫。全船十字軍船有醫生,護士:雖然在五艘運輸艦,六艘軍艦的保護下,由左營出航到香港,然後再開往越南。1945 年 1月12日上午八時,遭受到美國軍機空襲,三十分鐘全船被擊沉於西貢聖雀水城。
我的大哥就這樣不幸陣亡。當時只有24歲,正是人生的開始而已,不久以後母親收到日本政府寄來的小盒子,據說有大哥上船之前遺留的一些指甲,頭髮。打開來看,結果並沒有在內。
父親喪失大哥,傷心自責之至。記得童年的時候,全家不能有笑聲,也不能用手搖式的唱機聽唱片或唱歌。父母親也曾在1963年環遊世界的時候,特別到西貢聖雀水城,悼念大哥。
父親雖享年九十, 一生沒再增添房產。他有生之年, 為了喪失愛兒之痛及補償,也負起他做長兄的責任,養育他的弟妹們(共13位)與弟妹們的後裔,和社會上需要教育費的人。每年固定認捐一千張冬令救濟醫療單回饋社會,來記念失去愛子之哀慟
么妹麗華敬筆
________________________________________________________
參考資料之一 -- 郭鴻文醫師的父親,郭生章醫師東港事件中被誣陷經過 :

「台灣先民奮鬥史」(p. 563):
東港事件(鳳山事件的擴大: …特務頭子仲井清一不願如此罷休,更指令櫻井勇及蘇某、黃丁等走狗出差東港、鳳山等地亂捉地方士紳以擴大事件。原來黃本在拘留所不堪酷刑拷打,終於被迫供說東港方面也有聯絡機關,由張明色主持。)
19428 張明色被補, 他是日本明治大學法學士, 當時擔任東港漁業組合主事。張氏被捕後,日夜受刑,由日特警私造口供,以誘導諷問方式,強迫張氏供述住在台南市的開業律師歐清石為主謀者,於是歐清石也在九月間被捕。嗣後日特警又脅迫張氏供出東港、新園、林邊、佳冬等方面曾被其勸誘為同 志者,終於釀成183人被補的一大叛亂事件!
日警特高警察老早作成一誣陷系統圖,指歐清石為首領,東港,張明色, 許明和(漁會理事), 郭生章(醫師)等兩百餘人為謀反共謀者. 他們由特警,檢察, 地院及高院等審理三年之久。被告雖有反供辯訴,概不採納,最後歐清石被判無期徒刑,張明色, 郭生章...等被判十五年徒刑,其他十三年、十年、八、七年有期徒刑不等,被押台北監獄服罪
其他未披判刑者,也多被拘禁一年數個月或數月之久,無不慘遭毒刑拷打而死去活來,痛不欲生!其中竟有蔡興旺、陳紀、陳文隆三位活活被打死.
參考資料之二 -- 神靖丸遭難:

...(神靖丸只是運輸船,不是醫院船,船身沒有漆紅十字標誌)有醫生,護士(有看護兵及助手,但沒有女性護士):雖然在五艘運輸艦,六艘軍艦的保護下(這點還不頂清楚,可能是同一船團共五艘運輸船一起出發,軍艦保護好像是到中南半島後才開始,但只來了一艘.也許郭醫師家書中提到 - 但那時只能寄明信片, 不太可能提到軍事机密),由左營出航到香港,然後再開往越南。1945 年1月12日上午8時 (這個時間可能比較接近事實,美官方記載是955,但汐止林老醫師也提到是清晨開始被襲.也許9:55不是當地時間而是美太平洋艦隊基地時間, 或是神靖丸完全沉沒時間),遭受到美國軍機空襲,三十分鐘全船被擊沉於西貢聖雀水域。

林坤萍醫師倖存追記

Posted by Eyedoc

上圖是吳平城醫師"軍醫日記"中倖存醫師,助手及友人合照(神靖丸沉沒後10天).前排正中即林坤萍醫師.

按照林老醫師口述,很明顯當時只有正好在甲板上的逃過了與神靖丸同沒之運.那時從高雄啟航,一路上船上赤痢流行.這也是為何上廁所還要排隊的原因.但是林醫師們真正因禍得福.能夠返鄉繼續行醫,也是地方上的福氣.(按: 我們己知台中州的黃敦厚醫師那時在甲板上抽煙,也是碰巧性的生還.)

