Harpenden: As dusk settled over the quiet town of Harpenden, north of London, on July 22, dozens of residents gathered in a church to commemorate a journalist born in their community over a century ago and his legendary rescue trip in China during World War II (WWII).

According to Namibia Press Agency, eighty years ago to the day, less than a month before the Chinese people secured victory in their war against Japanese aggression, British journalist George Hogg, who courageously exposed Japanese wartime atrocities and rescued and educated the Chinese youth, died in northwest China at the age of 30. Decades later, Hogg’s enduring solidarity with the Chinese people continues to resonate. His selfless actions serve as a moving reminder of wartime hardship and heroism, and of the timeless importance of safeguarding peace and justice.

Mark Aylwin Thomas, nephew of the late Hogg and author of the biography “Blades of Grass: The Story of George Aylwin Hogg,” spoke at the church, describing Hogg as a “noble and wise friend of China.” Born in 1915 in Harpenden, Hogg arrived in China in the late 1930s after studying at Oxford University. His journalism for outlets like the United Press Association and The Manchester Guardian detailed the horrors inflicted by the Japanese army in cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, and Wuhan.

Hogg collaborated with international allies like New Zealander Rewi Alley and American journalists Edgar and Helen Snow in the Gong He (Gung Ho) movement, forming industrial cooperatives to support Chinese workers and refugees. His dedication led him to travel widely, establishing cooperatives and seeking international aid for China. Hogg and Alley also founded schools to educate poor and rural youth, equipping them with skills for cooperative work.

In 1944, Hogg led over 60 students on a perilous trek from Shaanxi Province to Shandan in Gansu Province to escape conflict, continuing their educational mission. Tragically, Hogg died from tetanus on July 22, 1945, just weeks before WWII ended. His middle name “Aylwin,” meaning “wise friend,” is a testament to his lasting impact.

The Harpenden Museum opened a George Hogg memorial exhibition on July 22, featuring his journalism and his book “I See A New China,” which depicted the resilience of Chinese people during the war. Hogg’s relatives have retraced his journey in China, observing the country’s development and the continuation of Hogg’s educational initiatives. His alma mater, Wadham College at the University of Oxford, supports students in Chinese Studies through a fund named after him.

Hogg’s story remains largely unknown in the UK, but his legacy in China is significant. During the Harpenden Museum exhibit, Thomas expressed hope that more Britons would learn about Hogg’s contributions and the sacrifices made by the Chinese during WWII. Zoe Reed, honorary president of the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU), emphasized the need for greater recognition of China’s role in WWII, calling for expanded education on this pivotal chapter of history.

Tim Fleming, chief operating officer of St. George’s School, where Hogg studied, attended the exhibition’s opening, highlighting its educational value. He noted that the school’s motto, “aim higher,” may have inspired Hogg’s remarkable journey and legacy in China.