This Canadian Communist Party member who traveled thousands of miles to China regarded the cause of liberation of our people as his own. He was injured in his fingers and infected with sepsis while treating the wounded. He unfortunately died on November 12, 1939.

Chairman Mao’s famous work "Commemorating Bethune" made the name "Bethune" a household name. This Canadian Communist Party member who traveled thousands of miles to China regarded the cause of liberation of our people as his own. He was injured in his fingers and infected with sepsis while treating the wounded. He unfortunately died on November 12, 1939.

When Bethune was dying, he wrote a touching will to Commander of the Jin-Cha-Hebei Military Region, Nie Rongzhen. will mention writing a letter to Canadian Communist Party General Secretary , mentioned the life problems of divorced wife , and also mentioned giving the relics to comrades and friends as a souvenir.

Bethune

What contribution does Bethune make, and can Chairman Mao and others worry so much? Why did he hand over his will to Nie Rongzhen when he was dying? What kind of relationship do they have?

Bethune: In Yan'an , I met a brand new Chinese

On March 3, 1890, Bethune was born in a small town in northern Ontario, Canada. He also has a sister and younger brother. Bethune spent his childhood in carefreeness, and he truly tasted the hardships of life began in college.

When Bethune was in college, although his father's income was not enough, he could barely make ends meet after careful calculations, but he only canceled Bethune's daily pocket money. When his younger brother also went to college, Bethune had to find a way to prepare for the school expenses himself and pursue a career despised by the rich during holidays and spare time.

When Bethune was 36 years old, he unfortunately suffered from tuberculosis . At that time, tuberculosis was a very difficult infectious disease, and many people lost their lives because they were not treated. Surprisingly, Bethune was not intimidated by tuberculosis, but became stronger and stronger, and tried a new therapy on himself with fearless spirit - artificial pneumothorax.

Finally, Bethune's bold innovation was successful, and his tuberculosis miraculously healed. Bethune's innovative spirit also expanded the treatment methods for lung diseases in the medical community at that time. For a time, Bethune became a well-known thoracic surgery expert in Europe and the United States. As his experience deepened, Bethune hated the darkness of society at that time, and he gradually cared about the working people who were unable to eat and were at the bottom of society.

1917, with the sound of cannons in October Revolution, Bethune saw the dawn of the new era of proletarian revolution, and also allowed him to find the path to liberation of the oppressed nations. So, Bethune began to devote himself to the revolutionary torrent of the proletariat of .

In 1935, Bethune attended a meeting as one of the representatives of Canada. After returning to China, he resolutely joined the Communist Party of Canada. From then on, he regarded the liberation of the people of the world as his lifelong responsibility.

July 7, 1937, with the outbreak of in the Lugou Bridge Incident, Bethune was very angry when he learned the news and immediately said: "Western seldom and China are both the same battlefield of anti-fascism. I want to go to China, and The people there fought together, and I needed it! "

In early January 1938, Bethune led a medical team composed of Canadians and Americans to China. He arrived in Hong Kong by cruise from Vancouver . After resting, he flew to Wuhan. . Zhou Enlai and Bogu warmly welcomed Bethune at Eighth Route Army Office in Wuhan and had cordial conversations with other members of the medical team.

Zhou Enlai told Bethune about the anti-Japanese struggle launched by the Chinese people and explained to him the correct propositions of our party on the current situation. Bethune also reported to Zhou Enlai his determination to fight against Japan, and then made a request to go to the front line and Yan'an.

During his days in Wuhan, many senior Kuomintang generals came to Bethune's residence and asked him to stay and help the Kuomintang. But when Bai Xiuen saw the scene of corruption within the Kuomintang and the displacement of the people, he said: "I will never waste precious time for a political zombie!" Then he rejected the temptation of the salary of senior officials of the Kuomintang government and came to Yan'an resolutely.