林醫師為孫兒描述神靖丸往事,延伸的說,就是要後人不要忘記這段歷史.我們無緣再見林醫師,但敬祝林老夫人身体健康.多多保重.

7/30/2008

阿公醫專時代的英姿--林坤萍醫師


這張應該是阿公在醫專的實習照, 因為都穿長醫袍
(註 : 阿公是
站在前面從照片右邊數來第4位)

這張是阿公在醫專的畢業照, 攝於西元1934年2月8號( 註 : 阿公坐在第一排,面對照片從左邊數來第16位,背景建築物為當時學生的宿舍, 他們稱"學寮)

7/24/2008

我阿公曾畫這艘船給我過

林坤萍醫師--汐止和安醫院

我知道這艘神靖丸號
神靖丸這艘船船名在我唸高中的時候就曾聴我阿公說過, 我阿公是你們記錄上台北州的林坤萍醫師, 我們從戰前到現在都一直住在汐止(因為我阿公就是在汐止開業的—和安醫院, 我阿公在1992過逝). 軍醫日記這本書在我高中的時候家裏也有一本記憶裏應該是吳醫師送給我阿公的(希望沒有記錯, 我家的這本軍醫日記可能因為幾次汐止的淹大水而不再復見), 當時唯一的印象是前幾頁的照片裏有我阿公,阿媽和我爸, 叔叔, 姑姑等人的全家照, 由於那時年紀輕拿這本書在手上時也僅只是翻翻而已, 不太在意. 直到我唸大學有一天跟阿公閒聊時 (應該是講有關游泳方面的事, 像游泳技巧這方面的事) 才從阿公口中知道他曾經也在海上漂浮過一段不算短的時間, 而原因就是神靖丸這艘船被炸沈被迫需要在海上長時間漂浮等待救援. 我還記得那一天阿公還特地拿了一張白紙畫了神靖丸這艘船的樣子給我看(註1)並且將當時的情形以口述方式大概跟我說了一下他如何逃過那一劫, 他說那天天氣還不錯, 因為沒有什麼事(應該要準備出發到下一個目的地吧) 在大家吃過早餐後, 他因為覺得肚子不舒服所以就趕著去厠所間, 但沒想到當天排著要上厠所的人很多, 他看了一下但也沒辦法還是要忍著不舒服跟著排隊…就在快要排到他的時候. 後面一個情況較緊急的同事要求排在前面等厠所的幾位同事能行行好讓給他先上, 也就是因為如此我阿公說他當時並沒有進去厠所間裏(註2), 也就在那時候他們就聴到飛機過來的聲音. 一開始阿公他們都認為他們的船並非戰鬥船支, 所以飛機不會攻擊他們. 應該只會對其它戰鬥艦做攻擊, 但沒有想到飛機後來還是攻擊了他們. 我阿公說一開始他並沒有因為被飛機攻擊而躲進船艙裏, 相反的, 他跟著幾個人跑到船頭收放船錨的圓洞下面躲著, 所以當神靖號快被擊沈時, 他們幾個躲在那船錨洞裏的就一個一個往外跳, 跳進海裏. 從那時候他就開始用漂浮的方式(為了節省體力)等待救援. 我曾回問我阿公說那麼久的時間泡在海裏會不會冷的受不了, 他回應說不會. 以上的陳述在上厠所, 以及躲進船錨的部份是我一生都忘不了的, 因為這是我認為我阿公描述較深刻的段落. 在此我將這事重述出來, 因為沒有幾個人知道.

註1 : 我阿公畫給我的神靖丸號, 我本來有保留下來但過十七幾年來我都找不到了. 圖畫上面我記得他有標記厠所的位置, 艙房的位置, 受攻擊時躲在船錨的洞的位置等等...

註2 : 依當時船上的情形來看, 在吃這方面的衛生條件應該不怎麼好, 不然也不會那麼多的人肚子不舒服, 而在搶進厠所時而遭到…..click below
http://shinseimaru.blogspot.com/2008/02/update-3.html
參考Update 3 - 命大的孫醫師
(後面一個情況較緊急的...可能是孫醫師?)
or click below
http://funp.com/t114008

特別註 : 很感謝鄭先生將這神靖丸沈船一事以網頁方式詳細地重現事情的源由, 雖然我阿公在這事件得以倖存, 但對於當時同船不幸罹難的所有阿公的同事, 這痛苦是感同身受的.

