In the fall of 1937, the young American sailor Earl Jackson Clanton was in Shanghai on board the USS Augusta, which was keeping a vigil in the port while Chinese and Japanese troops were engulfed in vicious fighting over the fate of the city. Clanton completed a fascinating journal, providing a day-by-day account of the dramatic events, brought to you here courtesy of Clanton’s grandson, Adam Clanton. In this installment, he describes Shanghai after the battle. The photo above, showing American sailors and Japanese marines in the ruins of the city, is also kindly provided by Adam Clanton.

Nov 18, 1937:

Jap soldiers are relieved on Pootung Point by sailors & soldiers go to the front. Japs have emergency hospital established on the Point.

Nov 19, 1937:

Japanese supply ships and hospital ships come in and out all the time and at all hours. HMS Cumberland got underway for London 10,000 miles away.

Nov 20, 1937:

One Moller freighter loses control and Augusta sounds collision as she swings into our after buoys & is about to ram us. She is rescued by another tug that arrives just in time to avoid a collision. Secure from collision is sounded.

Nov 21, 1937:

Destroyers leave for Manila. USS Bridge shoves off for Manila and more supplies.

Nov 22, 1937:

Shoreside – saw horserace – went to French town (Blood Alley) and danced & returned to the ship.

Nov 23, 1937:

All quiet on the Eastern Front.

Nov 24, 1937:

Japanese High Command come aboard while I have messenger watch. (Jap admirals, flag officers, etc.)

Nov 25, 1937:

Weather very cold, Chinese sleep in streets, we sleep in warm compartments and still damn near freeze with steam heat. (We poor Americans – tsch tsch)

Nov 26, 1937:

Chinese junks taken over by Japanese and come downstream under full sail – very pretty sight to foreigners. The river life is like watching a continuous movie.

Nov 27, 1937:

Occasional floater downstream to the sea and maybe floats back and forth by the ship as the tide changes before finally reaching the sea. No one cares about taking care of the dead in this war-torn area. They are worrying about keeping alive – themselves. Every man for himself and God help the weakling.

(To be continued.)