Zhou Enlai

On February 22, 1938, under Zhou Enlai's careful arrangement, Bethune and others embarked on the journey to Yan'an. Along the way, they braved the bombing of Japanese planes and the search of the Kuomintang, and finally arrived in Xi'an and met Commander-in-Chief Zhu De at the Xi'an Office of the Eighth Route Army.

On the way to Yan'an, Bethune not only met many Eighth Route Army soldiers who rushed to the front line, but also many passionate young people who went to northern Shaanxi from all over the country. At the end of March, Bethune and his group finally arrived at Yan'an, which they had longed for.

The Minister of Health of the Eighth Route Army and others had already been guarding the south gate to warmly welcome the arrival of Bethune and others. They were arranged to live in an earthen cave in the central lane of Yan'an City. Although the conditions were very heartless, Bethune and others did not dislike it. Excited to the rest of your life.

Bethune wrote in his diary:

"Although Yan'an is the oldest city in the Chinese revolution, I immediately felt that it was a well-managed city. Here, the streets are clean and the streets are full of vigorous weather. People who come and go seem to know what their purpose is..."

Finally, Bethune wrote: "In Yan'an, I saw a brand new China!"

Nie Rongzhen, Bethune

html l7 Nie Rongzhen and Bethune appreciate each other

1938 spring, Mao The chairman talked to Bethune in Yan'an, who asked to enter , Jin-Cha-Hebei Border Region. During this period, he said humorously: "Wutai Mountain, there was Lu Zhishen in front of him, and now there was Nie Rongzhen. Nie Rongzhen is the new Lu Zhishen!"

From then on, Bethune gave this person The "New Lu Zhishen" has developed great curiosity and yearning. At the same time, Nie Rongzhen is also looking forward to the arrival of Bethune, a surgical expert.

At that time, the conditions of the Jin-Cha-Hebei Military Region were very difficult. Not only were there a lack of medicines, but also a lack of specialized medical staff. Therefore, a large number of wounded people could not be treated. They either had worsened their injuries or lost their lives. It is precisely because of this that Nie Rongzhen is particularly happy and attached to Bethune's arrival.

In June 1938, Bethune arrived at the King Kongku, the headquarters of the Jin-Chahar-Hebei Military Region, and Nie Rongzhen personally went to greet him. When he saw Bethune with a tired face, he immediately said, "Doctor Bai, you should go and take a few days off before working?"

Bethune shook his head and said, "How can this work? I'm here to work, It's not here to rest. Don't treat me as a precious porcelain, but as an machine gun ! " Nie Rongzhen was moved by Bethune's words. He first led the other party into a house very close to him. Then he told the staff:

"Mr. Bai is a famous Canadian surgeon. He gave up his originally prosperous life and traveled thousands of miles to our China to fight with us on the front line of the Anti-Japanese War. We must live and eat in terms of life and diet. Take good care of him."

When he learned that Bethune was not used to Chinese food, Nie Rongzhen hurriedly found a master who could toast, but because of this, Bethune and Nie Rongzhen had a fight. Nie Rongzhen was worried that Bethune would not be used to Chinese food and her health would get worse and worse, so she found a chef who could toast. But Bethune didn't want to be special because of himself, so they had a quarrel.

In addition, Nie Rongzhen also asked the kitchen to add food to Bethune, but when he found that his food was different from the soldiers, he hurriedly found Nie Rongzhen: "Comrade Nie Rongzhen, why do I have more food than soldiers?"

Nie Rongzhen explained: "Comrade Bethune, you have traveled thousands of miles to China. This is the greatest support for our War of Resistance. We can only use these to express our gratitude to you, and please understand our feelings."

Bethune said, "You must also understand my mood. Since you all regard me as a comrade, I will eat the same food as you and enjoy the same rights. There must be no specialness." Nie Rongzhen sincerely admires Bethune's lofty thoughts. realm.

After investigation and research, Bethune, who had just arrived in the Jin-Chahar-Hebei Border Region, felt deeply that the border area was harsh, medical technology was backward, and equipment was scarce. He felt very heartbroken that a large number of wounded people were sacrificed or disabled because they did not receive effective treatment. So Bethune urgently proposed to Nie Rongzhen the requirement to establish a formal hospital and the suggestions for cultivating medical technical talents.