林頌閔(Jeffrey Lin ) 於汐止

追記: 我從google搜尋「軍醫日記」一書,才發現此『神靖丸』網頁。 我曾經在家有一本,但是已經丟掉好多年了。 然而,我現在相信我的「軍醫日記」已經回來了,因為我已認識你(BH),廖夫人,鄭格主等人,人生真是充滿奇蹟啊!

7/06/2008

第一次神靖丸家屬會面

公元2008年七月五日早上11點,神靖丸戰歿醫師中的淡水鄭子昌醫師和西螺陳茂淇醫師兩家家屬在Waltham, Massachusetts首次見面.當年兩位父親,一南一北,同舟出征.這回陳醫師唯一愛女与夫婿一家從加拿大過來,与住在Boston的鄭醫師獨子一家,也是一南一北,共同經歷,相見甚歡.都是緣份.

事實上,印証之下.兩家遺屬遭遇幾乎完全相同.母親們都很辛苦.都是一世情.都沒有再嫁.我們都知道,堅強的女性不會被命運打倒的.

鄭母吳女士1987年9月16日在東京的靖國神社才找到奉祀在內的鄭醫師.但她並不認為這應是他的長眠之地.所以在1990年她就預定了墓碑,上面刻了兩人姓名.這就是今年6月6日用來標誌兩位在一起的真正永眠地.陳母林女士和陳醫師也是預定的墓碑,兩人合葬於西螺, 5年前合祠於台中寶覺寺.只是當年聯絡困難,陳醫師戰歿日基於1944年11月出征日,真正乃是1945年1月12日.

陳醫師女兒Jhen繼續母親藝術傳統,己是非常有成就的油畫家:
鄭醫師的獨子也隨父母,走上醫界研究服務之途.

從1945 到 2008, 已經63年,瀟洒的說,好像瞬間而過,事實不然.這回會面,只有兩家.只是一個開始.我們相信未來的會面,會有更多家的家屬參加.

還有很多神靖丸歷史空白沒有補全.希望大家能夠繼續幫忙,努力.

6/09/2008

敬悼鄭母吳玉葉女士 - Posted by BH




鄭伯母結婚才將近3 年,年紀輕輕23歲多就守寡.
把她的一生獻給她唯一的兒子及其家屬,社會人羣.
她持守的一世情,叫人肅然起敬,值得大加表揚,讚佩!

鄭母生平簡介, 請按
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfgkv8bx_13hbpxgbg3

6/08/2008

海軍葬儀


合同海軍葬儀,1945年 ( 昭和廿年 )9月3日,於臺北公會堂,海軍警備府。

6/06/2008

" 靈安故鄉 " 慰靈碑


1990年11月25日,臺灣臺日海交聯誼會發起,由日本國海交會全國連合會日本全國關心臺灣有志諸團體協助之下,在臺中市健行路臺中寶覺禪寺境內立了一個慰靈碑,以慰在二次大戰當時大東亞戰爭中,在海外為日本犧牲的三萬三千餘年輕寶貴生命的原日本軍人臺灣同胞諸英靈,由李登輝前總統題 " 靈安故鄉 " 在碑上,並記有 " 第二次世界大戰期間 日軍征赴海外磒身 臺灣同胞英魂碑幾個字,寺內並祀有遺靈靈爾簿,(即靈位名冊)。
靈安故鄉! "英靈啊!回到故鄉安眠吧!" 是這個祈願!
1971年,諸靈遺族從靖國神社迎回靈爾簿及諸英魂,祭祀在此。每年春秋兩季尤其在十一月廿五日會定期舉行隆重祭祀,届時除了遺屬,常有日本海交會、海原會、日華親善友好訪問團的成員們前來參拜,平時也有許多日本觀光客前來参觀,碑前常堆滿鲜花。

5/31/2008

Update 11 - 越南施軍爝先生?

