The search and excavation of the remains of martyrs from the Battle of Fanqunling in the Liberation of Hainan Island has achieved preliminary results.
Author | Bai Xiangwei, Tao Yu
Recently, in front of the Victory Monument of the Battle of Hainan Liberation in Chengmai County, Hainan Province, the National Martyrs' Remains Search Team of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Hainan Provincial Veterans Affairs Department, along with the Chengmai County Government, completed the handover of phase results. The search and excavation of the remains of martyrs from the Battle of Fanqunling, which lasted more than 10 days, has come to a conclusion.
The Battle of Fanqunling was an important engagement in the decisive battle of the Hainan Island Liberation Campaign. In April 1950, the 40th Army of the People's Liberation Army's Fourth Field Army launched a strong attack across the sea against the enemy's core frontline command post. During the battle, over 400 officers and soldiers were injured, and 68 soldiers fell on the red soil of Fanqunling. Due to the urgency of the pursuit mission and limited conditions, the remains of the martyrs could only be buried on the spot, remaining nameless for 76 years.
According to the excavation team, this excavation yielded the richest collection of military-related relics of martyrs compared to their previous excavations, including various types of bullets, grenades, as well as personal items such as cap badges and medals. “Some of the martyrs' remains still show traces of ammunition wrapped around their shoulders and waists, vividly restoring the posture of being fully armed and ready for action back then,” said a team member.
One important relic unearthed during this excavation is a 49-style five-pointed star cap badge. “This is the cap badge of the People's Army's military cap from the early days of the founding of New China, featuring the yellow 'August 1' inscription, which is a core piece of evidence confirming the martyr's identity as a soldier of the People's Liberation Army,” a team member stated. Despite the passage of time, this cap badge remains as vibrant as ever. A precious medal was also unearthed at the site, on which the silhouette of an armed soldier and the words 'Bravery Medal' can be faintly seen. Preliminary assessments by the team suggest that this is a merit medal awarded to the martyr during wartime.
Toothpaste, medicine bottles, personal mirrors, small bowls, enamel cups, spoons, fountain pens... Each of these daily items unearthed provides a glimpse into the battlefield lives of the martyrs. It is reported that the relics of the martyrs unearthed this time will be properly preserved by the relevant departments, providing support for subsequent identification of the martyrs' remains, confirmation of their identities, and efforts to find their families.
The excavation team recovered the remains of 68 soldiers from the Battle of Fanqunling in Chengmai County, Hainan Province, which took place in April 1950. This operation was part of the Hainan Island Campaign, where over 400 personnel were injured. The team unearthed various military relics, including bullets and medals, providing insight into the soldiers' lives during the battle. The recovered remains will be preserved for identification and family reunification efforts.
- Excavation team recovered remains of 68 soldiers from the Battle of Fanqunling.
- The battle occurred in April 1950 during the Hainan Island Campaign.
- Military relics, including bullets and medals, were found during the excavation.
- The remains were buried for 76 years before being recovered.
- The excavation was a collaboration between multiple government agencies.