Introduction
General Chiu Ching-chuan (courtesy name Yu’an, 1902–1949) of the Republic of China Army, born in Yongjia, Zhejiang, withdrew from Shanghai University in 1923 and then transferred to the Whampoa Military Academy. After taking part in the Northern Expedition following graduation, he studied at Preußische Kriegsakademie (Prussian Staff College) in Germany, specializing in mechanized infantry tactics. Returning to China in 1937, he participated in the Second Sino-Japanese War, fighting in the defense of Shanghai and Nanjing, the Battle of Kunlun Pass, and the Battle of Northern Burma and Western Yunnan, among other major engagements. He later fought in the Chinese Civil War, when he committed suicide for his country in 1949 during the Huaihai Campaign. Chiu was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant General.
Fonds contents, which were originally held by his second brother Ming-tung Chiu (1913–2004) and donated by family member Chiu Chi-liang, can largely be divided into three categories: the personal artifacts of General Chiu, such as shoulder emblem, party member certificate, appointment papers, and both official and personal documents; correspondences and documents pertaining to Ming-tung Chiu’s inquiry into the burial of General Chiu; and related books, including Works of Ching-chuan Chiu (in Chinese) and Warrior of the Nation: Ching-chuan Chiu (in Chinese)—both compiled by Ming-tung Chiu—as well as Memorial Anthology for the Late General Ching-chuan Chiu (in Chinese), with contributions by several authors.
Fonds contents, which were originally held by his second brother Ming-tung Chiu (1913–2004) and donated by family member Chiu Chi-liang, can largely be divided into three categories: the personal artifacts of General Chiu, such as shoulder emblem, party member certificate, appointment papers, and both official and personal documents; correspondences and documents pertaining to Ming-tung Chiu’s inquiry into the burial of General Chiu; and related books, including Works of Ching-chuan Chiu (in Chinese) and Warrior of the Nation: Ching-chuan Chiu (in Chinese)—both compiled by Ming-tung Chiu—as well as Memorial Anthology for the Late General Ching-chuan Chiu (in Chinese), with contributions by several authors.