Posted by EyeDoc and BH

根據湯熙勇先生(中央研究院人文社會科學研究中心/臺灣史研究所) 2006/03/06 發表的大作: "戰後日本臺僑社會的形成及其特徵"越南有相當多的臺僑, 有關部份照錄如次 (見原文pp 20-21):

(六)越南

日軍投降後,法國殖民政府重新實施其在越南之統治,惟越南人民追求獨立的聲音日益強烈,法越雙方的關係趨於緊張,衝突隨時可能發生。如1946年11月20日,在海防地區,法越兩軍為了徵稅的問題,爆發激烈的衝突,經過七晝夜的戰爭,法軍出動飛機及降落傘部隊,以優勢的軍力,取得最後的勝利。這一場衝突,肇致海防地區的華僑,財產的損失及人員的死傷;當然,臺灣人也是其中的受害者。

日本投降之後,原任職於日軍中的臺灣人,離開了部隊,脫下軍服後,與一般的臺灣人,散居於河內及西貢等地。依據臺灣人代表施軍爝稱,1946年6月前,在海防有180人(男132人、女31人、孩童17人),另分散各地者有87人;在西貢地區的臺灣人,依據駐西貢領事電告,1946年6月前,在西貢有742人(軍人130人、平民612人)。在西貢的臺灣人,組成「旅西貢臺灣同鄉會」,惟因資料所限,目前尚無法知悉其章程之概要。旅居越南北部之臺灣人,於1945年9月,組成「旅越臺灣同鄉會」(其會址設於河內),訂定章程,以會員大會為最高權力單位,每年召開一次會員大會,有選舉理監事及議決理監事之會務報告等職權,理事會為同鄉會之核心,任期為1年,並製發會員證,編製會員名冊,以示為聯絡和識別之用(見附錄二)。值得注意的,「旅越臺灣同鄉會」之章程詳備,其構想較之前述之「明台會」之組織來的完整,具有民主精神;惟在會員的資格上,章程中列出,臺灣人如有革命行為及營不正當職業等,均不得為該會會員,然而,何謂革命行為及不正當職業,並無清楚的界定,不無遺漏和不足之處。臺灣同鄉會首任理事長為林瑞火。

又: 附表(三)〈旅越臺灣同鄉會會員名單〉列出施軍爝為32歲,原籍台南縣斗六郡斗六鎮。

問題是這位施先生是否當年神靖丸倖存後,在越南服役.而戰後
"脫下軍服"滯留當地? 還是只是非常巧合的同名同姓同年同鄉而己?

如果有人知道詳情,請告知我們. 謝謝.

10/30/2008:
施軍爝醫師的公子已與我們聯絡: "...家父戰後生還返家繼續行醫多年,但約餘19年前病逝,享年75歲!"

5/29/2008

Update10 陳德煥醫師:第一屆醫療奉獻獎得主

Posted by BH

A web search of "陳德煥醫師" through Google reveals the info shown below - which closely mirrors the 神靖丸 story. Can someone out there kindly verify that this 陳醫師 is one and the same as the one in the 神靖丸醫師存歿名單? Thank you in advance.

從Google查到的"
陳德煥醫師"生平部份節錄於下.不知他是否就是神靖丸倖存醫師之一,新竹州的陳德煥醫師.如果讀者中有人認識陳醫師或他的家屬,請告知他們本網站,或直接与我們聯系.謝謝.

陳德煥醫師是苗栗縣銅鑼鄉中村人,
畢業於日本久留米大學醫科

...在新屋鄉開業不久,第二次世界大戰方殷,日軍轉戰南洋,極需軍醫,陳醫師遂被征調。在往新加坡途中,陳醫師乘坐的船隻,遭到美軍炸沉,同船軍醫七十五人,只剩十五人生還。那段驚險的路程,日軍船艦被美軍炸沉的不計其數,陳醫師形容那時海域裡的船隻,「就像油鍋裡的甜不辣」,無奈的翻、沸騰,眼看著死亡逼近,卻不得逃離。

渡過了海上的鬼門關,踏上了南洋的陸地,陳醫師最後被日軍派到印尼的婆羅洲。婆羅洲的土人十分強悍,常襲擊並殺害外來的入侵者。陳醫師在當地一年多,幾乎每天都是單獨行動,卻幸而沒有被土人殺害,只得了嚴重的傷寒回來。
...

原文鏈接在此:
http://www.hwe.org.tw/award_winners_1_10_4.asp

5/28/2008

Update 9 - 雲林陳醫師

Posted by EyeDoc and Jhen

我們很高興能聯絡到陳德文醫師家屬.

