Diary of the 1911 Chinese Revolution [Xinhai Revolution] by Rev Bernard Upward

This material is held atSchool of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Archives, University of London

  • Reference
    • GB 102 MS 381308/01
  • Dates of Creation
    • 13 Oct 1911-13 Jan 1912
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 60pp

Scope and Content

Original typescript diary written by Rev Bernard Upward, missionary with the London Missionary Society, of his experiences during the 1911 Chinese Revolution [Xinhai Revolution] .

In 1911, Bernard and Kate Upward were working in Hankow, Central China, for the respected Swansea missionary, Griffith John, when they and their colleagues were over taken by the outbreak of the Xinhai Revolution. Obliged by the authorities to move back into the British Concession area of the city, they were caught in the crossfire between the opposing armies. Bernard Upward's detailed diary of the missionaries' experiences during the uprising - particularly the surgical and medical treatment they provided to combatants and civilians alike and the vital, if unpleasant task of burying the dead - provides a vidi first-hand account of events, from someone whose position brought him into close contact with the authorities, soldiers, merchants and the ordinary people of the region. [Source: 'Like Lions after Slumber: A Personal Account of the Chinese Revolution of 1911. The Diary of Bernard Upward of Hankow']

Access Information

Open

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

The diary is quite fragile and readers are requested to use the accompanying photocopy of the diary.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright belongs to SOAS