However, Nie Rongzhen believes that it is not suitable to establish a regular hospital in the current environment. He asked the Minister of Health of the Military Region and the Minister of Supply of the Ministry of Supply of the Military Region to jointly study methods with Bethune to build a hospital suitable for field combat conditions.

Bethune worked day and night in order to build a hospital. After more than two months of hard work, a simple model hospital was finally built. Nie Rongzhen personally attended the hospital's inauguration ceremony and said: "I announce that Comrade Bethune will be the first director of the hospital!"

Bethune said excitedly: "I feel like a king today, a revolutionary gay king ! I will be the director, I will definitely do it! ” Shortly after the establishment of the hospital, the Japanese army mobilized more than 50,000 troops under the cover of aircraft and tanks to launch an attack on the anti-Japanese base in Shanxi, Chahar and Hebei Province. During this siege, the newly established model hospital was blown up, and Bethune sat on the ruins of the hospital and cried bitterly. He felt heartbroken for his hard work, and even more heartbroken for the soldiers' inability to receive good treatment.

Bethune was so sad that he refused to even eat. His comrades brought the food to him several times, but he refused to move his chopsticks. Later, after Nie Rongzhen learned about this, he slowly squatted in front of Bethune and comforted: "The hospital can be built without it, but when people are gone, they really have to be gone. There is still food, only food is enough and strength. Only then can we build the next hospital! "

When Bethune died, he asked Nie Rongzhen to be allocated a sum of money by his ex-wife

1939 New Year, Nie Rongzhen held a banquet to entertain Bethune. During the conversation, Bethune clearly expressed his anger at the cruel murder of innocent people by the Japanese army:

"I didn't understand the characteristics of guerrilla warfare in the past, and underestimated the cruelty that fascists had grabbed. The idea of ​​establishing a regular hospital behind enemy lines was somewhat incomplete. Now I want to set up a mobile medical team, wherever there are wounded people, I will be there! ”

Not long after, Bethune established a mobile medical team that could better adapt to field conditions. He also designed and made two medicine boxes, placed on both sides of mule , and placed the necessary medicines and surgical instruments inside. , the mule has also become a "mobile hospital".

When I was rescuing the wounded, Bethune met his friend Nie Rongzhen. He happily introduced the function of this medicine to the other party: "Comrade Nie Rongzhen, this can satisfy the surgery and dressing changes of 100 wounded people. Some people say this is ' Lugou Bridge '! "

Bethune's words aroused Nie Rongzhen's interest. He carefully looked at the medicine pack, then looked at the medicine and equipment inside, and praised: "The effect of this medicine pack is really not It's so vivid and meaningful to call it Lugou Bridge! "

In the spring of 1939, Bethune heard that , Jizhong and the Eighth Route Army in Hebei were fighting against the Japanese army. He once again asked Nie Rongzhen to approve him to lead the medical team to the front line Treatment Injured. At first, Nie Rongzhen did not agree, but after Bethune's repeated begging, he still agreed.

During the period in Hebei, wherever the battle occurred, there would be Bethune. Once, a seriously injured person was transported from the front line for more than 10 hours before he was sent to the medical team. Although the medical staff had full rescue efforts, they were unable to rescue him in the end. After the operation, Bethune felt extremely distressed. It was also because of this incident that he asked himself to be closer to the battlefield and closer to the wounded.

Later, a seriously injured person whose abdomen was shot through by an enemy bullet was sent to Bethune's medical team for treatment. Due to the timely delivery and the methods of medical staff, the injured person was treated.Bethune also wrote a report specifically for Nie Rongzhen, telling in detail the process and existing problems of treating the wounded. He suggested: "Our medical team should be closer to the front line. Only in this way can the wounded be treated in the shortest time and avoid more. The death of the warrior! "

A sentence that Bethune often says is: "Our work can be done better, and we can save more people!"