陳醫師是日本九州大學醫學部畢業.

1944年被徵召服海軍軍醫役,是神靖丸沉沒
倖存者之一.歸台後在雲林縣二崙鄉行醫.1976年過世.

陳夫人還健在,現住台北.祝老人家好.

5/27/2008

轉貼一篇文章

Posted by jhen

與在我們共有的悲愴陰影下成長的大家,分享一篇文章。
作者林春生,是臺北醫學院退休教授,現定居美國亞特蘭大,是林振聲醫生的五公子。

(菱角人生) 林春生
在亞熱帶區台北的晚秋,十一月樹枝已可見紅葉,常去的公園地上也撿得到落葉了。一葉知秋,和月曆無關。
「人生」難免會經歷生離死別與不如意的時候,只是當不愉快的感覺或負面想法出現時,所要採取的態度及選擇方式很重要。
人生正是分段地成長,在每個階段都有其重要意涵,即使有分離是悲傷的,但是可以用流淚釋放悲傷,容許自己有一段時間沉澱思緒,慢慢重建生活,整理過去,然後再邁向新旅程。然而在每一段過程都必須省思自己人生,而可找到平靜及讓心靈安歇的落腳處。當「心」是穩定安然的,無論身處在平靜、滿天星空下,或是波濤洶湧的浪潮中,這些始終都會過去,而「過去」則是一份讓生命成長的禮物,而人生永遠可以有新的希望。勇於孵夢的人,則比任何人更有機會擁有滿意與精彩的人生。
人的一生,一旦邁入秋季,其實人生的高峰己過。「秋」代表收成,可收成之後,接著就要向豐收季告別,以後是縮小的人生-前面路愈走愈窄,真是「夕陽無限好,只是近黃昏」。
人生下來,只有一個光裸之身,從搖籃到學習走路、讀書、寫字。一個一無所有的自己,在成長過程裡,開始擁有思想,逐漸發展出屬於自己的人生,見解和人格特質。我們追求一切有形的無形的,嚮往精神生活,也渴望物質生活。名利、我們要;吃好的、穿好的、住好的,也都是我們日思夜想的夢,於是人努力讀書,希望求得好成績,將來還能出國深造,回國後謀到好職位。從此一帆風順,過著理想人生。也有不願循正常的奮鬥之路-學士、碩士、博士……多麼辛苦,漫長的路,不如逆勢操作,到燈紅酒綠之地討生活,追求墮落的快樂。墮落有時讓我們年紀輕輕就快速累積財富。不過錢財是奇怪的東西,往往來的容易去得快。的確,一江春水向東流,東流的財富,一如江水一去不回頭。
這種想法是否太悲觀了?理論上年輕的生命總是奔騰而上。絕大多數的人,隨著年歲的加大,擁有,擁有……,我們擁有之物愈來愈多。青壯之輩,尤擅開疆闢土,建立自己的名號,也建立自己的財富。人生恰似把一棵菱角倒過來看的人生,中間大,兩頭小,命運奇特,曾經縱橫社會,情海翻滾,呼風喚雨……。看來,世界屬於我們,從東半球到西半球,時而美國、歐洲、亞洲、澳洲,進出五星級飯店,吃香喝辣,汽車換了又換,人生多麼拉風。
人生有時悲觀,有時樂觀,其中十有八九,就算到了人生高峰─就以五十歲為分水嶺。多數五十歲的人,也許有了自己的房屋,自己的汽車,仍然朝九晚五,辛苦非常。人生到處是風雨,菱角人生的巔峰期,就算精神生活和財富並進,也不過行至人生中途,經過喘口氣,偶爾小歇小歇,如此而已!
