Bloody Saturday (Shanghai)

Bloody Saturday, also known as Black Saturday and the Great World bombing, was a misdirected attack on civilians by the Republic of China Air Force on 14 August 1937 during the Battle of Shanghai of the Second Sino-Japanese War. On the day, the Chinese Air Force, in an unsuccessful attempt to attack the Japanese cruiser Idzumo moored next to the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai, accidentally bombed the city centre, resulting in the deaths of some thousand civilians.

Background

The outbreak of war on 13 August led to a significant refugee crisis in Shanghai's International Settlement and the French Concession, as residents from Zhabei, Hongkou, and Yangshupu sought safety. Between 26 July and 5 August 1937, over 50,000 civilians fled Zhabei, walking through the Garden Bridge over the Suzhou Creek to reach the foreign settlements. Local organisations and institutions, including the notable Great World entertainment complex, began to provide shelter and food for the influx of refugees.

In response to the situation in Shanghai, Chiang Kai-shek redirected the focus of the Chinese Air Force from North China to the Shanghai region. By 14 August, the 2nd Bomb Group, 4th Pursuit Group, and 5th Pursuit Group were ordered to relocate to bases in Jining, Qianqiu, and Yangzhou. The Central Aviation School near Hangzhou was also instructed to form new provisional squadrons. Rather than adopting a defensive strategy, the Chinese command directed all air units stationed in Eastern China to launch attacks on Japanese positions in Shanghai.

Air combats

Civilian victims of the August 14 bombing near the Great World

Despite poor weather, the Chinese Air Force proceeded with its mission. Around 40 aircraft arrived over Shanghai, which was blanketed in thick clouds. The first strike happened in the morning when 21 Northrop Gamma bombers targeted Japanese ships at Wusong. A second wave followed with eight Curtiss Hawk III biplanes from the 5th Pursuit Group, each carrying 500-pound bombs, taking off from Yangzhou to attack Japanese ships near Nantong along the Yangtze River. Few in Shanghai were aware of the scale of these military operations. The Chinese planes aimed to strike the Japanese cruiser Izumo, but due to limited visibility and lack of experience, the bombs missed, falling into the Huangpu River instead. This caused large waves and sent shrapnel over the gathered spectators, creating panic. Despite the danger, many onlookers, including refugees who had fled from the northern districts, stayed in the area without realising the risks.

Misdirected attacks

At 4:27 pm, another group of Chinese aircraft appeared, prompting the Izumo to respond with anti-aircraft fire that filled the sky with smoke. Six planes managed to escape, but four others dropped bombs. Some bombs landed in the river, while others hit Nanking Road, damaging buildings like the Cathay and Palace Hotels and killing and injuring civilians. Vehicles were also set ablaze. Shortly after, two more bombs struck near the Great World amusement centre, which was crowded with refugees. One bomb exploded in mid-air, spreading debris widely and causing significant destruction. The blasts shattered windows, damaged buildings, and resulted in immediate fatalities. These air raids left over 1,200 people dead and around 1,400 injured.