After working on the front line in the central Hebei region for 4 months, Bethune returned On the west of Pinghan Road, the Military Region Party Members' Meeting commemorating July 1st was attended in Hejiazhuang, Tang County. Nie Rongzhen invited Bethune to sit in the front row of the rostrum. After the meeting of

, Nie Rongzhen asked Bethune: "Comrade Bethune, don't you know what you need?" Bethune thought for a while and said: "I need to go back to Canada to publicize the achievements of the Eighth Route Army's heroic anti-Japanese war. If possible, I will I want to seek more international assistance, so that I can purchase medicines and medical devices to facilitate the treatment of wounded and sick people."

Nie Rongzhen reported Bethune's idea to the central government, and the central government replied to agree. Just as Bethune was about to set off, the Japanese army launched a large-scale "sweeping". Bethune resolutely decided to stay. He said to Nie Rongzhen: "I can't leave the troops during the battle. After the battle is over, I will go back to Canada. . ”

Then, Bethune led the medical team to the front line to treat the wounded in the small temple of Sunjiazhuang, which was close to the front line. One afternoon, during the operation, Bethune accidentally cut the middle finger of his left hand by a scalpel, and locally swelled and pus was swelled.

On the afternoon of November 1, a wounded patient with erysipelas and cellulitis was carried off the front line and needed surgery immediately. But the wounded suffered from a strong surgical infectious disease. Despite this, Bethune ignored the obstruction and treated the wounded.

During the rescue period, Bethune's glove was accidentally cut, and the virus also attacked his injured left finger at this time. He was infected with the severe infectious disease. Nie Rongzhen learned about this and quickly instructed: "Please rest Mr. Bethune and don't treat the wounded anymore. It is the most important thing to seize the time to treat his condition!"

11-5, Bethune's finger infection worsened, but he But he smiled and said, "Don't worry about me, I can still work!" On November 10, Bethune's high fever did not subside, and Nie Rongzhen immediately sent someone to send an urgent letter and ordered him again: "Go back to the rear hospital in the military region for treatment immediately!"

This time Nie Rongzhen did not call him "Mr. Bethune" again, which is enough to show his anxiety. Afterwards, Nie Rongzhen sent a doctor with medicine and equipment to ask the troops to transfer Bethune safely at all costs. However, when the people sent by Nie Rongzhen arrived at the temple, Bethune's condition became worse and worse, and he even fainted for a while. In the end, Bethune's injury worsened sharply and turned to sepsis.

1939 On November 11, 1939, Bethune, who continued to be weak, wrote a letter to Nie Rongzhen, which was also his last words:

"Dear Commander Nie, I feel very bad today. Maybe I will leave you forever... ... Please write a letter to the Secretary of the Communist Party of Canada, Tim Booker, and say that I am very happy in China. My only hope is to make more contributions. By the way, please also give the International Committee for Aid to China for the same content I will write a letter with the Canadian Democratic Peace Alliance.

As for my things, I will give those two camp beds to you and Mrs. Nie, and two pairs of British leather shoes will be left for you; horse boots and breeches will be left for Jizhong Commander Lu; I also want to leave some souvenirs for General He Long...

By the way, I also ask the International Aid to China Committee to allocate a living expenses to my divorced wife, which is also OK. I have a heavy responsibility to her. You can't get her together just because you don't have money. Please tell her, I feel very guilty, but I used to be very happy...
The two years I have been in Jinchaji in , Jinchaji , are the most pleasant and most enjoyable in my life The only regret of meaningful days is that I am a little lonely. I can't write anymore, I will miss you..."

On November 12, 1939, Bethune passed away at the age of 49.

Get married because of love and divorce twice because of love

Bethune's will is full of attachment to his former lover. I believe everyone must be very confused when he sees this. Why did he divorce if he loves his ex-wife so much? All this starts with his acquaintance with his wife.