春天多麼短暫,春燕剛剛飛來,怎麼轉個身牠又飛走了。激烈的夏天來勢洶洶,勇猛在人生漫長又短暫的生命史上,只是一場驟雨。練了半輩子的肌肉怎麼說萎縮就萎縮了。一個強而有力的人,看來可以頂天立地!你以為他不畏風雨,經得起風霜雨露,可眼前卻走來一個彎腰駝背的老人。他昨天勇猛之力,已被時間之神收回去,連激烈的夏天都逃之夭夭,秋色竟悄悄地來了。
秋天的來臨,讓我們生出下山的心情,然而當秋光奏鳴曲響起,我們會有一種驚覺,然而歲月就是價值。秋臨大地,菱角人生,面對的是「縮小的人生」,中間大,兩頭小,我們己走過巔峰,現在要把自己縮小。縮小到讓自己覺得是一個平凡人。有了名,不肯把自己的名折疊起來會有許多苦惱。人在秋天,把心情調適好,才能平靜地邁入冬天。冬天是收尾的季節,收得好,人生才真能達到美滿之境。
雖說菱角人生,一過五、六十歲,高峰己過,但秋天還有一塊最絢麗的顏色─秋天一去冬天尚未到之前,要滋潤我們快要枯竭心靈,要讓我們延長夏天蓬勃的心靈,讓我們一顆豪氣萬丈的雄心,或是一顆寧靜平和幸福心,都是我們繼續活在這個世界上的意義。心活,人才值得活,心死,就算還有一口氣,活著也是歹活,活著只是痛苦。要讓心不死,要讓心充滿希望、幸福或有一種靈靜感,最好的方法就是專心於閱讀、聽音樂、接近藝術,或找出為自己打發時間的事務。把對人生的感恩和感激重新回味,把思想變成行為,做些報恩的拜訪。人生過程中,每一個人都期待貴人出現,卻很少人發現自己其實也可以做別人的貴人。
或許個人的生命不順暢,已經五、六十歲的年紀,卻什麼成績也說不上,也許會感覺憤懣或在心裡抗議這世界不公平。幸福之神從來不曾眷顧你,反而惡運總是揮之不去,認為自己是一個痛苦的人,而不停的發牢騷,不停地在人前面悶悶不樂,愈放大自己的痛苦,把痛苦傳染給別人。此時,如果自己能靜下來,打開書,就算是金庸的武俠小說,對每一個人都有助益,喜歡閱讀的人,永遠對世界不灰心。
年輕時候,我們也讀書,多半讀課內的工具書,許多經典名著都因忙碌,沒有空去欣賞,如今,年齡己達秋天的人,從職場退休了,想讀的長短篇鉅著,都可慢慢瀏覽。這世界上多的是充滿哲理的隨筆小品。甚至,可以把以前不能讀、不敢讀的小說翻開來,細嚼慢嚥,原來也有那麼多人生奧妙,它一樣讓我們得到啟示,增加智慧。如果你擔心年老眼睛不重用,看什麼都不對勁,還可以聽聽音樂、欣賞藝術作品、照顧院子裡的植物、花草。如果你能享受到閱讀的樂趣,又能調適自己的心情,你己經不會害怕冬天在門口拜訪你,當你七老八十,或九十,你正是快樂的享受在寧靜高雅的生活。一個快樂的老人!
人生沒有白走的路,也沒有用不到的經歷,儘管生命的路並非風平浪靜,也常窒礙難行,但正為如此,才能創造許多不同的動人的生命故事。人生最後的一段路,是抵抗髒、亂、醜。如果我們心中有詩、峰迴路轉,一切皆能化腐朽為神奇,坐在搖椅裡欣賞著音樂,看著鮮花聽鳥語,你和世界說再見!菱角人生正接下人生最後一幕,這也是我們嚮往的人生結尾。