When Bethune was 33 years old, he met the beautiful and gentle Francis Campbell Penney when he went to Edinburgh to take the membership exam of the Surgery Society. At that time, Francis was only 22 years old. She had big eyes and could speak fluent Edinburgh.

Bethune and Francis fell in love at first sight. They made an appointment to go on a trip as soon as the exam ended and spent 20 unforgettable days together. After a year of correspondence, the two decided to get married the next year and move to Detroit, USA to live.

After getting married, Bethune chose to become a private doctor because he has always sympathized with the poor and often treats patients who cannot afford medical expenses for free, so he has more and more patients and soon suffered from tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis was an incurable disease at that time, and this young couple who had just been immersed in happiness was undoubtedly the biggest blow. At first, Bethune kept it from his wife and didn't want her to worry, but Francis discovered it. Instead of despising Bethune, Francis took good care of him, hoping to relieve her husband's pain, which also made Bethune feel particularly guilty and uneasy.

On this day, Bethune said to his wife: "Dear, since you already know, I won't hide it from you. You are only 25 years old, and I can't transmit tuberculosis to you. Let's get divorced!" Francis is determined. disagree.

A few weeks later, Bethune said that he was going back to his hometown to treat his illness, but in fact he wanted to take the opportunity to separate from Francis. On the occasion of parting, Francis said, "Because I love you, no matter what happens, I will never leave you." Bethune said, "It is because I love you too that I cannot ignore your life and be with you. ! "

Francis cried and said, "Die it if you die. I am not afraid of death. We must be together in life and death." Bethune had to say cruelly, "If you don't divorce me, then I won't go to treatment!" In desperation, Bethune and Francis divorced, and she returned to her hometown Edinburgh due to excessive sadness.

However, miracles always happen inadvertently, and this miracle just fell on Bethune. After Bethune divorced his wife, he still missed Frances deeply. He fought with superhuman perseverance and disease, and took the risk of experimenting with "artificial pneumothorax therapy" on himself. Who would have thought it would be successful? In less than a year , Bethune was cured.

The first thing Bethune did after being discharged from the hospital was to send a telegram to Francis of Edinburgh: "I recovered from illness, and I left Trudeau today. My feelings for you have not changed." Then Bethune wrote another letter, he Ask Frances to come back soon.

Since returning to his hometown, Francis has been caring about Bethune's condition and has not fallen in love with others. So when she received a telegram from Bethune, she immediately returned to their homes. Not long after, Bethune and Francis held their second wedding, and the two people in love met again.

At this time, Bethune's career also reached its peak. He was hired as a surgeon at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, and later promoted to the director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital. He was also elected as a director of the American Thoracic Surgery Association and became the famous Canadian and American Thoracic surgery specialist.

Bethune is very career-oriented. He devotes himself to work and research all day long, and therefore ignores his life and Francis. Francis felt that Bethune had changed, became dissatisfied, and he no longer cared about himself. Over time, their relationship also experienced a crisis.

One morning when she went to work, Frances specifically instructed Bethune: "When you come back, remember to buy some meat and vegetables." When she got home in the afternoon, Bethune was sitting on the floor to study the work. Frances asked, "Have you bought all the meat and vegetables? ? "

Bethune nodded and said, "It's all in the refrigerator." After that, he continued to be busy with his work.Francis opened and looked at it. There was only a piece of intestine inside. She frowned and said, "Didn't I ask you to buy meat and vegetables? Why are there only intestines?"

Bethune jumped up suddenly, snatched the intestines in Francis's hand, and said : "This is human intestine!" Francis was shocked: "Why do you put this kind of thing in the refrigerator?" Bethune said indifferently: "What's the matter? The cows and sheep you eat are dead The organ of animals? "

Similar things happen often, which also made Frances unable to bear it. One day she said to Bethune, "Let's break up, we are not suitable." Bethune also thought that she could not bring happiness to his wife. Then he nodded in agreement. In March 1933, Bethune and Francis divorced again...

Although they divorced, at the end of Bethune's life, what he cares about the most was Francis...