5/25/2008

Update 8 - 斗六陳眼科

Posted by EyeDoc

Quoted from a website [臺灣歷史辭典] provided by Hongki先生:

陳篡地醫師 (1907 - 1986) 彰化二水人。日治時期臺中一中畢業,後赴日本大阪高等醫學專校就讀,其間加入日本共產黨外圍組織「戊辰會」,被日警逮捕,服禁錮刑近1年獲釋。1933年 醫校畢業後回臺,先在雲林縣斗南鎮開業,後搬至斗六開設「陳眼科」,並與同市至誠醫院醫生謝玉露結褵,夫婦二人,一為眼科權威,一為婦科權威,傳為當時佳 話。二次大戰期間,受日本當局徵調至中南半島擔任軍醫,官拜中尉... 返臺後, 繼續於斗六經營建安醫院...

--撰文者:李筱峰

[EyeDoc按: 此節尚待陳醫師家屬或友人出面証實.特別是他的"中尉 (應是海軍中佐)"軍人身份,及戰後參加胡志明部隊,和返台後參与228事件事蹟.]

5/23/2008

Update 7 - 小港鍾醫師

鍾德添醫師的家屬由鍾醫師三公子代表,提供了以下的寶貴資料:

(-- EyeDoc
to 鍾醫師和夫人: 請保重,也盼望鍾醫師能早日康復)

神靖丸的"故事"是我們從小經常聽家父提起的史實,斷斷續續但可以知道家父當年在船上遇美軍轟炸時,船是在越南西貢港。家父在船倉中,奮勇逃 出並有幸抓住一個漂浮的油桶,但因油桶滑溜不易抓緊,後來再抓住一塊漂浮木板。在海面上漂浮了近9-10小時才得救,早上約8--9點遇襲下午5點左右才 被當地人出來撿拾可用漂流物品的舢舨船救起。救上岸時渾身油污,饑餓難當,也顧不得面子向搭救的當地人乞討水果充饑。為向時住嘉義蒜頭的家母報平安,當時 我大哥才近週歲,他寫信提及他因有事沒參加王(枉)四(死)城先生的邀約,而.......(姓名) 幾位朋友有應約去玩。信中隱藏告知家父自己平安及家母熟悉的幾位朋友已不幸罹難。並與家母約定所有時間,均以兒子生日往前推算幾天來相互知悉。家父後來轉調印尼泗水直到終戰返台。

家父因孫醫師的介紹從嘉義帶家母與我大哥搬到小港,到紙廠醫務室擔任駐廠醫師。後來又兼任小港糖廠駐廠醫師多年,也建立他在小港的人面而於幾年後在小港老街開業,執業五十餘年,於83歲才正式退休。現在93歲,退休後這10年,記憶力逐年退步,漸少言語,我們也不再能聽他敘述有意義的當年勇。前年五月家父因一場感冒引起肺炎,直到11月進出醫院多次,才安定下來。但也不再能自行走動,需由家母與看護全日照顧。

另家父是1942年畢業於日本新瀉醫大。

再次感謝您的用心讓歷史留下一些記錄,也因這群有緣的父輩的遭遇給我們留下這段難忘的共同記憶。

請代為登錄到Shinsei Maru Site,供有緣人參考,謝謝。

5/19/2008

我的父親陳茂淇

Posted by jhen

我的父親陳茂淇,生於1907年 (明治四十年),祖父陳水發是烏日地方上有名的士紳,經營貨物運輸業有成;父親在彰化第一公學校畢業後進臺北第二師範學校就讀,師範學校畢業後取得教師資格並就任臺中市曙公學校的教導主任,1931年 (昭和6年) 離開教職,赴日進日本大學醫學科,1935年 (昭和10年)學成回臺,在當時臺南州 虎尾郡 二崙庄 油車 開業行醫。

1938年 (昭和13年)一月,與我母親林敏子 (光復後改名林敏敏) 結婚,我祖母與外祖母是要好的結拜姊妹,所以我母親及她的兄弟姊妹都從小就與我父親認識親近,外祖父是西螺名醫林振聲,開設拯生醫院,是當時在鄉下唯一設有X光等最新醫療器材的醫院,加以醫術高明、仁慈為懷,醫務非常煩忙,我父母婚後一年多,外祖父年歲漸高,遂要我父親來到西螺加入醫療工作分勞,從此直到1944年九月被征調,他都是西螺拯生醫院那位任勞任怨無人不知無人不曉的“茂淇先生”。

從我父親遺留下來的幾封書信中,我知道他幾乎每天都要忙到十一二點才回到家,有時半夜還要騎着 “鉄馬"“往診",最後幾張從高雄左營海仁會醫師班寄回的明信片,除了殷殷嘱咐母親勿要疏忽了我的教育外,還關心着外祖父母及家裡大大小小事,甚至還掛念着某幾位病人的病情。記得在我矇矇懂懂的童稚時期,常被陌生人哭着抱着聽他訴說着父親如何醫他救他幫他的故事。

我從未敢直接問我母親有關父親遇難的詳情,雖然她是位堅忍勇敢的女性,但我感覺得出深藏她心底巨大的痛楚,我没有敢去碰觸到它。

我父親陳茂淇,是位滿懷愛心仁心、德智兼備的好醫生,我以他為傲。